Buyer, Anode Battery Raw Materials

Job Description

We are the movers of the world and the makers of the future. We get up every day, roll up our sleeves and build a better world -- together. At Ford, we’re all a part of something bigger than ourselves. Are you ready to change the way the world moves?

The Ford Purchasing team adds critical value to the entire organization. You’ll help us source the highest quality parts and services from around the globe while ensuring optimal cost and on-time delivery. You’ll also contribute to establishing a robust supply chain so that we can continually produce the vehicles our customers want.

In this position...

This is a fast-paced area, heavily influenced by industry and economic conditions, and the growing EV vehicle volume commitments by Ford. In this Purchasing position, the selected candidate will be the lead Anode (Natural Graphite, Artificial Graphite, Si Oxide) buyer focusing on efficiently procuring a large portion of the battery cell across multiple battery chemistries. You will be responsible for developing the commodity strategy that strives for competitive costing, adherence to governmental regulations, and incorporating a global supply base. You must be willing to support the business needs and be open to business travel and night meetings with our JV partners and supply base. **

Responsibilities**

What you'll do…

Deliver Anode Commodity Strategy

• Develop raw materials expertise in the battery cell Anode chemistry markets (Lithium Ion, NCM, LFP, LMR)
• Align on material volume planning and product validation timelines
• Work with Ford Corporate Development Team to analyze value chain partnership structures and investment opportunities for Anode
• Lead the development and execution of business cases for Anode focusing on cost/project feasibility/timing/localization/risk
• Execute MOUs/offtakes/sourcing agreements with Anode suppliers to support Ford’s cycle plan and cell plant capacity needs
• Support recycling and closed loop re-use activities and workstreams
• Support effort to establish baseline measurement of ESG performance for suppliers, driving participation in audits/assessments that evaluate whether sustainability and ESG standards are met and ensure implementation of corrective actions to findings from audits/assessments
• Drive data transparency from the supply base to support fact-based negotiations to deliver cost targets
• Establish thorough understanding on cost drivers, historical prices, and future cost projections
• Lead executive level report outs on strategy implementation
• Coordinate with governmental affairs team to ensure sourcing complies to governmental regulations such as the Inflation Reduction Act “IRA” and that we optimize sourcing to reduce potential tariffs/duties
• Attend industry events, supplier presentations, trade shows, and technology forums

Tracking Anode Material Team’s Progress towards Strategy Implementation and Supply Procurement:

• Design an analytical tool to quantify progress of sourced/secured supply to quantify annual output capabilities vs capacities needed
• Generate executive level presentations
• Understand Ford’s cycle plans and translate changes into proactive problem-solving approaches to address potential capacity issues that could constrain Ford / Raw Materials team in the future
• Contribute to developing risk mitigation plans cross-functionally with BlueOvalSK JV, raw material suppliers, engineering teams, and other battery cell Purchasing counterparts
• Analyze market trends, industry dynamics, and technology announcements to translate findings into data collection and actionable insights
• Lead cross-functional project implementation to enhance Ford’s competitiveness in the EV market with a go-fast, solutions-based mentality
• Support relationships with Ford’s established JVs (ex: BlueOvalSK) and established/future material suppliers

Qualifications

You'll have…

• Bachelor's Degree
• Experience in battery raw material purchasing
• Desire to work in a fast paced, collaborative environment
• Flexible/adaptable to changing work assignments and business priorities
• Solid storyteller/presentation skills
• Good written and oral communication skills
• Team oriented mentality
• Strong organizational skills
• Analytical mindset with the ability to ingest and analyze large data sets
• Creative thinker/problem solver and ability to consider multiple points of view and work with multiple skill teams
• General interest in sustainability and recycling initiatives
• Demonstrates resourcefulness and attention to detail, converting ambiguity into clarity
• Ability to build positive relationships through communication, transparency, and delivering on commitments
• Desire and ability for global travel to visit JV partners and supply base

Even better, you may have...

• MBA and/or experience in raw material purchasing a plus but not required
• Experience in Anode battery raw materials purchasing
• Aptitude to analyze industry trends and competitor actions and have a general curiosity and passion for the BEV acceleration

You may not check every box, or your experience may look a little different from what we've outlined, but if you think you can bring value to Ford Motor Company, we encourage you to apply!

As an established global company, we offer the benefit of choice. You can choose what your Ford future will look like: will your story span the globe, or keep you close to home? Will your career be a deep dive into what you love, or a series of new teams and new skills? Will you be a leader, a changemaker, a technical expert, a culture builder…or all of the above? No matter what you choose, we offer a work life that works for you, including:

• Immediate medical, dental, and prescription drug coverage
• Flexible family care, parental leave, new parent ramp-up programs, subsidized back-up child care and more
• Vehicle discount program for employees and family members, and management leases
• Tuition assistance
• Established and active employee resource groups
• Paid time off for individual and team community service
• A generous schedule of paid holidays, including the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day
• Paid time off and the option to purchase additional vacation time.

For a detailed look at our benefits, click here

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Candidates for positions with Ford Motor Company must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to a culturally diverse workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status or protected veteran status. In the United States, if you need a reasonable accommodation for the online application process due to a disability, please call 1-888-336-0660.