Buyer, Thermal Management System, AUX HVAC

Ford Motor Company

. Lead sourcing strategy, bid-list development, supplier selection, and negotiations for Thermal Management System and AUX HVAC programs .

Posted 10/5/2026full-timeDearborn • Michigan • United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $86,600 - $166,200 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in strategic sourcing, supplier management, and cost optimization within the automotive industry, with a focus on thermal management and HVAC systems. Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and negotiate effectively to enhance supplier performance and drive business results.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Strategic SourcingSupplier ManagementCost OptimizationNegotiation StrategiesCross-Functional Collaboration

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

ProcurementSupplier EvaluationCost AnalysisMarket Data AnalysisSupplier Performance ImprovementMaterial Cost RoadmapsCommercial AgreementsSupply Chain OptimizationRisk ManagementData-Driven Recommendations

Soft Skills

CommunicationProblem SolvingPrioritizationRelationship ManagementIssue Resolution

Certifications & Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree in Supply ChainMaster’s Degree in Supply Chain (Preferred)

Industry Keywords

Automotive IndustryThermal ManagementHVAC SystemsTier 1 Supplier ManagementTier 2 Supplier ManagementSupply-Chain ResiliencyCommercial LeverageVehicle CompetitivenessMaterial PlanningLogistics

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead sourcing strategy, bid-list development, supplier selection, and negotiations for Thermal Management System and AUX HVAC programs
Deliver competitive material costs through commercial leverage, design opportunities, supply-chain optimization, TVM, E2E, Inflation, and CRID priorities
Present data-driven sourcing recommendations and commodity/supplier strategies to cross-functional teams and executive leadership
Develop cost targets, savings objectives, and material-cost roadmaps
Evaluate supplier capabilities, financial health, technology, footprint, and market trends
Support Program Workshops and identify opportunities to improve vehicle competitiveness, cost, and long-term supply-base performance
Identify and resolve supplier, commercial, quality, capacity, and supply risks
Partner with Engineering and Product Development on alternative technologies, sources, and Tier 1/Tier 2 resiliency strategies
Balance cost, quality, timing, capacity, technology, and supply continuity to protect production objectives
Build strategic supplier relationships and lead cross-functional alignment across Engineering, Product Development, Supplier Quality, Manufacturing, Material Planning & Logistics, and Finance
Lead supplier negotiations, issue resolution, and business reviews
Challenge existing processes and implement improvements that strengthen sourcing effectiveness, supplier performance, and business results

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, Finance, or a related field
5+ years of direct procurement, strategic sourcing, purchasing, or supply chain experience
Demonstrated responsibility for supplier management and commercial activities
Experience developing and executing supplier negotiation strategies
Experience with cost targets, sourcing decisions, commercial agreements, and supplier performance improvement
Ability to analyze cost, supplier, and market data
Experience managing cross-functional and supplier relationships
Ability to independently manage multiple priorities
Ability to communicate recommendations to business leaders and suppliers
Ability to drive timely resolution of commercial and supply issues
Visa sponsorship is not available
Must be legally authorized to work in the United States
Master’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, Finance, or a related field (preferred)
Automotive industry experience, preferably in thermal management, HVAC, climate systems, or related vehicle components (preferred)
Experience with global sourcing, Tier 1/Tier 2 supplier management, automotive cost structures, and supply-chain resiliency (preferred)

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
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