IESS Category Manager

As an Indirect Supply Chain Category Manager at Ford, you will play a pivotal role in shaping our procurement strategies for Indirect Equipment Services and Supplies. You will be responsible for developing comprehensive Master Category Strategies (MCSs) that align with business objectives and reflect the needs of our automotive manufacturing processes. This involves deep market analysis, identifying key industry trends, and working cross-functionally to select and manage suppliers. You will lead the approval and execution of MCSs, ensuring consistent communication with stakeholders and advocating for best-in-class category management practices. Your efforts will directly support purchasing agents, contribute to innovative projects, and help Ford achieve its vision of becoming the world’s most trusted mobility company.

• Manage Categories related to Indirect Equipment Services and Supplies (Machinery and Tooling).
• Develop and devise long-term Master Category Strategies (MCSs) to support business objectives.
• Deploy actions within categories and deliver targeted savings.
• Understand automotive manufacturing processes to accurately reflect needs in MCSs.
• Research and analyze Global and Regional Industrial, Economic, and External supply market trends to leverage MCSs.
• Work cross-functionally to identify suitable suppliers within category requirements.
• Provide guidance and oversight for Category Strategies Implementation, facilitating execution with buyers and key stakeholders.
• Support the collection of supplier, market, and Category information, as well as tracking risk and issue management.
• Support the implementation of risk mitigation, cost reduction, and inventory management plans.
• Lead MCSs approval with strategic key stakeholders and lead cross-functional teams in MCSs development.
• Drive consistent communication with stakeholders to foster trust and advance category management.
• Actively participate in IESS Sourcing Forums and Category Management training modules.
• Review and align taxonomy to existing commodity codes, and advocate for Category Management process adoption.
• Contribute to innovative projects aimed at optimizing buyer work.

• Proven experience as a Category Manager or in a similar role with solid knowledge of Category Management concepts and processes across various procurement fields.
• 3-5 years of experience in Supply Chain/Purchasing or related areas (Indirect Purchasing / CapEx experience is a plus).
• Advanced analytical thinking and decision-making skills with a strategic mindset.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Advanced planning, organizational, and prioritization skills.
• Ability to manage moderately complex, medium to high-impact projects.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain collaborative relationships and influence key stakeholders.
• Engineering background.
• Knowledge of Automotive Machinery Equipment and Tooling is a plus.
• Fluent conversational english