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?
As part of our Manufacturing team, you’ll help build the world-class, state-of-the-art smart vehicles we're known for. In our plants around the world, we’re constantly developing new technologies and processes to further increase our efficiency. You'll get the satisfaction of making great products people use and love.
In this position...
As Manufacturing Strategy & Operations Leader, you will be a key leader in shaping Ford's manufacturing future, driving strategic decision-making, and ensuring the long-term competitiveness of our operations. Reporting to the Executive Director North Americas Powertrain Division, you will own the development and execution of the Hoshin Kanri process, translating strategic objectives into actionable plans and ensuring cross-functional alignment. You will partner closely with the Digital Manufacturing, Ford Production Systems Leader and VP of Manufacturing North America to ensure seamless integration of digital technologies and effective execution of strategic initiatives. You will play a key role in guiding skill teams and manufacturing plants to focus their efforts on achieving breakthrough capabilities and key performance indicators (KPIs), driving best-in-class transformation.
Your expertise in lean methodologies, SAP deployment, and Hoshin Kanri will be critical to the success of this role. Your responsibilities will encompass: developing and implementing long-term manufacturing strategies; conducting market research and competitive analysis to identify industry best practices and emerging trends; leading the development and implementation of new manufacturing technologies and processes; optimizing manufacturing footprints and capacity planning; collaborating with cross-functional teams to align manufacturing strategies with overall business objectives; and identifying and mitigating potential risks to manufacturing operations. You will play a crucial role in ensuring Ford's manufacturing capabilities remain at the forefront of the industry, leveraging digital technologies to enhance efficiency and responsiveness.
You'll have...
Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management, or a related field. An MBA or equivalent advanced degree is strongly preferred. 10+ years of experience in manufacturing operations, preferably within the automotive or a related industry. Proven experience in developing and implementing manufacturing strategies and plans. Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, technologies, and best practices. Experience conducting market research and competitive analysis. Proven ability to lead and manage cross-functional teams. Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and relevant analytical software. Experience with Hoshin Kanri or similar strategic planning methodologies. Proven experience in lean manufacturing methodologies. Experience in creating and managing an operational cadence and strategy in line with enabling Hoshin Kanri objectives Proven experience in deploying Strategic Action Plans (SAPs).Even better, you may have...
Experience in the high volume manufacturing or automotive industry. Experience working in a global manufacturing environment. Lean manufacturing certification (e.g., Six Sigma). Proven track record of exceeding expectations in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.You may not check every box, or your experience may look a little different from what we've outlined, but if you think you can bring value to Ford Motor Company, we encourage you to apply!
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 the above? No matter what you choose, we offer a work life that works for you, including:
Immediate medical, dental, and prescription drug coverage Flexible family care, parental leave, new parent ramp-up programs, subsidized back-up childcare 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.
For more information on salary and benefits, click here: https://fordcareers.co/LL5NonHTHD
This position is a leadership level 5.
Visa sponsorship is available for this position.
Candidates for positions with Ford Motor Company must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to a culturally diverse workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status or protected veteran status. In the United States, if you need a reasonable accommodation for the online application process due to a disability, please call 1-888-336-0660.
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What you'll do...
Develop and Implement Long-Term Manufacturing Strategies: Develop and implement comprehensive manufacturing strategies aligned with Ford's overall business objectives for North American operations, ensuring operational efficiency, scalability, and long-term competitiveness. Lead Hoshin Kanri Execution: Lead the creation and execution of the Hoshin Kanri x-matrix, ensuring alignment of strategic objectives with tactical plans across all relevant manufacturing directors, plants and skill teams. This includes defining breakthrough capabilities, annual objectives, improvement priorities and defining key performance indicators (KPIs) and target to improve (TTI) metrics, tracking progress, and driving accountability. Leverage your Hoshin Kanri expertise to drive strategic alignment and execution. Partner with Process and Productivity Director: Collaborate closely with the Process and Productivity Director to leverage their expertise in best-in-class research and operational insights, benchmarking and target setting, ensuring alignment between strategic plans and operational realities. Lead the Adoption of New Technologies: Lead the identification, evaluation, and implementation of new manufacturing technologies and processes, ensuring that Ford's manufacturing capabilities remain at the forefront of innovation, with a specific focus on digital integration. Collaborate with the Digital Manufacturing and Ford Production Systems Leader to ensure successful technology implementation and integration. Collaborate with Cross-Functional Teams: Collaborate effectively with engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, product development, and IT teams to ensure alignment between manufacturing strategies and overall business objectives. Identify and Mitigate Risks: Proactively identify and mitigate potential risks to manufacturing operations, developing contingency plans to ensure business continuity and operational resilience. Communicate Effectively: Effectively communicate manufacturing strategies and plans to senior leadership, providing regular updates and insights to inform strategic decision-making. Ensure Tech-Enabled Execution: Work closely with the Digital Manufacturing and Ford Production Systems Leader to ensure the successful and tech-enabled deployment and execution of all manufacturing strategies. Drive Best-in-Class Transformation: Lead, guide, and enable skill teams and manufacturing plants to focus on key metrics and breakthrough capabilities, driving best-in-class transformation across Ford's manufacturing operations. Deploy Strategic Action Plans (SAPs): Lead the development and deployment of Strategic Action Plans (SAPs), ensuring alignment with the Hoshin Kanri and overall manufacturing strategy. This includes tracking progress, identifying roadblocks, and driving accountability for results and driving it across the enterprise.