Rodrigo Santos
London
Summary
Results-driven Procurement & Supply Chain professional with 17 years of experience optimising operations and driving cost reductions. Proven expertise in global sourcing, negotiation, and analytics. Skilled in building strong supplier relationships and delivering innovative solutions.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
4
4
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Procurement leader
Buhler UK Limited
London
2022.10 - Current
- Successfully implemented strategic purchasing approach for hardware PCBA, cameras, and electronic assemblies, driving performance and cost improvements.
- Cultivated and maintained strong supplier relationships, ensuring consistent and professional collaboration.
- Led the transformation of the electronics supply chain from China, achieving a 100% increase in delivery performance and delivering significant cost savings.
- Proactively adapted procedures to streamline the RFQ and Capex processes.
- Mentored and developed a high-performing procurement team.
- Partnered with R&D to align procurement strategies with business objectives.
Senior Buyer
Ford Motor Company
Basildon, Essex
2022.03 - 2022.10
- Optimized Powertrain Component sourcing for maximum value, quality, and efficiency.
- Reduced costs and improved Total Cost of Ownership through innovative strategies.
- Established long-term contracts for steady supply flow.
- Forged strong supplier partnerships, negotiating optimal outcomes.
Procurement Lead New Business
Ford Motor Company
Basildon, Essex
2021.04 - 2022.03
- Led the influential E-transit program, proactively mitigating potential risks to supplier investment and program success.
- Streamlined cross-functional collaboration between US and Turkish teams, ensuring alignment and maximizing program outcomes.
- Represented the Purchasing team in critical program meetings, advocating for supply base considerations and driving successful results.
Senior Procurement Specialist
Cummins Inc
Guatulhos, Sao Paulo
2018.09 - 2019.02
- Leveraged strategic thinking and process improvement skills to transform supply chain operations.
- Demonstrated expertise in supply chain management and contract negotiation.
- Utilized innovative problem-solving techniques to streamline processes and reduce complexity
Procurement specialist
Ford Motor Company
Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo
2015.01 - 2018.01
- Actively negotiated pricing, reducing annual costs by 6% and strengthening supplier partnerships.
- Proactively analyzed order updates to identify and implement best practices, aligning with corporate objectives.
- Strategically reduced costs by USD 2.34 million through comprehensive spending analysis, contract renewals, supply chain re-engineering, and lean manufacturing.
Strategic Cost Reduction & Financial Planning
Ford Motor Company
Sao Paulo , Sao Paulo
2011.09 - 2015.01
- Actively negotiated pricing, reducing annual costs by 6% and strengthening supplier partnerships.
- Proactively analyzed order updates to identify and implement best practices, aligning with corporate objectives.
- Strategically reduced costs by USD 2.34 million through comprehensive spending analysis, contract renewals, supply chain re-engineering, and lean manufacturing.
Program Manager
Visteon Corporation
Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo
2009.06 - 2011.09
- Proven project management expertise in launching new cockpits for GM and Honda, and driving product enhancements for Ford.
- Skilled in stakeholder engagement and agile project delivery to ensure project success
Account Manager & Demand Planner
Visteon Corporation,
Sao Paulo , Sao Paulo
2007.03 - 2009.06
- Proven track record in optimizing operations and enhancing customer satisfaction at Ford, Honda, and Stellantis.
- Skilled in implementing warehouse automation projects, streamlining processes, and reducing waste.
- Proficient in utilizing data analytics to improve production, forecasting, and supply chain efficiency.
Education
Bachelor of Business Administration - International Trade
University Nove de Julho
Sao Paulo - Brazil 2002.02 - 2005.12
Master of Science - Industrial Engineering
Escola Politécnica USP
Sao Paulo /2011 - /2013
Master of Business Administration - Project Management
IBMEC Business School
Sao Paulo - Brazil /2024 - /2025
Skills
- ERP - SAP MM / Oracle /
- Cost-reduction strategies
- Risk Management
- SAP - ADS Ariba
- BI- Tableau
- Supplier Negotiations
- Sales Analytics
- JAGGAER Procurement Cost efficiency
- Contract management
- Supply chain management
Languages
English
Fluent
Spanish
Advanced
Portuguese
Native
Timeline
Procurement leader
Buhler UK Limited
2022.10 - Current
Senior Buyer
Ford Motor Company
2022.03 - 2022.10
Procurement Lead New Business
Ford Motor Company
2021.04 - 2022.03
Senior Procurement Specialist
Cummins Inc
2018.09 - 2019.02
Procurement specialist
Ford Motor Company
2015.01 - 2018.01
Strategic Cost Reduction & Financial Planning
Ford Motor Company
2011.09 - 2015.01
Program Manager
Visteon Corporation
2009.06 - 2011.09
Account Manager & Demand Planner
Visteon Corporation,
2007.03 - 2009.06
Bachelor of Business Administration - International Trade
University Nove de Julho
2002.02 - 2005.12
Master of Science - Industrial Engineering
Escola Politécnica USP
/2011 - /2013
Master of Business Administration - Project Management
IBMEC Business School
/2024 - /2025