Magnet Commodity Manager

Ford Motor Company • Dearborn, MI

8d • Hybrid

About The Position

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?
In this position...
What you'll do...
Strategic Sourcing & Supplier Development:
Develop and execute a global sourcing strategy for all magnet types (e.g., Neodymium, Samarium Cobalt, Ferrite) and associated raw materials, with a strong focus on rare earth magnets for EV powertrains and other critical automotive applications.
Identify, evaluate, and qualify new and alternative suppliers globally to diversify the supply base and reduce dependency on single regions, particularly for rare earth magnets.
Negotiate complex contracts, pricing, and long-term agreements with magnet suppliers, ensuring competitive costs, high quality, and adherence to Ford's ethical sourcing and sustainability standards.
Monitor geopolitical developments and market trends impacting magnet supply, such as export controls and tariffs, and proactively develop mitigation strategies.
Supply Chain Resilience & Risk Management:
Implement robust risk management strategies to address potential disruptions in the magnet supply chain, including geopolitical instability, material scarcity, and logistical challenges.
Develop and manage contingency plans, including strategic stockpiling and alternative sourcing options, to prevent production halts caused by magnet shortages.
Collaborate with government affairs and industry associations to advocate for policies that support a stable and diversified rare earth magnet supply chain for the automotive sector.
Inventory Optimization & Logistics:
Manage magnet inventory levels across Ford's global manufacturing and distribution network to optimize working capital, minimize obsolescence, and ensure just-in-time (JIT) or other efficient delivery models are supported.
Oversee the logistics and transportation of magnet components, considering their specific handling requirements and ensuring efficient, cost-effective delivery to production lines.
Cross-functional Collaboration & Technical Integration:
Partner closely with Ford's EV Product Development, Powertrain Engineering, and Research & Advanced Engineering teams to understand future magnet requirements, influence design for manufacturability, and explore alternative magnet technologies or magnet-free solutions.
Work with Manufacturing and Quality teams to ensure magnets meet stringent automotive quality standards (e.g., IATF 16949) and performance specifications.
Collaborate with the Purchasing team to leverage Ford's global purchasing power and supplier relationships.
Performance Monitoring & Continuous Improvement:
Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for magnet suppliers and the overall magnet supply chain, driving continuous improvement in cost, quality, delivery, and sustainability.
Utilize advanced analytics and supply chain management tools to forecast demand, identify inefficiencies, and optimize processes.

You'll have...

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:

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, Materials Science), Business Administration, or a related field.
• +7 years of progressive experience in global supply chain management, purchasing, or procurement within the automotive or a related high-volume manufacturing industry.
• Demonstrated expertise in sourcing and managing specialized components, raw materials, or critical minerals, with a strong preference for direct experience with magnets or rare earth elements.
• Proven track record of managing complex supplier relationships and negotiating significant contracts in a global context.
• Experience navigating geopolitical risks and implementing supply chain resilience strategies.

Nice To Haves

• Deep understanding of the automotive industry's supply chain dynamics, quality requirements, and production processes.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, with the ability to interpret complex data and market intelligence.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with internal teams and external partners across diverse cultures.
• Proficiency in supply chain management software, ERP systems (e.g., SAP), and data analytics tools.
• Knowledge of magnet technologies, rare earth elements, and their applications in electric motors and other automotive systems.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and manage multiple priorities.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a global sourcing strategy for all magnet types (e.g., Neodymium, Samarium Cobalt, Ferrite) and associated raw materials, with a strong focus on rare earth magnets for EV powertrains and other critical automotive applications.
• Identify, evaluate, and qualify new and alternative suppliers globally to diversify the supply base and reduce dependency on single regions, particularly for rare earth magnets.
• Negotiate complex contracts, pricing, and long-term agreements with magnet suppliers, ensuring competitive costs, high quality, and adherence to Ford's ethical sourcing and sustainability standards.
• Monitor geopolitical developments and market trends impacting magnet supply, such as export controls and tariffs, and proactively develop mitigation strategies.
• Implement robust risk management strategies to address potential disruptions in the magnet supply chain, including geopolitical instability, material scarcity, and logistical challenges.
• Develop and manage contingency plans, including strategic stockpiling and alternative sourcing options, to prevent production halts caused by magnet shortages.
• Collaborate with government affairs and industry associations to advocate for policies that support a stable and diversified rare earth magnet supply chain for the automotive sector.
• Manage magnet inventory levels across Ford's global manufacturing and distribution network to optimize working capital, minimize obsolescence, and ensure just-in-time (JIT) or other efficient delivery models are supported.
• Oversee the logistics and transportation of magnet components, considering their specific handling requirements and ensuring efficient, cost-effective delivery to production lines.
• Partner closely with Ford's EV Product Development, Powertrain Engineering, and Research & Advanced Engineering teams to understand future magnet requirements, influence design for manufacturability, and explore alternative magnet technologies or magnet-free solutions.
• Work with Manufacturing and Quality teams to ensure magnets meet stringent automotive quality standards (e.g., IATF 16949) and performance specifications.
• Collaborate with the Purchasing team to leverage Ford's global purchasing power and supplier relationships.
• Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for magnet suppliers and the overall magnet supply chain, driving continuous improvement in cost, quality, delivery, and sustainability.
• Utilize advanced analytics and supply chain management tools to forecast demand, identify inefficiencies, and optimize processes.

Benefits

• Immediate medical, dental, vision and prescription drug coverage
• Flexible family care days, paid parental leave, new parent ramp-up programs, subsidized back-up child care and more
• Family building benefits including adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, fertility treatments, 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees