Outbound Rail Buyer

Outbound Rail Buyer


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.

What you'll do...

You will act as a critical liaison between internal stakeholders—specifically Material Planning & Logistics (MP&L)—and external suppliers to ensure that program requirements, capacity needs, and service levels are consistently met. In this role, you will drive value through strategic sourcing, complex contract negotiations, and proactive relationship management to optimize the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of our outbound finished vehicle network.
Responsibilities
Serve as the lead commercial representative and subject matter expert for outbound rail procurement.
Manage and update commodity strategies within the Commodity Strategy System to ensure alignment with long-term corporate objectives.
Develop and maintain comprehensive category business plans, ensuring synergy with related transportation commodities.
Negotiate Transportation Service Agreements (TSAs), administer detailed Statements of Work (SOWs), and establish robust KPI metrics and supplier governance processes.
Manage the end-to-end Request for Proposal (RFP) process, including bid analysis, supplier selection, and contract execution.
Communicate effectively with executive management through the creation and delivery of high-level strategic presentations and detailed operational reports.
Lead strategic initiatives, including Business Unit Reviews (BURs), to drive continuous improvement and supplier accountability.
Conduct thorough market analysis and benchmarking to demonstrate competitiveness and identify opportunities for cost savings or process optimization.
Monitor industry and data analytical trends to inform sourcing decisions and advocate for system enhancements.
Interpret and communicate data from various sources including Ford dashboards, supplier monthly metrics, freight payment system, and benchmarking systems.
Ensure Indirect Spend and Risk dashboard is up to date with accurate information from supplier
Collaborate cross-functionally with MP&L and other internal teams to support daily operational requirements and long-term network planning.
Identify and mitigate supply chain risks related to rail capacity, labor, and infrastructure.

You'll have...

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field.

3+ years of experience in procurement, transportation, or logistics management.

Desire to work in a fast-paced, collaborative environment

Strong organizational, project management, and planning skills.

Ability to comprehend strategic direction and support consistent implementation

Resourceful with excellent attention to detail, converting ambiguity into clarity

Excellent written and oral communication skills

Proficiency in business operations systems (SharePoint, MS365 Tools, & Dashboards)

Strong leadership skills to interface with MP&L, and cross-functional teams.

Even better, you may have...
MBA

Direct experience working with or for a Class I railroad or within a finished vehicle logistics network.

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
• 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 salary grade 7 and ranges from $84,480-141,360., This position is a salary grade 8 and ranges from $96,720-162,120.

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.

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

#LI-RR2 

• Serve as the lead commercial representative and subject matter expert for outbound rail procurement.
• Manage and update commodity strategies within the Commodity Strategy System to ensure alignment with long-term corporate objectives. 
• Develop and maintain comprehensive category business plans, ensuring synergy with related transportation commodities.
• Negotiate Transportation Service Agreements (TSAs), administer detailed Statements of Work (SOWs), and establish robust KPI metrics and supplier governance processes. 
• Manage the end-to-end Request for Proposal (RFP) process, including bid analysis, supplier selection, and contract execution.
• Communicate effectively with executive management through the creation and delivery of high-level strategic presentations and detailed operational reports. 
• Lead strategic initiatives, including Business Unit Reviews (BURs), to drive continuous improvement and supplier accountability. 
• Conduct thorough market analysis and benchmarking to demonstrate competitiveness and identify opportunities for cost savings or process optimization.
• Monitor industry and data analytical trends to inform sourcing decisions and advocate for system enhancements.
• Interpret and communicate data from various sources including Ford dashboards, supplier monthly metrics, freight payment system, and benchmarking systems. 
• Ensure Indirect Spend and Risk dashboard is up to date with accurate information from supplier
• Collaborate cross-functionally with MP&L and other internal teams to support daily operational requirements and long-term network planning.
• Identify and mitigate supply chain risks related to rail capacity, labor, and infrastructure.

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field.

• 3+ years of experience in procurement, transportation, or logistics management. 

• Desire to work in a fast-paced, collaborative environment
• Strong organizational, project management, and planning skills. 
• Ability to comprehend strategic direction and support consistent implementation
• Resourceful with excellent attention to detail, converting ambiguity into clarity
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Proficiency in business operations systems (SharePoint, MS365 Tools, & Dashboards)
• Strong leadership skills to interface with MP&L, and cross-functional teams. 

Preferred Qualifications

• MBA 
• Direct experience working with or for a Class I railroad or within a finished vehicle logistics network.