Commodity Buyer – Automotive

Ford Motor; Chennai District; Hybrid; INR 1,800,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Job summary

Ford Motor in Chennai; a core commodity buyer role focusing on end-to-end ownership of assigned automotive commodities, including contract management, supplier negotiations, and cost reduction initiatives.

The position requires 5–10 years in automotive purchasing or strategic sourcing, with strong negotiation, analytics, and cross-functional collaboration skills. Hybrid work arrangement in Chennai supports global programme demands and lean initiatives.

Qualifications

• 5–10 years of experience in automotive purchasing or strategic sourcing.
• Hands-on experience managing suppliers and negotiations in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong negotiation and commercial acumen.
• Excellent analytical, data interpretation, and problem-solving skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication and presentation skills.
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes across automotive commodities.
• Project management experience and ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Comfortable working across time zones with global and cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• End-to-end ownership of assigned commodities including contract management and supplier negotiations.
• Develop and execute sourcing strategies to meet programme cost targets and tooling goals.
• Deliver year-on-year and multi-year cost reduction initiatives through data-driven analysis.
• Lead cross-functional teams to develop a competitive supplier base and mitigate risks.
• Support new programme launches and ongoing production requirements.
• Champion lean manufacturing and value engineering initiatives with suppliers.
• Mentor team members and share knowledge across regions.

Skills

Strategic sourcing

Negotiation

Cost analysis

Data interpretation

Cross‑functional collaboration

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Job description

The Commodity Buyer is responsible for end‑to‑end ownership of assigned commodities, including contract management, capacity uplift, sourcing strategy, supplier negotiations, cost reduction initiatives, and supply‑base development. The role supports programme targets, long‑term value creation, and global purchasing strategies.

Responsibilities

Strategic Sourcing & Cost Management

• Negotiate the supplier contract for the design changes, capacity increase and Material movement.
• Develop and execute sourcing and negotiation strategies to meet programme cost and tooling targets.
• Deliver year‑on‑year and multi‑year cost reduction initiatives through data‑driven analysis.
• Identify cost drivers and optimise total cost of ownership.
• Lead and participate in cross‑functional teams to develop a sustainable and competitive supplier base.
• Identify high‑risk suppliers and implement mitigation plans.
• Drive localisation and cost‑saving opportunities in line with regional market requirements.
• Represent the region in global commodity discussions and negotiations.
• Align regional commodity strategies with global business plans.
• Support new programme launches and ongoing production requirements.
• Champion lean manufacturing and value engineering initiatives with suppliers.
• Lead structured supplier meetings and negotiations to achieve defined outcomes.
• Mentor and collaborate with team members to build capability and knowledge sharing.

Qualifications

• 5–10 years of experience in automotive purchasing or strategic sourcing.
• Hands‑on experience managing suppliers and negotiations in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong negotiation and commercial acumen.
• Excellent analytical, data interpretation, and problem‑solving skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication and presentation skills.
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes across automotive commodities.
• Project management experience and ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Comfortable working across time zones with global and cross‑functional teams.

Leadership & Behavioural Attributes

• Demonstrates integrity, accountability, and ownership.
• Proactive, self‑driven, and solution‑oriented.
• Collaborative mindset within multicultural and cross‑functional environments.
• Willingness to learn, coach, and share knowledge.
  

Job Info

• Job Identification 64092
• Job Category Supply Chain
• Degree Level Bachelor's Degree or equivalent
• Job Schedule Full time
• Locations 15 Plot No 13, Chennai, TN, 600119, IN (Hybrid)