As the Director of Production Planning and Manufacturing Capacity, you will be the responsible for the strategic architecture, global deployment, and continuous evolution of Ford's S&OP framework. You will lead a high-stakes transformation, integrating our demand planning, supply chain, manufacturing, and financial operations into a cohesive and predictive ecosystem. Your leadership will ensure that Ford is able to meet demand while optimizing our manufacturing and supplier capacity and financial performance on a global scale. This role requires a leader who can operate at both a strategic and tactical level, driving systemic change while ensuring the flawless execution of the planning cycles.

This role demands a highly experienced and dynamic leader with a proven track record in sales, global operations, supply chain, and strategic leadership roles.

The ideal candidate should possess a blend of deep functional expertise in Sales/Sales planning/MP&L, strong leadership capabilities, and the ability to navigate complex international environments.

 

You'll have…

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business Management, Supply Chain Management, or a closely related field from an accredited institution. Minimum of 10 years of progressive leadership experience across key functions such as Sales, Planning, Supply Chain Management, or Operations. Extensive experience successfully leading complex, cross-functional process improvement and/or IT solution implementation initiatives, ideally involving significant transformation or greenfield development. Proven ability to effectively collaborate with and influence senior leaders and regional teams within a complex, global matrix organization. Deep understanding of core Supply Chain Planning processes, including Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) and Sales & Operations Execution (S&OE). Strong knowledge of Demand Planning, Inventory Management, and Logistics principles. Experience with process development, S&OP launch, documentation, analytical tools and benchmarking methodologies. Demonstrated strategic and proactive leadership with strong management skills and executive presence.  Exceptional ability to influence, collaborate, and build consensus across diverse functions and organizational levels in a global matrix environment. Proven track record of coaching, mentoring, and developing team members and future leaders. · Superior ability to synthesize complex information and craft compelling business narratives, presentations, and executive summaries for C-suite and executive review.  Ability to manage sensitive and confidential information with discretion. Exceptional communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to articulate complex ideas clearly and persuasively to diverse, global audiences.  Highly collaborative team player who fosters a positive, inclusive, and results-oriented environment.  Possess a resilient, solutions-oriented, and proactive approach to challenges.  Strong commitment to customer-centricity, operational excellence, and continuous improvement.  High degree of dependability, accountability, and commitment to delivering significant business outcomes.  Flexibility in working hours is essential to effectively collaborate with global teams across different time zones.

You may also have…

A Master’s degree (e.g., MBA, MS in Supply Chain Management, or similar) Experience within the global, high volume and complex manufacturing environment. Knowledge of Material Requirements Planning (MRP) and Advanced Planning Systems (APS) Experience with system selection, implementation, or optimization of S&OP or related planning technologies is a significant plus. Familiarity with emerging technologies impacting S&OP, such as AI/ML in forecasting, process automation, or advanced visualization platforms.

You Will…

Lead S&OP Transformation: Lead and drive the transformation of Ford's global production planning and capacity management.  Structure a clear approach to this and implement a world-class Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) process.  Deliver buildable operating plans -Develop buildable, optimized Vehicle and Power train operating plans and production schedules with seamless alignment with Plants, Manufacturing and Supplier Capacities and Constraints for monthly sales and operations program cycle.  Establish and monitor Daily/Weekly management process to ensure production plans are delivered in line with monthly operating plans. Ensure Manufacturing Get Ready capacity in line with long term financial product planning for rolling 2-3 years and reviewed to optimize as per cadence.  Lead Forecasting and Scheduling activities meeting customer demand & priorities, logistics, plant and supplier capacities & constraints.  Build and lead an enterprise-wide management cadence that aligns senior leadership from Sales, Product Development, Manufacturing Engineering, Supply Chain, and Finance. You will champion the S&OP process as the single source of truth for reconciling demand, supply, and financial plans.  Drive Execution and Excellence through KPIs: Translate strategic plans into tactical reality ,establish KPIs to drive and improve S&OP process with all stake holders accountable to deliver world class S&OP outcomes. Champion and Deploy Best in class tools for Data-Driven Decision Making: Leverage advanced analytics, data science, and AI/ML capabilities to revolutionize production and capacity planning.  Lead the integration of technologies like Kinaxis to build a more intelligent, automated, and predictive planning ecosystem.  Build and Lead a High-Performing Team: Recruit, mentor, and develop a world-class team of planning professionals.  Cultivate a culture of excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement, building the next generation of leaders within Ford's MP&L organization.  Develop and deliver compelling, data-driven presentations and strategic recommendations for trade offs for demand and supply.