Job DescriptionSpecial Programs Buyer 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? In this position... The Special Programs Buyer (contract manufacturing) will play a crucial role in Ford's ability to meet its production goals while ensuring quality and cost-effectiveness in its supply chain. By sourcing the right manufacturing and engineering partners and negotiating favorable contracts, this role will directly contribute to the success of Ford's Special Programs, deliver high quality desired products to consumers, and overall operational efficiency.Strategy Development:
- Develop and implement strategies for sourcing contract manufacturing suppliers.
- Identify opportunities to leverage supply chain efficiencies and innovations.
Supplier Relationship Management:
- Establish and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers.
- Collaborate with suppliers to enhance performance in quality, cost, and delivery.
Sourcing and Procurement:
- Lead sourcing initiatives for new Special Programs and contract manufacturing needs.
- Conduct market research to identify potential manufacturing partners.
Negotiation and Contracting:
- Negotiate terms and conditions with suppliers to secure favorable pricing and service terms.
- Draft and manage contracts, ensuring compliance with legal and financial requirements.
Performance Monitoring:
- Monitor supplier performance and resolve issues related to quality, cost, or delivery.
- Utilize key performance indicators (KPIs) to assess supplier performance.
Cross-Functional Collaboration:
- Work closely with engineering, product development, and logistics teams to align sourcing strategies with business goals.
- Participate in project meetings to support the overall objectives of Special Programs.
ResponsibilitiesWhat you'll do...
- Strategic and tactical planning to source and manage the commercial lifecycle of low volume Special Programs (outsource engineering and manufacturing of full/partial vehicle programs).
- Identifying and qualifying potential contract manufacturers.
- Partner with customers to ensure sourcing is completed on time, with quality, and provides value for money. Lead strategic market tests, supplier assessments and negotiations.
- Draft, negotiate, and manage competitive contracts, i.e., deliverables, terms & conditions, payment terms, and pricing.
- Develop Master Category Strategies/ Commodity Strategies specific to Special Programs, and drive supplier and commodity specific plans/ sourcing to achieve cost reduction targets.
- Conduct market data analysis to build category expertise and create sourcing leverage. Perform benchmarking activities, such as market tests and third-party studies to build knowledge of the category including KPIs and SLAs.
- Lead and support organizational response to critical supplier issues; first point of contact for supplier related crisis management.
- Collaborate with skill teams to identify, monitor, and drive supplier performance to KPI metrics. Manage supplier and commodity specific plans/ sourcing to achieve cost reduction targets.
QualificationsYou'll have...
- Bachelor's degree
- 5+ years or purchasing / buying experience
- Contracting experience is desired; role will support managing, negotiating, and drafting numerous contracts to support sourcing activities.
- Strong Supply Chain process knowledge and procedure discipline with attention to details.
- Knowledge/Experience in Indirect Aurora (SAP Ariba) and WIPS
Even better, you may have...
- Ability to effectively manage, coordinate, and negotiate high dollar value contracts.
- Program management experience is helpful in this space.
- Ability to interface with various legal teams within Ford and lead meetings with supplier legal counsel.
- Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to build teams and foster a collaborative environment.
- Ability to manage multiple tasks at peak times and manage ebbs and flows.
- Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
- Knowledge of contract manufacturing industry is a plus.
You may not check every box, or your experience may look a little different from what we've outlined, but if you think you can bring value to Ford Motor Company, we encourage you to apply!As an established global company, we offer the benefit of choice. You can choose what your Ford future will look like: will your story span the globe, or keep you close to home? Will your career be a deep dive into what you love, or a series of new teams and new skills? Will you be a leader, a changemaker, a technical expert, a culture builder...or all of the above? No matter what you choose, we offer a work life that works for you, including:
- Immediate medical, dental, vision and prescription drug coverage
- Flexible family care days, paid parental leave, new parent ramp-up programs, subsidized back-up child care and more
- Family building benefits including adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, fertility treatments, and more
- Vehicle discount program for employees and family members and management leases
- Tuition assistance
- Established and active employee resource groups
- Paid time off for individual and team community service
- A generous schedule of paid holidays, including the week between Christmas and New Year's Day
- Paid time off and the option to purchase additional vacation time.
For more information on salary and benefits, click here: This position is a range of salary grades 7-8 . Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Candidates for positions with Ford Motor Company must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire.We are an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to a culturally diverse workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status or protected veteran status. In the United States, if you need a reasonable accommodation for the online application process due to a disability, please call 1-888-###-####.#LI-Hybrid LI-MH4