Product Definition Manager

We are the movers of the world and the makers of the future. We get up every day, roll up our sleeves and build a better world -- together. At Ford, we’re all a part of something bigger than ourselves. Are you ready to change the way the world moves? 

Ford is undergoing a significant transformation, rebuilding its entire product development toolset and processes. This is an extremely rewarding and challenging opportunity to lead and shape the future of product definition at Ford. 

Ford’s Research and Advanced Engineering team takes new ideas from theory to reality. Every day, we develop advanced energy management and propulsion technologies, create cutting-edge materials and manufacturing processes, and curate world-class cabin experiences that redefine what it means to drive a Ford.

In this position... 
Leadership position with direct report responsibility requires a strong understanding of product development lifecycles, excellent communication and collaboration skills, proven experience in defining and managing complex projects, and a solid technical foundation to effectively oversee a team of analysts.  The successful candidate will be responsible for understanding the current state of business capabilities and will be defining end-to-end processes, managing cross-functional teams, and driving the successful implementation of new systems and processes. You will play a key role in gathering stakeholder buy-in from all corners of the organization and will work closely with another leader to challenge the status quo and develop innovative solutions. 

What you'll do...

• Define end-to-end product and program definition capabilities: Business Architecture, Process and Data Models, and Tech Stack/Integration Constructs. 
• Develop detailed activity and role profiles for all stakeholders involved in the product definition process. 
• Design a scalable product/ program architecture and enable a modernized product definition system. 
• Facilitate cross-functional team interactions and collaboration during the design and implementation phases. 
• Define governance model, decision rights and responsibilities for all stakeholders. 
• Validate future state design constructs against current state business- scenarios/use cases.  
• Oversee the re-engineering of data structures and processes to support the new product definition system. 
• Develop training content/plan and other aspects of change management. 
• Manage the product backlog and prioritize tasks effectively. 
• Collaborate with stakeholders to gather requirements and manage expectations. 
•Track progress, manage risks, and communicate updates to stakeholders. 
•Provide guidance and mentorship to the 3DX Analyst and Product Definition Analyst. 
•Communicate effectively with senior leadership, presenting concepts, progress updates, and recommendations. 

You will have ….

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, business, or a related field. 
• 8+ years of overall experience in Product design and transformations.
• 3-5 years of Consulting experience doing transformations in Product Development Area (Product family architecture, Value stream mapping, Product configuration and Rule engine design, Platform driven product development, Modular architecture design, Mass customization)
• 3- 5 years of Automotive Product Development Experience (Knowledge related to BOM, BoF, BoC & BOP, Product Definition Global Product Development Process: Program Definition). 
• Track record of managing large scale complex programs utilizing program management techniques. 
• Significant experience in an engineering & manufacturing environment. 
• Strong understanding of product development lifecycles and methodologies. 
• Proven ability to lead and manage cross-functional teams. 
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills. 
• Experience with data modeling and analysis. 
• Proven experience implementing PLM systems and other enterprise tools at a large organization. 
• Demonstrated experience leading digital transformation initiatives. 
• Understanding of PLM systems and their integration with product definition processes. 
• Ability to interpret and utilize data generated from 3DX applications. 
• Experience with Microsoft Teams, SharePoint and OneNote to communicate in a team environment. 
• Ability to whiteboard and think abstractly about complex topics.  
• Strong Excel & PowerPoint skills. 

 Our preferred requirements: 

• Experience in the automotive industry. 
• PMP certification or equivalent. 
• Working knowledge of 3DX software. 
• Experience with change & other business management initiatives. 
• Experie