Commodity Buyer – Automotive

Posted 6 Hours Ago
Be an Early Applicant
Chennai, Tamil Nadu, IND
Hybrid
Senior level
Automotive
The Role
Own assigned automotive commodities end to end, including sourcing strategy, supplier negotiations, contract management, capacity increases, cost reduction, and supplier-base development. Lead cross-functional and global commodity initiatives, mitigate supplier risks, support program launches, and drive localization, lean manufacturing, and value engineering efforts. Mentor team members while delivering purchasing, tooling, and cost targets across regional and global programs.
Summary Generated by Built In

The Commodity Buyer is responsible for end‑to‑end ownership of assigned commodities, including contract management, capacity uplift, 

sourcing strategy, supplier negotiations, cost reduction initiatives, and supply‑base development. The role supports programme targets, long‑term value creation, and global purchasing strategies.

Responsibilities

Strategic Sourcing & Cost Management

  • Negotiate the supplier contract for the design changes, capacity increase and Material movement.
  • Develop and execute sourcing and negotiation strategies to meet programme cost and tooling targets.
  • Deliver year‑on‑year and multi‑year cost reduction initiatives through data‑driven analysis.
  • Identify cost drivers and optimise total cost of ownership.

Supplier Management & Development

  • Lead and participate in cross‑functional teams to develop a sustainable and competitive supplier base.
  • Identify high‑risk suppliers and implement mitigation plans.
  • Drive localisation and cost‑saving opportunities in line with regional market requirements.

Programme & Global Collaboration

  • Represent the region in global commodity discussions and negotiations.
  • Align regional commodity strategies with global business plans.
  • Support new programme launches and ongoing production requirements.

Continuous Improvement & Leadership

  • Champion lean manufacturing and value engineering initiatives with suppliers.
  • Lead structured supplier meetings and negotiations to achieve defined outcomes.
  • Mentor and collaborate with team members to build capability and knowledge sharing.
Qualifications

Education

  • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (MBA preferred).

Experience

  • 5–10 years of experience in automotive purchasing or strategic sourcing.
  • Hands‑on experience managing suppliers and negotiations in a manufacturing environment.

Skills & Competencies

  • Strong negotiation and commercial acumen.
  • Excellent analytical, data interpretation, and problem‑solving skills.
  • Effective written and verbal communication and presentation skills.
  • Knowledge of manufacturing processes across automotive commodities.
  • Project management experience and ability to manage multiple priorities.
  • Comfortable working across time zones with global and cross‑functional teams.

Leadership & Behavioural Attributes

  • Demonstrates integrity, accountability, and ownership.
  • Proactive, self‑driven, and solution‑oriented.
  • Collaborative mindset within multicultural and cross‑functional environments.
  • Willingness to learn, coach, and share knowledge.
     

P.S.Kindly apply using an external-facing resume.

Skills Required

  • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering
  • MBA
  • 5–10 years of experience in automotive purchasing or strategic sourcing
  • Hands-on experience managing suppliers and negotiations in a manufacturing environment
  • Strong negotiation and commercial acumen
  • Analytical, data interpretation, and problem-solving skills
  • Written, verbal communication, and presentation skills
  • Knowledge of manufacturing processes across automotive commodities
  • Project management experience and ability to manage multiple priorities
  • Ability to work across time zones with global and cross-functional teams

Ford Motor Company Compensation & Benefits Highlights

  • Healthcare Strength — Eligible employees can access medical, dental, and prescription coverage starting on the first day, with some zero-cost plan options and free mental health support. Benefits materials highlight comprehensive healthcare as a core pillar.
  • Retirement Support — Employees can enroll in a 401(k)-style plan from day one, and some salaried plans include a company match of $0.90 per dollar on the first 5% contributed. Official summaries also describe financial-planning support.
  • Parental & Family Support — The package includes paid parental leave, fertility, surrogacy, and adoption benefits, plus a ramp-up program for new parents returning to work. Flexible family-care days and other time-off options support caregiving needs.

Ford Motor Company Insights

Am I A Good Fit?
beta
Get Personalized Job Insights.
Our AI-powered fit analysis compares your resume with a job listing so you know if your skills & experience align.

The Company
HQ: Dearborn, MI
175,633 Employees
Year Founded: 1903

What We Do

Ford is a global company with shared ideals and a deep sense of family. From our earliest days as a pioneer of modern transportation, we have sought to make the world a better place – one that benefits lives, communities and the planet. We are here to provide the means for every person to move and pursue their dreams, serving as a bridge between personal freedom and the future of mobility. In that pursuit, our 186,000 employees around the world help to set the pace of innovation every day.

Ford Motor Company Offices

OnSite Workspace

Typical time on-site: None
HQDearborn, MI
VIC
Allen Park, US
Beverly Hills, US
Canton, US
Clarkston, US
Clinton Township, US
Dearborn Heights, US
Detroit, US
Farmington Hills, US
Flat Rock, US
Livonia, US
Miami, US
Milford, US
New Hudson, US
Northville, US
Novi, US
Oak Park, US
Ottawa, ON
Palo Alto, CA
Romeo, US
Royal Oak, US
Southfield, US
Sterling Heights, US
Taylor, US
Troy, US
Wayne, US
Woodhaven, US
Learn more

Similar Jobs

Hybrid
Chennai, Tamil Nadu, IND
175633 Employees
Hybrid
3 Locations
175633 Employees
In-Office or Remote
2 Locations
175633 Employees
Remote or Hybrid
2 Locations
175633 Employees

Sign up now Access later

Create Free Account

Please log in or sign up to report this job.

Create Free Account