Buyer - Purchasing Engineering

We made history and now we work to transform the future – for our customers, our communities and our families. You'll see your work on the road every day, helping people move freely and pursue their dreams. At Ford, you can build more than vehicles. The Ford Purchasing team adds critical value to the entire organization. You’ll help us source the highest quality parts and services from around the globe while ensuring optimal cost and on-time delivery. You’ll also contribute to establishing a robust supply chain so that we can continually produce the vehicles our customers want.

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.

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

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.

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.

Build and manage a high-performing, competitive supply base across specialized engineering service providers.

Drive supplier performance through KPIs, SLAs, and continuous improvement initiatives focused on efficiency, quality, and innovation.

Act as a key interface between Supply Chain, Engineering, Finance, Legal, and external partners to ensure alignment on sourcing strategy and execution.

tech days, benchmarking reviews) to drive innovation and capability building.

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.

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.

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.

Experience managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced, transformation-driven environment.

Proficiency in procurement tools (e.g., Ariba), Excel (advanced), and PowerPoint.

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

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

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 View phone number on click.appcast.io.

Candidates who are in commuting distance to a Ford hub location may be required to be onsite four or more days per week.

#Job Category Supply Chain

Degree Level Bachelor's Degree or equivalent

Job Schedule Full time