Senior Supplier Risk Specialist – Manufacturing Operations

Job description

Why Join Ford of Mexico? Celebrating over 100 years of legacy in Mexico, we are more than just a business we are a vibrant, collaborative community of over 14,000 innovators shaping the global future of transportation. At Ford, we build what matters, grow where it counts, and drive progress with heart. Whether you are collaborating at our state-of-the-art Global Technology and Business Center (GTBC) or manufacturing iconic, award-winning vehicles in our world-class plants, you will find a culture evolving together, built on trust, passion, and shared purpose.

Here, your work moves people forward, and your growth is personal. Join us, and let’s build what’s next together. In this position... 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.

Objective of the Position Every vehicle that reaches a customer depends on a resilient, healthy supply chain. In this role, you'll be the frontline problem-solver who keeps production moving when suppliers hit financial or operational trouble. You'll partner directly with distressed suppliers — often on-site — to resolve issues before they become plant shutdowns, protecting jobs, production schedules, and the company's ability to deliver vehicles on time.

If you thrive on high-stakes problem-solving, cross-functional collaboration, and making a visible impact on a global manufacturing operation, this role offers a front-row seat to keeping the business running.

Responsibilities

What you'll do... Manage a caseload of financially or operationally distressed suppliers, providing on-site support to prevent disruptions to vehicle and powertrain production. Develop and execute risk mitigation strategies and corrective action plans that restore stable, reliable supply to production plants. Lead cross-functional teams to diagnose complex supply chain and manufacturing issues, and drive creative, practical solutions to minimize production losses.

Evaluate supplier production capacity and schedules to proactively identify risks to the manufacturing plan. Translate complex, technical issues into clear summaries and recommendations for senior leadership. Provide backup coverage and managerial oversight for team specialists, ensuring continuity of critical supplier support. You'll have...

Education

Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field — or equivalent practical experience.

Experience

Typically 8 or more years of experience in manufacturing operations or supply chain roles, including typically 3 or more years in a leadership capacity.

Skills & Knowledge

Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, lean/operational efficiency practices, structured problem-solving methodologies (e.g., 8D root-cause analysis), and program management.

Tools

Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (especially Excel) for data gathering, analysis, and reporting; comfort learning internal supply chain management systems (training provided).

Travel & Flexibility

Willingness to travel up to 75% of the time to supplier locations, with availability for weekend, off-shift, or extended hours when urgent issues require it.

Communication

Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across global, cross-functional teams.

Mindset

Self-motivated, resourceful, and comfortable navigating ambiguity — someone who anticipates challenges and partners well with suppliers and internal teams to drive urgent, sustainable resolutions.

Qualifications

Ford of Mexico is committed to being an equal opportunity employer. We believe that a diverse and inclusive workplace is essential to our success. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, pregnancy, veteran status, or disability status. Our focus is to build the best team. If you think you can bring value to Ford, love to collaborate, prioritize and aim to deliver excellence in everything you do, we encourage you to apply!

We thank all candidates for their interest, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted. #FordMexico #LI- EM1