Commodity Buyer, Steering Systems

At Ford Motor Company, we are driven to build a better world, where every person is free to move and pursue their dreams. We are looking for a strategic and commercially-savvy Commodity Buyer to join our global purchasing team. In this high-visibility role, you will be responsible for sourcing the core technology that connects the driver to the road: our steering systems. You won’t just be buying parts; you will be a strategic disruptor, empowered to shape our supply base, negotiate multi-million dollar deals, and ensure our future vehicles have a competitive edge in performance, technology, and cost. If you are a relentless negotiator with a passion for the automotive industry, this is your opportunity to make a tangible impact on the future of mobility.

You'll Have...

• A Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Engineering, or a related field.
• 3+ years of experience in direct material purchasing, strategic sourcing, or commodity management within a manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated experience leading complex commercial negotiations and a proven track record of delivering cost savings.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex data, understand cost models, and make data-driven strategic decisions.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships and influence stakeholders at all levels.

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Even Better, You May Have…

• An MBA or a Master's degree in Supply Chain Management.
• Direct purchasing experience within the automotive industry.
• Experience sourcing technically complex, engineered commodities (e.g., chassis, powertrain, electronics).
• A deep understanding of the strategic sourcing process, supplier quality (Q1), and program management (APQP).
• A professional certification such as CPSM (Certified Professional in Supply Management) or PMP (Project Management Professional).
Experience working with a global supply base.

What you’ll receive in return…

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 childcare 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: https://fordcareers.co/GSRSP1

This position is a range of salary grades SG7-SG8.

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 1-888-336-0660

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What You'll Do:

• Lead Strategic Sourcing: Own the end-to-end sourcing process for steering systems on future vehicle programs, from understanding technical requirements and developing a global bid-list to presenting the final sourcing recommendation to leadership.
• Drive Commercial Negotiations: Develop and execute sophisticated negotiation strategies to achieve aggressive material cost targets, leveraging deep cost-driver analysis and creative commercial levers.
• Manage Supplier Performance: Act as the primary commercial contact for a portfolio of global steering suppliers. You will manage their performance across Quality, Cost, Delivery, and Risk (QCDR) and build productive, long-term relationships.
• Disrupt and Innovate: Actively scout, evaluate, and onboard new, innovative suppliers to challenge the status quo and ensure Ford has access to the latest technology at the best value.
• Become the Commodity Expert: Serve as the internal commercial authority for the steering commodity. You will analyze industry trends, assess supplier financial health, and provide critical market intelligence to our engineering, finance, and program teams.
• Ensure Flawless Launches: Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including Product Development, Quality, and Supply Chain, to ensure all program milestones are met and parts are delivered on time for new vehicle launches.