Position Overview
We are seeking an experienced Program Manager to join our Engineering Department and lead complex, cross-functional automotive programs, with a strong emphasis on direct customer engagement and program execution for Ford Motor Company.
The ideal candidate will bring 10 15+ years of extensive experience in automotive program and project management, with a proven track record of managing customer-facing programs, coordinating engineering and manufacturing teams, and successfully executing program launches and delivery initiatives.
This individual will serve as a key liaison between internal departments, customers, and leadership, ensuring programs are delivered on time, within budget, and in accordance with customer expectations, quality standards, and business objectives.
Key Responsibilities
- Customer Relationship Management: Serve as the primary program management contact for Ford Motor Company, maintaining strong customer relationships and ensuring alignment with customer expectations, deliverables, and program objectives.
- Program Leadership: Lead automotive programs from initial planning and development through launch, production, and ongoing program execution.
- Cross-Functional Coordination: Collaborate with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, Purchasing, Operations, and other internal teams to ensure successful program execution.
- Program Launches: Oversee and manage automotive program launches, ensuring milestones, timing, resources, and deliverables are achieved.
- Project Planning & Execution: Develop and manage program timelines, budgets, resource plans, risk assessments, and key performance indicators.
- Customer Communication: Lead customer meetings, program reviews, status updates, and executive-level presentations, communicating progress, risks, challenges, and corrective action plans.
- Risk & Issue Management: Proactively identify program risks, resolve critical issues, and drive corrective actions to maintain program timing and customer satisfaction.
- Financial Management: Monitor program budgets, cost targets, financial performance, and resource utilization.
- Continuous Improvement: Identify opportunities to improve program management processes, operational efficiency, and overall customer experience.
- Leadership & Accountability: Drive accountability across cross-functional teams and ensure timely completion of program commitments and deliverables.
Required Qualifications
- 10 15+ years of extensive experience in Program Management, Project Management, or a similar leadership role within the automotive industry.
- Direct, customer-facing program management experience supporting Ford Motor Company.
- Demonstrated experience managing automotive program launches, product development programs, and cross-functional initiatives.
- Strong understanding of automotive engineering, manufacturing, and production processes.
- Proven ability to lead complex programs involving multiple departments and stakeholders.
- Experience managing customer expectations, program deliverables, timing, budgets, and performance metrics.
- Excellent communication, presentation, organizational, and leadership skills.
- Ability to manage competing priorities and drive results in a fast-paced automotive environment.
- Strong problem-solving, decision-making, and conflict-resolution capabilities.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working directly with Ford engineering, purchasing, manufacturing, and program management teams.
- Familiarity with Ford-specific program management processes, customer requirements, and launch expectations.
- Experience with automotive product development, APQP, PPAP, and Production Part Approval processes.
- Knowledge of automotive quality standards, including IATF 16949.
- Experience with program management tools, project tracking systems, and Microsoft Office applications.
- PMP certification or equivalent program management credentials are a plus.