Bodyshop – August 2019

BODYSHOP AUGUST 2019 15

for powertrain installed components with
a team spread across India, China and
Thailand.

In the summer of 2018, I was asked to take
over global purchasing responsibility for
Ford’s electric vehicle battery cells/arrays,
based in our engineering centre. This is a
really exciting space to be involved in right
now, as Ford invests heavily in an electric
future and we are able to see our actions
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across the globe.

What does a typical day look like for
you?
My job title is senior purchasing manager -
EV battery cells, arrays and raw materials.
In this role, my team has purchasing
responsibility for the battery cells that go
into our global electric vehicle portfolio.
Our battery cell team is based in two key
locations: Dearborn, US and Nanjing, China.
We work closely together, and with our
counterparts in product development, to
ensure that we have a consistent strategic
approach, whilst being able to adapt to the
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demand.

My current team plays a really important
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solutions to support our EV growth strategy
globally. Our days and weeks are varied but
involve daily interactions with suppliers, as

well as our Ford team members, spread

across the globe. On the people side it

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cultures. It’s a great learning opportunity.

Can you give us an insight into Ford’s

global procurement strategy, particularly

with regards EVs?

We are working on some really exciting

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bringing to market soon. Being part of

that development journey and having the

opportunity to work with experts in their

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In purchasing we are responsible for creating

and growing the right partnerships through

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powertrain technology means I get to

interact every day with both established

global companies as well as those with new

and emerging technologies, and have the

opportunity to work with industry partners

and consultants who help us to analyse our

business and new opportunities.

What are the fundamental principles of a

successful procurement policy?

We aim to build and maintain strong,

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a diverse range of suppliers helps us

lower costs, improve quality and make

progress toward our sustainability goals.

We recognize that a diverse supply base

is an integral part of our overall success,

providing fresh perspectives that lead to

cutting-edge innovations and accelerated

business development.

When it comes to procurement, what are

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of operating within an enterprise with a

worldwide footprint?

We are dealing with a diverse and wide

range of teams, suppliers and customer

preferences across an industry that operates

around the clock.

I have worked in Europe, Asia and North

America and have learned a huge amount

from my global experiences and the people I

have interacted with.

Regional supply base footprint is important

to serve our global markets and minimise

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relationships with suppliers based all over

the globe are key as we work together to

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regional purchasing teams at Ford are based

in the markets which they serve – so that

they can be in tune with the environment

and requirements of the region.

What did being named overall winner,

Autocar Great British Women in the

Industry Women – Rising Stars 2019,

mean to you?

It really is a great honour, not to mention

quite unexpected. I am very thankful

to everyone at Autocar and SMMT for

recognising me with such a prestigious

award. I have had a huge number of

colleagues, friends and supplier contacts

reach out to me since the announcement

came out, with some lovely messages. I

thoroughly enjoy working in this industry

and am very fortunate to work as part of

such a great team.

I feel very thankful for being considered for

this award alongside such accomplished

female talent.

Delegates are wowed by the

esteemed panel.

Judy Murray ˿JJCBÐRFCÐPMJCÐMDÐ

an insightful speaker.