Job DescriptionIn this position... Ford Motor Company is seeking a strategic, results-driven Category Manager/Implementation Buyer to lead sourcing and category strategy for Vehicle Engineering Services. This role is 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.
The ideal candidate brings a strong combination of commercial acumen, engineering alignment, and forward-thinking strategy, transitioning traditional purchasing models into outcome-based, value-driven engagements that deliver measurable cost savings and operational efficiency.
Is This You?- Strategic thinker who challenges the status quo and drives innovation in sourcing approaches
- Cost-focused leader who proactively identifies and delivers value beyond traditional savings
- Strong collaborator who can influence Engineering and business stakeholders with credibility
- Data-driven decision-maker with a passion for continuous improvement and operational excellence
- Influential leader who drives alignment across teams, customers, while fostering a high-performing, accountable culture
- Resilient and adaptable, able to navigate ambiguity and lead through transformation
ResponsibilitiesWhat you'll do...Category Strategy & Transformation- Lead development and execution of forward-looking category strategies aligned with Product Development priorities, with a strong focus on cost optimization and value delivery.
- Drive transformation from time & material engagements to deliverable-based, performance-driven sourcing models to improve cost predictability and accountability.
- Identify and implement innovative sourcing levers including global benchmarking, should-cost modeling, demand management, and supplier consolidation.
Cost Leadership & Financial Performance- Deliver year-over-year cost savings through strategic negotiations, commercial restructuring, and continuous market testing.
- Analyze spend, supplier cost structures, and industry benchmarks to uncover cost reduction opportunities and improve total cost of ownership.
- Partner with Finance and other key stakeholders to align budgets, forecasts, and sourcing strategies with enterprise cost targets.
Supplier Strategy & Relationship Management- Build and manage a high-performing, competitive supply base across specialized engineering service providers.
- Lead supplier negotiations for complex, high-value contracts, ensuring optimal pricing, terms, and service levels.
- Drive supplier performance through KPIs, SLAs, and continuous improvement initiatives focused on efficiency, quality, and innovation.
Cross-Functional Leadership- 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.
Operational Excellence & Governance- Ensure timely execution of sourcing events, contract renewals, and compliance with corporate purchasing policies.
- 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.
QualificationsYou'll have...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, you may have...PreferredYou 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.
This position is a range of salary grades 6-8 and ranges from $63,480-$166,200.
Final determination of salary grade will be based on candidate's skills and experience, and base salary will be set within the applicable range according to job scope, responsibility and competitive market value.
For more information on salary and benefits, click here: https://fordcareers.co/GSR
Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.This position is hybrid. Candidates who are in commuting distance to a Ford hub location may be required to be onsite four or more days per week.
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