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Category Implementation Buyer - Tail Lamps

Ford Motor

Dearborn, MI · Posted November 10, 2026

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About the job

Category Implementation Buyer - Tail Lamps

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. Come build what matters.

In this position...

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.

Develop sourcing plans for tail lamps enabling completion of commercial negotiations and strategic sourcing to support supplier onboard dates while delivering program targets. Lead target sign-off process with match-pairs, prepare RFQ's, evaluate supplier quotations and complete Commercial Agreements. Lead QCDR process including plans to deliver full year objectives for commodity suppliers. Develop and maintain strong supplier partnerships. Lead supplier commercial negotiations, drive cost reduction strategies. Assist in managing the category strategy (CBP) across regions with annual updates including identifying and developing suppliers to deliver quality, delivery and cost objectives. Complete critical upcoming sourcing decisions and work with new suppliers on industrialization plans.

What you'll do...

Strategic Planning, Sourcing & Negotiation for the Tail Lamp commodity

Co-lead and develop together with PD Commodity Business Plans

Understand upcoming program sourcing and key milestones in support of launch

Lead process to source on time and satisfy program targets, including working closely with PD to develop forward model cost targets

Lead market tests and design competitions

Understand supplier cost, OCEs, and cost gaps

Provide feedback to valued supply partners on cost position relative to the market to build effective long-term, productive relationships.

Work with Product Development to understand the latest supply base footprint, financial health ratings, technologies, and trends

Understand and set cost savings goals to achieve on an annual basis by identifying pure commercial leverage versus design efficiencies and end-to-end supply chain improvements

Develop material cost roadmaps that deliver corporate objectives and ensure the long-term viability

Lead global supplier negotiation to support Quality, Cost, Delivery, Resilience (TVM, E2E, CRID, etc.), develop Action Plan to achieve these goals

Provide direct support to Supplier Quality and Material, Planning & Logistics where part quality and shortages become prevalent

Work with engineering to identify alternative technologies or sources of supply to maintain a consistent flow of product into Ford production facilities

Close all commercial issues in a timely, effective and competitive manner so as to not risk plant build objectives.

You'll have...

Bachelor’s degree required

Minimum of 3 years of direct experience in automotive procurement or supply chain management.

Strong supplier relationship management, communication, and negotiation skills.

Experience in cost analysis, strategic sourcing, and process improvement.

Ability to collaborate cross-functionally to resolve supplier issues and achieve program objectives.

Willingness to travel as required and work a hybrid schedule, with 4 days onsite in Dearborn and 1 optional remote day.

Even better, you may have...

Experience with transmission components and systems

5+ years of direct automotive procurement and supply chain experience

Desire to strengthen negotiation skills and fact-based problem solving

Experience with strategic sourcing and cost negotiations.

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

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

Generous vacation time, sick/personal time, and paid holidays, including between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day

For more information on salary and benefits, click here: https://fordcareers.co/GSR

This position is a salary grade 7 and ranges from $86,600-$144,900.,

This position is a salary grade 8 and ranges from $99,100-$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.

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. 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.

This position is hybrid with a requirement to be onsite four or more days per week.

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