Timing Lead and Body Exterior Process Subject Matter Expert

We made history and now we work to transform the future – for our customers, our communities and our families. You'll see your work on the road every day, helping people move freely and pursue their dreams. At Ford, you can build more than vehicles. Come build what matters.

If good is just never good enough for you, Ford Quality shares your passion for striving for perfection. We’re responsible for driving the continuous improvement efforts that enable Ford to deliver the highest quality products and services. Help us drive operational excellence through such innovative, proprietary initiatives as our Global Product Development System, Quality Operating System and New Model Launch. Work cross-functionally and closely with integrated teams in Manufacturing, Product Development, Purchasing, Marketing, Sales and Service.
 

In this position... 

GPDS Operations sets the process and direction for how our programs move forward.  As the Body Exteriors SME you will work across the organization to ensure alignment between the hardware execution timing and program execution timing.  As the timing lead you will  work across all program teams to drive VPP and scale approvals.

What you'll do...

1. Lead Program Team Timing Alignment Meetings

• Coach and lead vehicle program teams and program managers in developing robust and high quality timing plans

• Work across the organization to ensure timing plan papers are ready for discussion and approval

• Manage timing alignment meetings and filings to ensure accurate history and records are kept

• Manage program scale and VPP approvals 

• Manage Functional Approver List for timing and represent functional members concerns & voting in Timing Approval forums

1. Act as the GPDS Body Exteriors Process SME

• Ensure Body and Exterior process, deliverables and timing requirements are properly represented in each GPDS release

• Work with the Exterior PMTs and Programs in the implementation of GPDS and corresponding process updates

• Ensure solutions are properly integrated to the overall GPDS process and support the enterprise-wide product development process and strategy

1. Support GPDS Releases and Processes

• Support the development of GPDS documentation including the pocket card, release announcements, Process Sheets, Deliverable Criteria, and quality of event criteria

• Communicate release timing and cadence to the Body Exteriors team  and other functional areas

• Own the GPDS Timing and P-Release Deliverables

• Manage Global Product Development (GPDS) timing SharePoint sites (4), Updates, and access Controls

• Ensure all GPDS questions get a timely & accurate response.

• Ensure all activities & leaders have adequate training through leveraging on-line materials and local SMEs.

• Lead projects/studies to improve GPDS timing and capability. 

• Participate in Global GPDS meetings & discussions (GPDS Timing Approval Meetings)

1. Support Program Teams

• Communicate to Program Managers kickoff dates for Scale and Timing Approval Program reviews.

• Coach functional activities and programs in the execution of GPDS to achieve GPDS deliverable completion on-time to the Engineering Gateways and Milestones

• Document Launch timing changes via approved CIRC letters

You'll have...

Minimum

• Education: Bachelor’s degree required
• In-depth understanding of GPDS (Global Product Development System) concepts, logic, milestones, gateways and process sheet structure
• 5+ years of experience in Engineering (Body Exteriors preferred) or a related product area.
• User level working knowledge of Integrator
• Data analysis skills
• Excellent Communication Skills:  Experience in preparing, writing and presenting strategy, planning or program milestone papers to VP+ Executives.  Ability to develop quality of event criteria and other GPDS support documentation
• Strong knowledge of Program Management principles, especially project / program timing  
• Strong organizational skills:  Accurate history and record keeping as well as quick access to filings is critical.

Even better, you may have...

Preferred

• MBA or equivalent advanced degree preferred.
• Experience in Program