Ford Motor Company Is Hiring: Buyer, IMG Chassis – South Africa

CLOSING DATE: NOT SPECIFIED

JOB DESCRIPTION

Position for Buyer in Underbody OE Purchasing Team. Key Skills should include

Well-developed written and verbal communication skills to effectively discharge job duties

Full understanding of commodity fundamentals, which influence product cost, piece price, quality, performance and capacity

Well-developed collaboration / negotiation skills

Ability to keep abreast of leading technologies and processes related to automotive commodities

Well-developed business acumen and finance knowledge to ensure that accurate sourcing decisions are made

Ability to manage change and conflict

Excellent analytical and problem solving skills including good communication skills

Well-developed negotiation skills

Well-developed communication skills

Good presentation and computer skills   

RESPONSIBILITIES

Sourcing

Develop a world class supply base capable of delivering the quality, cost and timing objectives of Vehicle Operations and Manufacturing Operations product programs

Develop and maintain Full Service Suppliers capable of meeting quality, cost, timing and technology expectations

Execute (CSS) commodity sourcing strategies 

Source parts based on agreed CSS

Obtain cross functional buy-in from the team (Team of 4) 

Support vehicle launches

Monitor suppliers’ capacity and supervise capacity studies 

Prepare and take sourcing for approval at GCT/GCST

Review long-term strategies and supplier performance with customers (PD, VO, etc.) and seek input from organizations such as STA and RVT

Lead the Early Supplier Involvement/Early Sourcing process to identify suppliers on time and secure supplier agreement to program targets 

Lead the development and implementation of MEA strategies according to the GCT and GCBP defined strategy to meet sourcing objectives and requirements

In conjunction with STA and PD, ensure long-term partner suppliers are capable of meeting quality, cost, timing and technology expectations

Lead the SOBA, PCP and CPA (as appropriate) process to identify and source suppliers in line with program timing

Participate in the Team of Four discussion in determining whether to pre-source or market test responsible commodities for each program

Ensure all sourcing decisions on key commodities are approved through the GCST and that all supporting documentation and approvals are obtained

Lead cross-functional teams in supplier resourcing actions

Process Q1 Deviations and obtain the appropriate signatures for Non Q1 suppliers

Support STA in reviewing and addressing supplier performance concerns

Monitor supplier financial performance and reporting compliance in the Vontik system 

Ensure Bailment agreements are approved and signed. Roll out the bailment process to supplier

Quality

Ensure supplier launch capacity and launch readiness

Monitor supplier’s Q1 activities, including Q1 Deviations/Waivers, Q1 Work plans and Q1Action Plan implementation 

Support supplier quality metrics meetings lead by STA and/or Commodity Purchasing

Cost

Negotiate and secure supplier commitment to program targets

Negotiate production piece prices, engineering design changes, and tooling costs

Issue purchase orders, lump sum payments, and tool orders for production requirements on a timely basis

Process cost requests/capacity studies 

Monitor supplier’s on-going MCR design initiatives  performance

Address currency problems and drive actions to resolve negative impact of currency quarterly

Drive the process to eliminate waste in the value chain using Lean Deployment, Total Cost Management, Quality Operating Systems, etc. 

Conduct annual supplier negotiations to meet annual cost reduction targets (TVM)

Negotiate and implement agreed cost models where appropriate

In collaboration with Cost Estimating, develop and reconcile Optimal Cost Estimates

Support annual Benchmark/Prorated Gap Allocation effort 

Co-lead gap week preparation with PD

Lead TVM ER process/global & regional negotiations

Support distressed supplier management

Lead commercial TVM reviews for war rooms discussions

Delivery and Timing

Champion supplier delivery to ensure the programs are on time 

Identify the need for long-lead funding

Represent Purchasing on Program Management Teams 

Support PSW process by ensuring orders are placed

QUALIFICATIONS

National Diploma or Degree in Purchasing/Engineering/B. Com./Commercial

Minimum 5 years working experience in relevant disciplines and previous automotive purchasing experience would be a distinct advantage