Information Technology Buyer

Our leading auto assembly company seeks a highly organized, strategic, and experienced IT Buyer to manage the procurement of various marketing and sales services. the procurement of all technology and information services. This critical role will oversee a diverse range of projects, from software and hardware acquisitions to data wiring infrastructure and cutting-edge innovation initiatives. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of the IT landscape, automotive industry, strong negotiation skills, working closely with internal stakeholders and external suppliers and a proven ability to optimize cost, quality, and delivery across complex IT projects. 

Your Impact:

• Your role will support to achieve cost-savings opportunities that contributes to the company's profitability and competitiveness.
• Keep the supplier base healthy ensuring they meet stringent quality standards and possess the necessary experience and expertise.
• Build strong relationships with key suppliers, fostering collaboration and ensuring consistent performance.
• By securing access to innovative materials, IT technologies, and trends, your role can contribute to the company's competitive advantage.
• Your impact will be felt across departments and contributes to overall operational excellence.
• Strategic Sourcing & Vendor Management: Develop and implement sourcing strategies for IT services, including software licenses, hardware procurement, cloud services, network infrastructure, data cabling and wiring, cybersecurity solutions, and IT consulting services. This involves identifying, evaluating, and selecting qualified and reliable suppliers, negotiating contracts, and managing supplier performance.
• Develop Local Commodity Strategies (LCSs) to support business objectives.
• Deploy actions within the commodity and deliver savings targets where appropriate.
• Understand automotive manufacturing process and IT trends to reflect needs in the LCSs
• Work cross-functionally to identify suppliers within the scope of the commodity requirements.
• Analyze data / insights to determine industry and trends.
• Lead cross-functional teams regarding LCSs development.
• Work together with the CM buyer to robust the global commodity strategy. 
• Project Management: Lead the procurement process for IT projects ensuring that vendors deliver high-quality services within budget and on schedule. This includes managing bids, negotiating contracts, overseeing project timelines, and ensuring compliance with all company policies. The role will encompass projects related to software implementation, hardware installations, network upgrades, and innovation initiatives.
• Cost Optimization & Value Engineering: Continuously analyze costs, identify opportunities for cost reduction without compromising quality, and implement value engineering initiatives along with key stakeholders and suppliers to improve efficiency and reduce overall project expenses. Develop and maintain cost models and benchmarks for various IT services.  
• Contract Negotiation & Management: Negotiate and manage contracts with suppliers, ensuring favorable terms and conditions, including payment schedules, service level agreements (SLAs) and KPI’s performance metrics. Proactively manage contract risk and compliance. 
• Supplier Relationship Management: Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with key suppliers, fostering open communication, continuous improvement, and mutual success. Regularly evaluate supplier performance and address any issues promptly. Ensure suppliers adherence to company values and standards. 
• Risk Management: Identify and mitigate potential risks associated with IT projects, including regulatory compliance issues, supplier financial health, and cost overruns. Develop and implement risk mitigation plans. Ensure that all procured IT services and solutions meet the company's security and compliance requirements.
• Reporting & Analysis. - Track key performance indicators (KPIs), analyze purchasing data, and prepare regular reports to management on procurement performance, cost savings, and sourcing pipeline. Develop and present data-driven recommendations for improvement.
• Cross-functional Collaboration. - Work closely with internal stakeholders to ensure seamless project execution and alignment. Lead consistent communications with stakeholders to drive commodity management and foster trust relationships.
• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, Procurement, Engineering, Information Technology, or a related field. Master's degree is a plus. 
• Minimum of 2 to 4 years of experience in procurement or Supply Chain, with a focus on IT services within the automotive or manufacturing industry.
• Advanced planning, organizational, and prioritization skills. Proven experience managing complex IT projects, from initial planning to implementation and ongoing support.
• Demonstrated expertise in negotiating complex contracts and managing supplier relationships.
• Strong understanding of IT infrastructure, software, hardware, and network technologies is preferred.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, communication and people skills. Ability to communicate effectively, an analytical mind with a strategic ability.
• Ability to develop, maintain collaborative relationships and influence key stakeholders.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Ariba is preferred.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills. 
• Deep understanding of relevant compliance requirements within the automotive industry is a plus.

Even better, you may have…

• Experience with Lean manufacturing principles and methodologies.
• Experience working within a large-scale manufacturing or automotive assembly environment.

At Ford Motor Company, we believe freedom of movement drives human progress. With our incredible plans for the future of mobility, we have a wide variety of opportunities for you to accelerate your career and help us define tomorrow’s transportation.