Product Development Software Category Manager

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.

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.

In this position... 

The Indirect IT Software Buyer will be responsible for leading and executing the procurement strategy for Information Technology software and services across the organization. This role involves managing supplier relationships, negotiating contracts, identifying cost-saving opportunities, ensuring compliance with procurement policies, and collaborating closely with various internal departments to meet their needs. The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker with strong negotiation skills, a deep understanding of indirect spend categories, and proven experience in managing procurement processes and a team of supply chain employees. 

What you'll do...

• Develop, implement, and manage comprehensive sourcing strategies for Ford’s Information Technology products and services within all Ford Business Units.
• Achieve significant value creation, cost savings (including redundancy reduction/tail spend control), and favorable terms, with the ability to report out on key performance indicators to senior leadership.
• Cultivate strong collaborative relationships with internal business partners to understand requirements and ensure alignment.
• Build and maintain robust relationships with key suppliers, managing performance against KPIs, conducting business reviews, and driving continuous improvement.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of buyers and oversee global coordination with global purchasing partners.
• Provide guidance, set clear performance objectives, manage workload distribution, and foster a collaborative, engaging, and high-performing team environment.

You'll have...

Minimum

• Bachelor’s Degree in Supply Chain Management, Finance, Business, or a related field.

• 1-5 years of experience in Supply Chain, Commodity Management/ Program Management, preferably within the automotive industry.

• Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate across all levels of the organization, translating detailed information into clear, concise executive summaries.

• Proven analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex data and present insights clearly and understandably to various audiences.

• Strong foundational knowledge of Information Technology categories, including hardware, software, and IT services.

• Experience leading and successfully executing complex strategic sourcing initiatives and negotiations.

• Highly adaptable and resourceful, with a proven ability to manage changing priorities and thrive in ambiguous environments.

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 range of salary grades 6-8 and ranges from $74,300-$166,200. 

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. 

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