Digital Design Director

About the role

The Experience Strategy & Design team is defining the next generation of in-vehicle experiences and the operational approach needed to get there. This role is Hybrid work model (in office 4 days/week) in Palo Alto, CA.

Responsibilities

• Establish and lead the overall design vision, driving multiple large-scale strategic projects and advancing future interaction models that integrate physical and digital experiences.
• Unite and empower cross-functional teams—including design, engineering, product management, customer insights, and technology—by promoting collaboration, delegation, and mentoring to foster creativity and continuous improvement.
• Communicate and present complex concepts and strategies to partners, executives, and stakeholders, using strong storytelling skills and seeking feedback to contribute to Ford’s broader design culture.
• Transform innovative ideas into compelling prototypes and high-quality design deliverables, validating technical feasibility and ensuring creative concepts become reality.
• Set and uphold the standard for design quality by staying engaged with design iterations, maintaining a cohesive design language, and driving visual excellence across all touchpoints for transformative yet scalable vehicle experiences.
• Collaborate closely with a triad, including Product Management, Engineering, and other partners to define customer-centric strategies and ensure seamless execution from concept through delivery.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree or equivalent combination of relevant education and experience in Digital Product Design or related fields.
• 12+ years of experience in relevant product design commercial organizations.
• 4+ years managing and/or leading cross-functional teams from concept to shipping complex customer-facing design experiences.
• Proven experience in product, interaction, and experience design within complex ecosystems.
• Strong communication and storytelling abilities, with a knack for making complex ideas clear and compelling.
• High performing proficiency in Figma with the ability to communicate design concepts and create compelling presentations.
• Proven ability to lead and deliver impactful product design strategies by integrating UX, visual design, content, research, and technical constraints into cohesive, user-focused experiences that support business goals.
• Ability to work within current frameworks, evolve core processes, and invent new ways of working to drive impactful change and efficiency.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently while also building strong collaborative relationships across disciplines, seamlessly connecting design, engineering, strategy, and technology.
• Passionate for Ford's products and its customers.