Buyer – Head Restraints & Armrests

Ford Motor Company

Ford buyer managing Head Restraints and Armrests sourcing, supplier relationships, cost, quality, and delivery. Driving purchasing strategy, savings, supply-chain resilience, and ESG objectives for vehicle programs.

Posted 8/4/2026full-timeDearborn • Missouri • 🇺🇸 United StatesLead💰 $74,300 - $166,200 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in managing cost, quality, and material efficiencies throughout the program lifecycle, with a strong focus on strategic sourcing and supplier relationship management. Proficient in data analysis and negotiation strategies to drive commodity direction and achieve cost savings goals.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Automotive Purchasing ExperienceData Analysis SkillsNegotiation Strategy DevelopmentSupply Chain IntegrationBachelor's Degree in Business or Related Field

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Cost ManagementQuality IntegrationMarket AnalysisRFx Events ManagementContract AdministrationPurchasing Systems ProficiencyManufacturing Processes FamiliarityCost Reduction AnalysisStrategic SourcingMaterial Cost Roadmaps

Soft Skills

Analytical SkillsPersuasive CommunicationIndependent WorkTeam CollaborationStrategic Mindset

Industry Keywords

Supply Chain ImprovementsSupplier Financial HealthTier 2 ComponentsHead Restraint Supplier RelationshipsArmrest Supplier RelationshipsESG NeedsCost Savings GoalsDesign EfficienciesEnd-to-End Supply ChainEngineering Design Reviews

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Assembly

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Manage cost, quality, and material efficiencies over the program lifetime
Set annual cost savings goals and identify commercial leverage, design efficiencies, and end-to-end supply chain improvements
Collaborate with the strategic Category Manager and Product Development on supply base footprint, supplier financial health, technologies, and trends
Maximize quality integration of tier 2 components into final seat assembly
Analyze market supply/demand balances and deficit risks
Conduct regular engineering design reviews to identify cost reduction opportunities
Lead sourcing execution, including RFx events, tactical sourcing, spot buys, and contract administration
Own program-specific sourcing decisions
Implement category sourcing strategy meeting capacity, cost, timing, and ESG needs
Manage existing and future Head Restraint and Armrest supplier relationships
Define supply chain integration opportunities with suppliers
Challenge existing processes and identify improvements
Develop material cost roadmaps supporting corporate objectives and long-term viability

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor's Degree in Business, Supply Chain, Finance, Accounting, Engineering, or another related field
Minimum 3 years of automotive purchasing experience
Proficiency in purchasing systems and procedures
Familiarity with manufacturing processes is a plus
Strong analytical and data analysis skills
Ability to analyze multiple potential scenarios and business plans
Strategic mindset and ability to drive commodity direction
Negotiation strategy development and execution
Strong negotiation skills
Persuasive communication skills for proposals, reports, and plans
Ability to work independently and in a team setting
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States
Visa sponsorship is not available

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
Family building benefits including adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement and fertility treatments
Vehicle discount program for employees and family members
Management leases
Tuition assistance
Established and active employee resource groups
Paid time off for individual and team community service
Generous schedule of paid holidays, including the week between Christmas and New Year's Day
Paid time off
Option to purchase additional vacation time