Studio X Chief Designer

About the role

Join Ford Design at the cutting edge of strategically critical work, shaping the next generation of products, services, and experiences. As the Studio X Digital Design Chief, you’ll lead global Design Visualization, Research & Development, and Digital Technologies, defining the strategic digital roadmap while ensuring operational excellence, data security, and high-performing team management.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership & Digital Transformation
  • Define and execute a long-term global digital support strategy and transformation roadmap to enhance creativity and efficiency across Global Design.
  • Evaluate and implement emerging digital tools, including AI, procedural workflow automation, and immersive technologies (AR/VR/MR).
  • Partner with Program teams, Engineering, IT, Corporate Security, and Marketing to align digital initiatives with brand vision and future product strategies.
• Digital Production & Visualization
  • Oversee high-fidelity rendering, narrative animation, real-time visualization, and immersive digital simulation pipelines.
  • Manage comprehensive photography (including drone and documentary) and professional videography/editing services for the Design studio.
  • Establish and enforce rigorous quality standards and review processes to ensure on-time delivery of all Studio X assets.
  • Support Marketing and Strategy teams with Executive Leadership Team (ELT) presentations and Market Research stimuli; confidently pitch and facilitate project reviews for senior leadership.
• Operations, Budget, & IT Asset Management
  • Manage procurement, maintenance, and lifecycles for high-performance workstations, AR/VR head-mounted displays, MicroLED displays, printers, and data management systems.
  • Oversee software licensing, SaaS usage, vendor negotiations, enterprise agreements, and corporate compliance.
  • Ensure maximum ROI on all hardware and software acquisitions through pipeline automation and licensing efficiencies.
• Data Governance & Studio Security
  • Implement data governance and security protocols for design imagery and highly sensitive, pre-production data.
  • Create, implement, and enforce strict physical access-control policies for all secure design studios and spaces.
• People Leadership & Talent Development
  • Foster a highly collaborative, accountable, and engaged studio culture. Lead OKR/KPI development and performance management.
  • Assist the Design Operations Director with personnel programs, including performance reviews, salary planning, employee counseling, and training plans.
  • Serve as a trusted advisor to senior stakeholders and mentor team members through complex, ambiguous challenges.

Requirements

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Transportation Design, Industrial Design, Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience: 10+ years in Automotive Design, high-end product visualization, or digital design (in-studio program experience preferred).
• Project Management: Proven experience managing complex, multi-stakeholder multimedia projects and budgets.
• Technical Expertise: Extensive knowledge of modern digital tools, hardware, data governance, IP protection, and the overall Product Development/Design process.
• Leadership: Strong business acumen with demonstrated leadership skills in hiring, developing, and inspiring creative technical teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience working within large, complex corporate environments and creative cultures.
• Deep understanding of manufacturing processes, materials, and global automotive design trends.
• Proven track record of presenting to and influencing executive-level audiences.

Benefits

• Immediate medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage.
• Flexible family care days, paid parental leave, new parent ramp-up programs, and subsidized back-up child care.
• Family building benefits including adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, and fertility treatments.
• 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.
• Generous paid holidays, including the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day.
• Paid time off and the option to purchase additional vacation time.

Pay

This leadership-level position ranges from $141,700 to $268,300. Final determination of salary grade will be based on candidate's skills and experience, with base salary set within the applicable range according to job scope, responsibility, and competitive market value.

Schedule

This position is hybrid with a requirement to be onsite four or more days per week.