Buyer - Fasteners & Exterior Commodities

Buyer – Fasteners & Exterior Commodities

We are the movers of the world and the makers of the future. We get up every day, roll up our sleeves and build a better world — together. At Ford, we’re all a part of something bigger than ourselves. Are you ready to change the way the world moves?

This Buyer role focuses on executing specific tasks for Fasteners and other Strategic Exterior Commodities. This can include supply chain strategy, contributing to cost optimization, strategic supplier relationship management, and overall supply chain efficiency. The successful candidate will be a catalyst for broader supply chain transformation, driving innovation and acting as a role model and trendsetter. This requires resilience, strong business acumen, a proactive approach to negotiations, and a “play-to-win” attitude.

• Strategic Sourcing & Negotiation:
  • Conduct appropriate sourcing activities that deliver a quality part at the best material cost to Ford Motor Company within the program timing requirements.
  • Understand upcoming program sourcing and key milestones in support of launch.
  • Align with the Category Manager on the supplier bid list, considering industry trends, technologies, and strategic supplier analysis.
  • Develop supplier strategies based on Category Manager input, allowing team to source programs at target, on time while managing cost, quality and risk.
  • Possess effective presentation skills to executive leadership to demonstrate the “why” behind a particular sourcing decision.
  • Provide feedback to valued supply partners on cost position relative to market and build effective long-term, productive relationships.
  • Support Quality initiatives by holding suppliers accountable and sourcing Q1 sites or achieving Q1 sites where targeted/aligned.
• Business Plan Development:
  • Develop and successfully execute negotiations strategies to deliver material efficiencies (TVM) and minimize inflationary costs, which requires developing deeper understanding of cost drivers and levers.
  • Develop material cost roadmaps that deliver corporate objectives and ensure long‑term viability.
  • Work with the strategic Category Manager, the Global Commodity Team, and Product Development to understand the latest supply base footprint, financial health ratings, technologies, and trends.
  • Work directly with Supply Chain and the Finance organization to develop a holistic year-over-year commodity cost position.
  • Understand and achieve cost savings goals on an annual basis by identifying, negotiating and implementing cost reductions based on either pure commercial leverage or design efficiencies and end-to-end supply chain improvements.
  • Possess effective presentation skills to executive leadership to demonstrate the “Why” behind a particular commercial settlement and outlook.
  • Lead supplier Quarterly Business Reviews and/or Supplier Quality/Cost/Delivery meetings.
• Supply Continuity and Support:
  • Provide support to the Critical Supply Team and Supplier Technical Assistance where part quality and shortages become prevalent.
  • Work with engineering to identify alternative technologies or sources of supply to maintain a consistent flow of product into Ford production facilities.
• Other Responsibilities:
  • Ad hoc travel as required to supply partners or internal process partners.
  • Be a leader - look at all existing processes and challenge if improvements can be made, regardless of scale.
  • Accountable to work closely with others to meet deadlines with excellence; drive others to deliver required materials on time and with quality.
  • Attend internal and external workshops with key stakeholders for continued process improvements.
  • Hold effective working‑level meetings with Supply partners for fast issue closure and relationship development.

• Bachelor’s degree
• 3+ years of experience in procurement, preferably within the Automotive industry
• 3+ years of manufactured commodities and manufacturing processes experience
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and basic procurement software, with advanced proficiency in Excel and analytics

• Master’s Degree
• 5+ years of experience in procurement, preferably within the…