Commodity Buyer - Interior

Ford Motor Company; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 600 000 - 800 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading automotive manufacturer located in Pretoria is seeking a qualified professional with a National Diploma or Degree in Commerce or Engineering. The candidate should have at least 5 years of relevant experience, preferably in automotive purchasing. Key responsibilities include managing supplier relations, conducting risk management reviews, and overseeing cost management initiatives. Strong skills in cost analysis, strategic thinking, and negotiation are essential. This role requires effective leadership and the ability to mentor junior team members.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years’ working experience in relevant disciplines.
• Previous automotive purchasing experience is an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Ability to coach and mentor other Buyers.
• Lead supplier risk management reviews.
• Ensure supplier launch capacity and readiness.
• Manage supplier's ongoing material costs.
• Support the development of full-service Suppliers.

Skills

Cost Analysis

Lean manufacturing principles

Problem solving

Strategic Thinking

Negotiation

Commodity fundamentals

Computer skills

Education

National Diploma /Degree in Commerce or Engineering

Job description

Qualifications

Education

• National Diploma /Degree in Commerce or Engineering

Experience

• Minimum 5 years’ working experience in relevant disciplines. Previous automotive purchasing experience is an advantage

Technical Skills

• Cost Analysis, Lean manufacturing principles, Problem solving, Strategic Thinking, ability to negotiate effectively, understanding of commodity fundamentals
• computer skills

Soft Skills

• Good communication skills, Adaptability, Team player, Time Management, well developed business acumen

Responsibilities

• Responsibility 1 (People)

  • Ability to coaching and mentoring other Buyers
  • Develop comprehensive Individual Development Plan
  • Take lead to train and develop grads. Be comfortable to conduct their performance reviews.
  • Demonstrate strong leadership capabilities or be an established SME
  • Lead and support training and development plans to improve departmental skills
  • Co-ordinate and Lead at least one core responsibility for their Team, e.g. TVM, SRM, Program
  • Actively co-ordinate and lead special projects when the need arises
  • Cultivate a culture of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
  • Complete SMART Objectives Performance Reviews and Check-in on time.

• Responsibility 2 (Supplier Risk Management)

  • Lead supplier Risk management reviews, flag the constraints to management timely and develop robust ICA's & PCA's to ensure production continuity and minimise impact with minimum support
  • Understand inventory levels, value chain, value stream map
  • Proactively identify and manage (micro & macro) emerging risks
  • Work closely with MPL to review Ascent tool to understand supplier's supportability and identify support plans where there are constraints
  • Negotiate and validate costs linked to GCP studies and ensure timely execution of support plans
  • Co-lead distressed supplier management and supply risk/constraint management with Supplier Risk Management team

• Responsibility 3 (Quality and Delivery)

  • Ensure supplier launch capacity and launch readiness
  • Timely placement of TO/PO
  • Support supplier's Q1 activities, including Q1 Deviations/Waivers, Q1 Work plans and Q1Action Plan implementation
  • Support supplier quality metrics meetings led by STA and/or Commodity Purchasing
  • Champion supplier delivery to ensure the programs are delivered on time
  • Lead/Support QCDR/BU reviews

• Responsibility 4 (Cost management)

  • Manage supplier's on-going material cost for design and non-design performance
  • Follow GCM process to ensure design change cost is within target
  • Drive the process to eliminate waste in the value chain using Lean Deployment, Total Cost Management, Quality Operating Systems, etc
  • Prepare & lead commercial TVM reviews and ensure delivery of cost targets on current and future programs
  • Ability to leverage cost (8 Bin Analysis, End to End cost analysis, value stream mapping on key commodities etc)
  • Negotiation at an advanced level with minimal support
  • Support GWC team with warranty recovery

• Responsibility 5 (Sourcing)

  • Execute/support in developing and maintaining full-service Suppliers capable of meeting quality, cost, timing and technology expectations
  • Execute/support the development and implementation of IMG strategies according to the GCT and GCBP defined strategy to meet sourcing objectives
  • Execute/support Global (CSS) commodity sourcing strategies, and ensure parts are sourced based on agreed CSS
  • Support strategic execution of BBBEE/AIDC/AITF/EUFTA roadmaps
  • Lead cross-functional teams in supplier resourcing actions