Commodity Buyer at Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa

Position Details:

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

Performance Measures

Training

• Develop and implement a personal training plan in line with the buyer’s approved Individual Development Plan (IDP)

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• 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

Qualification and Experience:

• 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