Category Manager - Electric Vehicles Charging Hardware and Deployment Services

Ford Ford · Auto · Dearborn, MI +1 · Supply Chain

Category Manager for EV Charging Hardware and Deployment Services at Ford, responsible for the end-to-end lifecycle of sourcing, negotiation, and supplier management within a dynamic, evolving industry. Focuses on building purchasing frameworks, managing contracts, and ensuring reliability and customer satisfaction.

What you'd actually do

  1. Lead the end-to-end sourcing process (RFI, RFQ, negotiations, and sourcing recommendations) for EV hardware and accessories for commercial and internal customers.
  2. Negotiate Master Service Agreements (MSAs), Statements of Work (SOWs), and Service-Level Agreements (SLAs), ensuring favorable terms regarding IP rights, liability, warranty, and RMAs.
  3. Establish and monitor KPI metrics and lead Supplier Business Unit Reviews (BURs) to drive continuous improvement, quality, and high customer satisfaction.
  4. Serve as the primary interface between Indirect/Production Purchasing, Ford charging, PD, Finance, and Legal to align on automotive standards and business goals.
  5. Support North American inventory tracking, oversee supply chain risk assessments, and coordinate with logistics and sales to ensure timely delivery and program launches.

Skills

Required

  • Bachelor’s degree in business, Supply Chain Management, Engineering, or a related field.
  • 3+ years of experience in Purchasing, Supply Chain, or Procurement, preferably within a manufacturing or automotive environment.
  • Proven experience in contract development, including SOWs, SLAs, and performance-based metrics.
  • Strong analytical skills with proficiency in cost analysis, business case development, and data-driven decision making.
  • Demonstrated negotiation skills, with the ability to leverage data to achieve favorable outcomes.
  • Excellent communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills, with a proven ability to lead and influence cross-functional teams.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Excel.

Nice to have

  • Experience in Production Purchasing, particularly with electrical components or charging infrastructure.
  • Knowledge or experience with Aurora procurement systems
  • Demonstrated ability to build strong relationships and foster collaboration across diverse team

What the JD emphasized

  • end-to-end lifecycle
  • strategic sourcing expertise
  • agility to build a world-class purchasing framework
  • supply chain risk assessments
  • fast decision-making and speed-to-market