Senior Manager, Design Studio

Senior Manager, Design and Studio 

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.

In this position... 

Ford Motor Company is redefining the future of its global retail and dealer environments to create more engaging, customer-centered brand experiences. As Ford continues to evolve its retail ecosystem, design plays a critical role in shaping how customers connect with the brand across physical and digital touchpoints worldwide. The Studio Director – Global Retail & Experiential Design will help lead this transformation, guiding the development and implementation of design systems and retail programs that elevate the customer experience, strengthen dealer partnerships, and bring Ford’s brand to life across its global network.

Design Mission 

The Global Dealer Excellence Design team shapes the future of Ford’s retail and experiential environments worldwide. Our mission is to translate Ford’s brand and customer strategy into compelling, human-centered environments that elevate the dealership experience, strengthen dealer partnerships, and create meaningful connections between customers and the Ford brand. 

Through design excellence, research-driven thinking, and multidisciplinary collaboration, the team develops scalable global design systems that support Ford’s evolving retail ecosystem across physical and digital customer touchpoints. 

What you'll do...

Ford Motor Company is seeking a Studio Director – Global Retail & Experiential Design to lead the governance, design direction, and implementation of retail and experiential brand environments across Ford’s global dealer network. 

Reporting to the Global Design and Brand Director, this role serves as a senior design leader responsible for the operational leadership of the studio and execution of global design initiatives within the Global Dealer Excellence team. The Studio Director will guide multidisciplinary design programs, oversee design system implementation, and ensure alignment between brand strategy, dealer operations, and customer experience. 

This individual will play a critical role in advancing Ford’s retail transformation by translating brand strategy into scalable design frameworks and customer-centered environments across global markets.

Design Leadership & Governance 

• Lead design governance and oversight of global retail and experiential initiatives across Ford’s dealer ecosystem. 
• Establish and maintain global design standards, frameworks, and guidelines to ensure consistent brand expression across markets. 
• Guide the assignment and management of studio resources and external partners supporting retail and experiential design programs. 
• Ensure design excellence, clarity, and consistency across global implementation. 

Retail Experience Strategy 

• Translate Ford’s evolving brand strategy into integrated retail and experiential design solutions. 
• Shape the future of Ford’s dealership and brand environments through customer-centered design thinking. 
• Advance innovative retail concepts that strengthen customer engagement and brand storytelling. 
• Integrate design strategy with business objectives, ensuring retail environments support dealer success, operational efficiency, and measurable improvements in customer engagement and sales performance. 

Multidisciplinary Design Integration 

Lead the integration of multiple design disciplines including: 

• Architecture 
• Interior Design 
• Graphic and Environmental Design 
• Landscape Architecture 
• Industrial Design 
• Furniture and Fixture Design 
• Art and Brand Content 
• Digital Experience 
• Signage and Wayfinding 
• Design Research and Human-Centered Design 

Ensure cohesive design outcomes across physical and digital customer touchpoints. 

Stakeholder & Program Leadership 

• Lead complex design programs involving multiple stakeholders across global markets. 
• Partner closely with Ford Brand, Marketing, Product Design, and Dealer Network leadership to align retail design with brand strategy and customer experience objectives. 
• Develop and maintain a communication framework for global retail network leaders, ensuring clarity of design standards, program updates, and implementation guidance. 
• Work directly with the global dealer network, integrating dealer perspectives into the design process to ensure solutions that are both brand-driven and