In this position… Are you a visionary manufacturing leader driven to achieve operational excellence and shape the future of automotive production? Ford Motor Company is seeking a dynamic Plant Area Manager for our high-volume Final Assembly operations in Mexico. As a pivotal member of the plant leadership team, you will be instrumental in driving strategic transformation, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, and empowering a workforce of hundreds to build world-class vehicles. This is an unparalleled opportunity to lead a high-performing team, implement cutting-edge manufacturing systems, and directly impact the quality and efficiency of Ford's next-generation product lines. If you are passionate about developing people, optimizing complex processes, and delivering exceptional results in a high-volume, global manufacturing environment, we invite you to drive your career forward with Ford.

This role operates under a fully on-site work model

You'll have...

Bachelor of Science in Engineering or a related technical field.Minimum of 8+ years of progressive experience in a high-volume manufacturing environment, with at least 3−5 years in a leadership or managerial role within a Final Assembly Plant setting.Six Sigma Black Belt or Master Black Belt Certification.English Proficient (C1 or above), demonstrating exceptional verbal and written communication skills for effective global collaboration and reporting.Deep expertise in implementing and optimizing manufacturing operating systems (e.g., Ford Production System or similar Lean manufacturing methodologies).Strong data analytical skills and proven proficiency in leveraging data for informed, rapid decision-making in a dynamic production environment.Demonstrated experience in financial control, including managing departmental budgets and driving resource efficiency.Exceptional leadership skills with a proven ability to motivate, inspire, resolve diverse problems, and perform effectively under pressure and in crisis management situations.Proficiency in advanced Maintenance Systems.

 

Even better, you may have...

Master's Degree in Engineering or a related technical field.Extensive experience with risk management methodologies (e.g., FMEA, Control Plans) in a complex manufacturing context.Proven application of strategic planning tools such as Hoshin Kanri or Bowler in driving plant-level objectives.Exposure to artificial intelligence technologies and their practical application in optimizing manufacturing operations.A compelling track record of driving quantifiable improvements in key performance indicators such as safety rates, quality metrics (PPMPPM), cost per unit, or delivery adherence.
 

What you'll do...

Strategic Operations Leadership:

Lead the comprehensive operations of a critical Final Assembly area, driving strategic change initiatives to achieve and exceed global manufacturing standards for safety, quality, and output.Implement and champion the Ford Production System (FPSFPS) operating systems and processes, ensuring rigorous adherence to global best practices.Develop and execute strategic plans for your area, meticulously aligning with overarching company objectives and leveraging tools such as Hoshin Kanri and Strategic Action Plans.Build and continuously refine mechanisms to ensure all equipment and processes operate safely, with maximum availability, precision, and optimal performance.

Team Leadership & Capability Development:

Lead, mentor, and motivate a high-performing team of engineers, technicians, and leaders across critical equipment, controls, process, and maintenance functions.Develop formidable organizational capability through coaching and fostering a "Leaders as Teachers" philosophy, ensuring all employees receive the necessary training, coaching, and experiences for continuous professional growth and advancement.Set ambitious objectives, conduct rigorous performance evaluations, and drive accountability across your team.Champion a relentless culture of continuous improvement, actively identifying and driving efficiencies, eliminating waste, and encouraging innovative thinking through Kaizen events and other methodologies, targeting significant operational gains.Identify and capitalize on growth and expansion opportunities for the area, focusing on substantial cost savings, process innovation, and productivity enhancements.Proactively remove internal barriers by effectively securing resources and aligning objectives with cross-functional counterparts to rapidly resolve product design and manufacturing issues.Manage the area's multi-million dollar budget, ensuring robust financial efficiency and the optimal allocation of resources to maximize return on investment.Identify, assess, and mitigate operational risks, implementing proactive contingency plans to ensure uninterrupted production continuity and safeguard assets.Lead significant transformation and change management efforts within your area, effectively guiding your team through periods of technological evolution, process re-engineering, and strategic adaptation.

Continuous Improvement & Innovation: 

Champion a relentless culture of continuous improvement, actively identifying and driving efficiencies, eliminating waste, and encouraging innovative thinking through Kaizen events and other methodologies, targeting significant operational gains.Identify and capitalize on growth and expansion opportunities for the area, focusing on substantial cost savings, process innovation, and productivity enhancements.Proactively remove internal barriers by effectively securing resources and aligning objectives with cross-functional counterparts to rapidly resolve product design and manufacturing issues.

Financial & Risk Management:

Manage the area's multi-million dollar budget, ensuring robust financial efficiency and the optimal allocation of resources to maximize return on investment.Identify, assess, and mitigate operational risks, implementing proactive contingency plans to ensure uninterrupted production continuity and safeguard assets.

Transformation & Change Management:

Lead significant transformation and change management efforts within your area, effectively guiding your team through periods of technological evolution, process re-engineering, and strategic adaptation.