Description
We're seeking a strategic, results-driven Category Implementation Buyer to lead sourcing and category strategy for Engineering/Professional Services. As a key member of the Ford Purchasing team, you'll help us source the highest quality parts and services from around the globe while ensuring optimal cost and on-time delivery.
In this role, you'll be responsible for shaping the future of Engineering Services procurement by driving cost competitiveness, advancing sourcing strategies, and enabling Product Development through high-performing supplier partnerships.
Key responsibilities include:
- Leading development and execution of forward-looking category strategies aligned with Product Development priorities, with a strong focus on cost optimization and value delivery.
- Driving transformation from time & material engagements to deliverable-based, performance-driven sourcing models to improve cost predictability and accountability.
- Identifying and implementing innovative sourcing levers including global benchmarking, should-cost modeling, demand management, and supplier consolidation.
You'll also be responsible for delivering year-over-year cost savings through strategic negotiations, commercial restructuring, and continuous market testing. Additionally, you'll analyze spend, supplier cost structures, and industry benchmarks to uncover cost reduction opportunities and improve total cost of ownership.
To succeed in this role, you'll need to build and manage a high-performing, competitive supply base across specialized engineering service providers. You'll lead supplier negotiations for complex, high-value contracts, ensuring optimal pricing, terms, and service levels.
- Act as a key interface between Supply Chain, Engineering, Finance, Legal, and external partners to ensure alignment on sourcing strategy and execution.
- Influence stakeholders to adopt best-in-class sourcing practices and challenge legacy ways of working.
- Lead or support strategic initiatives, workshops, and supplier engagements (e.g., tech days, benchmarking reviews) to drive innovation and capability building.
You'll also be responsible for ensuring timely execution of sourcing events, contract renewals, and compliance with corporate purchasing policies. You'll implement robust contracting frameworks (MSAs, SOWs, SLAs) that incentivize performance and mitigate risk.
- Continuously improve procurement processes, tools, and systems to enhance efficiency, transparency, and data-driven decision-making.
We're looking for a candidate with a strong combination of commercial acumen, engineering alignment, and forward-thinking strategy. You'll need to be a strategic thinker who challenges the status quo and drives innovation in sourcing approaches. You'll also need to be a cost-focused leader who proactively identifies and delivers value beyond traditional savings.
- Minimum:
+ Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, Business, or related field. + 5+ years of experience in supply chain, purchasing, or category management, with exposure to Engineering Services or technical procurement. + Strong track record of delivering measurable cost savings and driving strategic sourcing initiatives. + Experience developing and executing category strategies, including market analysis, benchmarking, and supplier segmentation. + Advanced negotiation skills with experience in complex commercial agreements and contract structuring. + Ability to translate technical engineering requirements into effective sourcing and commercial strategies. + Strong financial and analytical acumen, including spend analysis and cost modeling. + Proven ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders and lead without direct authority. + Experience managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced, transformation-driven environment. + Proficiency in procurement tools (e.g., Ariba), Excel (advanced), and PowerPoint.
- Even better:
+ Master degree preferred