Buyer – Underbody Systems at Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa

Job Description

• This role is for an OE Buyer in Underbody Systems. You will be required to collaborate closely with Ford’s Supplier Partners as well as with Regional and Cross-functional Team Members.
• You will be expected to pro-actively identify and potential supply risks and use effective problem-solving methods to mitigate these risks. 
• You will need to use your effective negotiation skills to ensure on-time delivery of production parts, at optimal cost and at the right quality.

Responsibilities
What you’ll do:

Quality

• Ensure supplier launch capacity and launch readiness
• Monitor supplier's Q1 activities, including Q1 Deviations/Waivers, Q1 Work plans and Q1 Action 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 and support 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 
• Support distressed supplier management

Delivery and Timing

• Champion supplier delivery to ensure the programs are on time 
• Identify the need for long-lead funding
• Support PSW process by ensuring orders are placed

How you’ll measure success:

• Accuracy rate: Minimal errors on orders, claims and presentations.
• Effective Collaboration: Ability to work effectively in a team, cross-functionally and with suppliers.
• Timelines: 100% placements of orders and claims on time.
• Resolution efficiency: Effective risk mitigation on supplier risks in relation to quality, delivery and costs.

Qualifications
What you’ll bring:

• National Diploma or Degree in Purchasing/Engineering/B. Com./Commercial
• Minimum 2 years working experience in relevant disciplines and previous automotive purchasing experience would be a distinct advantage
• Valid Driving License