Buyer, Rare Earth Metals

Ford Motor Company

Procurement Specialist ensuring stable supply of rare earth components for Ford's vehicle programs. Collaborating with internal teams and suppliers to manage procurement activities and support production.

Posted 7/24/2026full-timeDearborn • Missouri • 🇺🇸 United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $86,600 - $166,200 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in procurement management, supplier negotiation, and supply chain operations, with a strong focus on cost reduction and supplier performance optimization. Proficient in collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure supply alignment and operational efficiency.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Supplier NegotiationProcurement ManagementSupply Chain OperationsERP Systems (SAP)Analytical Problem-Solving

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Procurement ProcessesSupplier Relationship ManagementCost Reduction StrategiesInventory OptimizationMarket Trend Analysis

Soft Skills

Strong CommunicationInterpersonal SkillsCollaboration

Tools & Technologies

Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint)

Industry Keywords

AutomotiveElectronicsManufacturingRare Earth Materials

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

ERP

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Manage day-to-day procurement activities for assigned rare earth material suppliers, ensuring continuity of supply and alignment with production requirements
Negotiate pricing, delivery schedules, payment terms, and commercial conditions to achieve optimal cost and value outcomes for Ford
Execute and maintain supplier contracts, ensuring compliance with agreed commercial terms and conditions
Monitor supplier performance (OTD, quality, cost) and drive corrective actions where gaps are identified
Identify and deliver cost reduction opportunities through negotiation, sourcing alternatives, and process improvements
Collaborate with production planning, logistics, and Tier 1+ suppliers to ensure accurate demand signals and supply alignment
Resolve operational supply issues including delivery delays, quality concerns, and quantity discrepancies
Support inventory optimization efforts to balance supply assurance and working capital efficiency
Identify and escalate short-term supply risks (capacity constraints, quality issues, logistics disruptions) and coordinate corrective actions with suppliers and internal teams
Support New Product Introduction (NPI) by ensuring timely procurement of materials for prototypes and pre-production builds
Partner with Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, and Logistics teams to align on technical requirements and supply readiness
Maintain regular supplier engagement to ensure transparency on forecasts, production plans, and constraints
Monitor market trends and supply conditions for rare earth materials and provide insights to the Commodity Manager

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field
5+ years of experience in purchasing, procurement, or supply chain operations, preferably in automotive, electronics, or manufacturing environments
5+ years of experience in supplier negotiation and supplier relationship management
Strong understanding of basic supply chain principles, procurement processes, and purchasing best practices
Experience working with ERP systems (SAP preferred) and Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint)
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with ability to manage operational supply issues effectively
Strong communication and interpersonal skills with ability to engage suppliers and cross-functional teams
Ability to work in a fast-paced, global environment with multiple priorities and time-sensitive deliverables

Benefits

Comp & perks

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.