<p>You will act as a critical liaison between internal stakeholders-specifically Material Planning & Logistics (MP&L)-and external suppliers to ensure that program requirements, capacity needs, and service levels are consistently met. In this role, you will drive value through strategic sourcing, complex contract negotiations, and proactive relationship management to optimize the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of our outbound finished vehicle network.</p> <p>As the Outbound Rail Buyer, you will serve as the primary commercial point of contact and strategic lead for our outbound rail transportation providers.</p> <ul> <li>Serve as the lead commercial representative and subject matter expert for outbound rail procurement. </li><li>Manage and update commodity strategies within the Commodity Strategy System to ensure alignment with long-term corporate objectives. </li><li>Develop and maintain comprehensive category business plans, ensuring synergy with related transportation commodities. </li><li>Negotiate Transportation Service Agreements (TSAs), administer detailed Statements of Work (SOWs), and establish robust KPI metrics and supplier governance processes. </li><li>Manage the end-to-end Request for Proposal (RFP) process, including bid analysis, supplier selection, and contract execution. </li><li>Communicate effectively with executive management through the creation and delivery of high-level strategic presentations and detailed operational reports. </li><li>Lead strategic initiatives, including Business Unit Reviews (BURs), to drive continuous improvement and supplier accountability. </li><li>Conduct thorough market analysis and benchmarking to demonstrate competitiveness and identify opportunities for cost savings or process optimization. </li><li>Monitor industry and data analytical trends to inform sourcing decisions and advocate for system enhancements. </li><li>Interpret and communicate data from various sources including Ford dashboards, supplier monthly metrics, freight payment system, and benchmarking systems. </li><li>Ensure Indirect Spend and Risk dashboard is up to date with accurate information from supplier </li><li>Collaborate cross-functionally with MP&L and other internal teams to support daily operational requirements and long-term network planning. </li><li>Identify and mitigate supply chain risks related to rail capacity, labor, and infrastructure. </li><li>Serve as the lead commercial representative and subject matter expert for outbound rail procurement. </li><li>Manage and update commodity strategies within the Commodity Strategy System to ensure alignment with long-term corporate objectives. </li><li>Develop and maintain comprehensive category business plans, ensuring synergy with related transportation commodities. </li><li>Negotiate Transportation Service Agreements (TSAs), administer detailed Statements of Work (SOWs), and establish robust KPI metrics and supplier governance processes. </li><li>Manage the end-to-end Request for Proposal (RFP) process, including bid analysis, supplier selection, and contract execution. </li><li>Communicate effectively with executive management through the creation and delivery of high-level strategic presentations and detailed operational reports. </li><li>Lead strategic initiatives, including Business Unit Reviews (BURs), to drive continuous improvement and supplier accountability. </li><li>Conduct thorough market analysis and benchmarking to demonstrate competitiveness and identify opportunities for cost savings or process optimization. </li><li>Monitor industry and data analytical trends to inform sourcing decisions and advocate for system enhancements. </li><li>Interpret and communicate data from various sources including Ford dashboards, supplier monthly metrics, freight payment system, and benchmarking systems. </li><li>Ensure Indirect Spend and Risk dashboard is up to date with accurate information from supplier </li><li>Collaborate cross-functionally with MP&L and other internal teams to support daily operational requirements and long-term network planning. </li><li>Identify and mitigate supply chain risks related to rail capacity, labor, and infrastructure. </li></ul>