Ford Customization Planning Manager

About the role

The Ford Customization team (formerly Vehicle Personalization) is seeking a Ford Customization Planning Manager. This individual will be responsible for developing and implementing all aspects of customization on their assigned vehicle lines. They will serve as the end-to-end owner of the business and lead on accessories and personalization for their vehicle line.

Responsibilities

• Develop a full cycle plan of accessories and buzz model packages throughout the business plan period
• Drive deep customer understanding with GM/marketing teams to ensure FC cycle plan is filling in key gaps in the marketplace/Ford portfolio
• Leverage customer and sales data to drive business cases and consistently review and challenge programs to ensure best use of capital allocation
• Identify and develop detailed product proposals for new accessories, options and feature vehicles for production and dealer channel offerings
• Lead FC GPDS and Ford Customization Product Development System
• Manage business case development/analysis, provide planning direction and secure approval for Ford Customization projects
• Ensure smooth transition from Planning to Program Management at hand-off
• Ensure achievement of key business objectives including revenue & profit targets, take rates, part volumes and budget adherence
• Lead monthly discussions with senior leadership on business health, areas of opportunity, help needed, etc.
• Represent Ford Customization in key cross-functional forums as required, ensuring broad awareness of the accessory cycle plan through the company

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of relevant education and experience
• 5+ years of experience leading a diverse, cross-functional team
• 5+ years of experience organizing and leading cross-functional stakeholders in POV alignment, planning and business integration activities
• 3+ years of experience with Vehicle planning, cycle planning, program management, product marketing, and/or strategy
• 3+ years of demonstrated success in problem solving complex cross-functional challenges

Qualifications

• Experience with accessories / buzz models a plus
• Demonstrated understanding of the Ford Finance process used to create and approve business cases
• Experience working on cycle plan and forward model programs
• Proven track record of integration and knowledge of other functions and groups within Ford, particularly product development
• Demonstrated ability to make business critical decisions and own end-to-end implications of those decisions
• Demonstrated project management skills
• Possess strong interpersonal skills, demonstrating integrity in all actions
• Prior vendor/supplier management
• Demonstrated extraordinary teamwork and leadership behaviors
• Comfortable interfacing with Executive level leadership

Skills

• Strong interpersonal skills
• Excellent collaboration and communication skills
• Ability to drive a program through ideation to execution
• Leadership and problem-solving abilities

Benefits

Immediate medical, dental, vision and prescription drug coverage
Flexible family care days, paid parental leave, new parent ramp-up programs, subsidized back-up child care and more
Family building benefits including adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, fertility treatments, and more
Vehicle discount program for employees and family members and management leases
Tuition assistance
Established and active employee resource groups
Paid time off for individual and team community service

Pay

$115,500 - $218,100

Schedule

Hybrid