Manager, Business Development

Ford Performance is seeking a dynamic, forward-thinking Lifestyle & Business Development Manager to elevate our presence beyond the track. This role is responsible for crafting and executing lifestyle branding strategies that grow our business and connect Ford’s Racing DNA with new and existing audiences through cultural, digital, and partnership-driven touchpoints. 

In this position…

You will lead efforts to develop strategic alliances with lifestyle brands, manage co-branded initiatives, drive merchandise and licensing opportunities, and support the marketing team to authentically align Ford Performance with the broader motorsport and enthusiast lifestyle to grow the Ford Performance Business.

This role is hybrid and requires at least 3 days per week in the Allen Park office.

What you'll do…

• Lifestyle Brand and Business Strategy: Develop and execute a global lifestyle strategy for Ford Performance. Ensure alignment with brand objectives and motorsports programming to grow the business of Ford Performance, improve perception and grow our audience  

• Partnership Development: Identify and secure strategic partnerships with lifestyle brands (fashion, streetwear, music, beverage, etc.), influencers, and motorsport-related platforms. 

• Merchandising & Licensing: Collaborate with internal licensing teams to create new Ford Performance-branded products and merchandise with global appeal. 

• Sponsorship Integration: Support commercial integration of lifestyle activations within major Ford Performance programs (e.g., Dakar, Baja 1000, WEC LMDH, NASCAR, Le Mans, Formula 1) 

• Brand Collaborations: Collaborate with series marketing managers to develop co-branded initiatives with new and key Ford Performance partners 

• Culture & Events: Identify new lifestyle activation opportunities at major motorsport events, car culture gatherings, and industry shows where Ford Performance does not currently show up  

• Market Insights: Stay ahead of cultural and lifestyle trends in motorsports, street culture, and youth markets to inform brand decisions. 

You will have…

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business, Communications, or a related field. Master’s degree (MBA or equivalent) is a plus. 
• 5+ years in brand management, business development, or lifestyle marketing.

Even better, you may have…

• Experience in the automotive or motorsports space strongly preferred.
• Proven track record of launching lifestyle campaigns or brand partnerships.
• Experience working with or within large automotive OEMs, fashion/streetwear brands, or sports properties is highly valued.
• Strong understanding of motorsport culture, car enthusiast communities, and lifestyle trends.
• Strategic thinker with strong creative instincts.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and storytelling skills.
• Ability to build relationships across diverse industries and audiences.
• Familiar with social media trends, content creation, and influencer marketing.
• Budget management and project planning proficiency.
• Passion for performance vehicles, motorsports, and car culture.
• Collaborative mindset and ability to navigate cross-functional teams.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
• Willingness to travel frequently to events and meetings globally.
• Previous work on branded merchandise programs or capsule collections.
• Relationships with lifestyle/culture influencers or agencies.
• Familiarity with esports or sim racing communities (e.g., iRacing, Gran Turismo, etc.).
• Track record of integrating brand strategy with automotive product launches or motorsports announcements. 

You may not check every box, or your experience may look a little different from what we've outlined, but if you think you can bring value to Ford Motor Company, we encourage you to apply!

As an established global company, we offer the benefit of choice. You can choose what your Ford future will look like: will your story span the globe, or keep you close to home? Will your career be a deep dive into what you love, or a series of new teams and new skills? Will you be a leader, a changemaker, a technical expert, a culture builder…or all of the above? No matter what you choose, we offer a work life that works for you, including:

• 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