Director, Manufacturing Strategy

About Ford Do you want to change the world? Ford Motor Company has endured and thrived for 118 years—through every imaginable challenge—because we have the vision to imagine the future and the courage to change. Ford is redefining how it will build a better world by creating a culture and opportunities where employees will capitalize on Ford’s excellence in designing and building iconic products while also helping develop the future of world-class connected BEVs. Ford is transforming our global automotive business to scale EVs, strengthen operations, and unlock value. We will deliver the speed of a startup, with the deep expertise of high-volume production. This is the opportunity of a lifetime. The Opportunity Ford is pursuing leadership in the electric vehicle (EV) market and driving operational excellence across North America. This leadership role will be instrumental in shaping Ford's manufacturing strategy, ensuring our operations remain at the forefront of innovation and efficiency. Reporting to the Managing Director - EV, Digital, and Manufacturing Strategy, you will develop and execute manufacturing strategies supporting Ford's EV and broader North American production goals. You will be responsible for creating and executing strategic action plans (SAPs), Hoshin Kanri, and digital integration strategies for manufacturing operations. You will work closely with Digital Manufacturing and Ford Production Systems leaders to ensure successful strategy deployment. A key aspect of this role is guiding skill teams and manufacturing plants to focus on key metrics and breakthrough capabilities, driving transformation. This requires a strategic thinker with a deep understanding of manufacturing processes, emerging technologies, and the automotive landscape. This role demands significant experience in lean methodologies, SAP deployment, and Hoshin Kanri execution. The candidate must be a collaborative leader capable of translating strategic vision into actionable plans to drive operational excellence across a large organization. The Position As Manufacturing Strategy Director, you will shape Ford's manufacturing future, drive strategic decision-making, and ensure the long-term competitiveness of our operations. Reporting to the Managing Director - EV, Digital, and Manufacturing Strategy, you will develop and implement the Hoshin Kanri process, translating strategic objectives into actionable plans with cross-functional alignment. You will partner with Digital Manufacturing, Ford Production Systems, and other leaders to integrate digital technologies and execute strategic initiatives. You will guide skill teams and manufacturing plants to achieve breakthrough capabilities and KPIs, driving transformation. Your expertise in lean methodologies, SAP deployment, and Hoshin Kanri is critical. Your responsibilities include developing long-term manufacturing strategies, conducting market research, leading new manufacturing technologies and processes, optimizing footprints and capacity, collaborating across functions, and mitigating risks. You will ensure Ford’s manufacturing capabilities remain industry-leading by leveraging digital technologies to improve efficiency and responsiveness. Organizational Structure Alignment : This role reports directly to the Managing Director – EV, Digital Manufacturing, and Manufacturing Strategy. You will collaborate with Product Development, Engineering, Supply Chain, Plant Operations, and Quality Assurance to drive strategic action plans and Hoshin deployment. Functional & Technical Knowledge - The minimum requirements we seek 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 related industry. Our preferred requirements Experience in the EV or automotive industry. Experience with Industry 4.0 technologies and their impact on manufacturing. 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. 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. Proven experience in deploying Strategic Action Plans (SAPs). What You'll Receive in Return As part of the Ford family, you’ll enjoy excellent compensation and a comprehensive benefits package, including PTO, retirement, savings and stock plans, incentives, and more. You’ll also have opportunities for professional and personal growth and recognition.

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