Director, Supply Chain - Program Optimization & Expansion

Ford Ford · Auto · Allen Park, MI +1 · Marketing & Sales

This role is for a Director of Supply Chain at Ford, focusing on program optimization and expansion. The responsibilities include developing sourcing strategies, optimizing procurement processes, managing global category initiatives, and improving supplier direct ship programs. The role requires extensive experience in supply chain operations, strategic sourcing, and category management, with a strong emphasis on leadership and analytical skills. While the role mentions "digital world" and "data-driven purchasing strategy," it does not involve the core craft of building or researching AI/ML models.

What you'd actually do

  1. Serve as a critical contributor to a high-visibility special project, charged with identifying and implementing value-creation opportunities for FCSD Purchasing from 2026 onward.
  2. Following the project, leverage acquired expertise to drive impact in core FCSD Purchasing buying functions or through subsequent strategic assignments.
  3. Strategically develop and implement comprehensive strategies for preventive maintenance and light repair parts procurement and warranty repairs, ensuring optimal cost-efficiency and parts availability.
  4. Proactively assess and identify high-impact opportunities for third-party procurement consolidation, specifically focusing on areas such as warehousing services and high-volume tire purchases.
  5. Spearhead the identification, evaluation, and successful implementation of high-value global category management initiatives, driving strategic sourcing, supplier rationalization, and demand management to achieve sustainable cost reductions and risk mitigation.

Skills

Required

  • Bachelor’s Degree in related field
  • 10+ years of Purchasing/Supply Chain experience
  • extensive experience in strategic sourcing, category management, procurement, and management in a senior global role leading a transformation
  • Strong business acumen
  • Critical thinking skills
  • Strong Leadership skills
  • Strong analytical and presentation skills
  • Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships
  • Skilled in change management and influencing without authority
  • History of managing ambiguity
  • Strong negotiation skills
  • Proficiency in procurement tools and ERP systems
  • Ability to work effectively across time zones and cultures

Nice to have

  • Advanced Degree preferred combining business and technical domains
  • additional languages (e.g., Spanish, Mandarin, German) are a plus

What the JD emphasized

  • extensive experience in strategic sourcing, category management, procurement, and management in a senior global role leading a transformation