Buyer - Magnets

Senior Buyer, Magnets

We are the movers of the world and the makers of the future. We get up every day, roll up our sleeves and build a better world together. At Ford, we're all a part of something bigger than ourselves. Are you ready to change the way the world moves?

What you'll do...

The Senior Magnet Supply Chain Buyer at Ford Motor Company is responsible for the direct procurement of magnets, supporting Ford's global manufacturing operations. This role involves executing purchasing strategies, managing supplier relationships, negotiating commercial terms, and ensuring the timely and cost-effective acquisition of magnets, particularly those critical for electric vehicle powertrains and other advanced automotive applications. The buyer will work collaboratively with internal teams and external suppliers to maintain supply chain efficiency, quality standards, and cost targets.

Responsibilities :

Procurement & Negotiation : Execute purchase orders for magnet materials and components based on production schedules and inventory requirements. Negotiate pricing, delivery schedules, payment terms, and other commercial conditions with magnet suppliers to achieve optimal cost and value for Ford. Manage supplier contracts, ensuring compliance with agreed-upon terms and conditions. Identify and pursue cost reduction opportunities through negotiation, process improvements, or alternative sourcing.

Supplier Relationship Management : Maintain strong, professional relationships with assigned magnet suppliers, acting as the primary point of contact for operational purchasing matters. Monitor supplier performance against key metrics (e.g., on-time delivery, quality, cost) and address any deviations or issues promptly. Facilitate regular communication with suppliers to ensure alignment on demand forecasts, production plans, and potential supply challenges.

Risk Mitigation (Operational Focus) : Identify and report potential supply risks related to assigned magnet components (e.g., short-term capacity constraints, quality issues). Work with suppliers and internal teams to implement immediate corrective actions and maintain continuity of supply. Escalate significant supply chain risks to the Magnet Supply Chain Manager for strategic resolution.

Cross-functional Collaboration : Work closely with Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, and Logistics teams to understand technical specifications, quality requirements, and delivery needs for magnet components. Support new product introduction (NPI) by ensuring timely procurement of magnets for prototypes and pre-production builds. Participate in cross-functional teams to resolve magnet-related issues and drive process improvements.

Market Awareness : Stay informed about market trends, material availability, and technological advancements related to magnets and rare earth elements. Provide input to the Magnet Supply Chain Manager on potential new suppliers or market shifts.

Required Qualifications :

Bachelors degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field. 5+ years of experience in purchasing, procurement, or supply chain operations, preferably within the automotive, electronics, or a similar manufacturing industry. 2+ years of experience with sourcing technical components or materials. Experience with negotiating component pricing and managing supplier contracts, ensuring compliance with agreed-upon terms and conditions. Experience in collaborating and creating strong relationships with cross-functional teams : Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, and Logistics teams to understand technical specifications, quality requirements, and delivery needs for magnet components.

Even better, you may have...

Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities to address operational challenges and optimize purchasing decisions. With direct exposure to magnet procurement being a significant advantage. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, capable of building effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders. Proficiency in ERP systems (e.g., SAP) and Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint). Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic global environment. Understanding of basic supply chain principles and purchasing best practices.

You may not check every box, or your experience may look a little different from what we've outlined, but if you think you can bring value to Ford Motor Company, we encourage you to apply!

As an established global company, we offer the benefit of choice. You can choose what your Ford future will look like : will your story span the globe, or keep you close to home? Will your career be a deep dive into what you love, or a series of new teams and new skills? Will you be a leader, a changemaker, a technical expert, a culture builderor all of the above? No matter what you choose, we offer a work life that works for you, including :

• 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

This position is a range of salary grades SG 5-8

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Candidates for positions with Ford Motor Company must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status or protected veteran status. In the United States, if you need a reasonable accommodation for the online application process due to a disability, please call 1-888-336-0660.

This position is hybrid. Candidates who are in commuting distance to a Ford hub location may be required to be onsite four or more days per week. #LI-Hybrid