Forward Model Program Specialist

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?

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.

Regular and Extended Travel is required. This position involves long-term travel (up to 9-12 months at a time) to support assembly plants during program launches in U.S. & Mexico.

**Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Responsibilities include delivering New Model launches in the assigned manufacturing plant (Vehicle or Powertrain) on time, on cost and at the target quality levels. Assure appropriate launch team staffing and ensure all launch processes and standards are followed.  

Key deliverables include but are not limited to:

• Deliver the Launch at or below Budget
• Manage actions leading up to the pre-production builds; assuring builds are delivered at cost and with quality.
• Review and approve PDL changes assuring pre-production build support and prove out prior to launch.
• Assure facilities (desks, phones, copiers, conference rooms, diagnostic support) is in place to support the On Site Launch team 
• Ensure the Launch Automated Issues Management System process is driving resolution of all issues that impact the launch, issues pended without resolution and aging metrics.
• Support the Vehicle VOCF Fleet process with Launch concern resolution.
• Manage the NMP stake in the Change Control Process (e-screen approvals) ensuring that changes are required and timed correctly for implementation. 
• Lead the development of Risk Mitigation actions for non-production level approved parts with prove out plans to support quality launch.
• Lead the Open to Go Process including the part pedigree process and final approval of all alerts required for parts not PPAP for the build events
• Support the Plant Whiteboard process and ensure timely issue resolution.
• Manage the preparation and presentation of the NMP weekly Assessment report(s). 
• Manage the Meeting cadence for launch on site and the daily coordination of the ongoing launch activities 
• Manage the preparation and presentation of the Launch Reviews from <LR> through OK to Buy
• Lead the OK to Build/Ship/Buy Scorecard approval at the <LR> milestone and beyond and ensure that scorecards are prepared at each Management Meeting for review. 
• Lead the On Site Modification process, managing the matrix of modifications, working with the plant and suppliers to track part updates and draw down plan for shipment.
• Launch Lessons Learned for Launch Program as assigned
• Communicate with Vehicle Launch Specialists as required. 
• Drive standardization through adhering to Launch LQOS.
• Responsible for balancing direct report resources across programs, based on workload and skill set, assuring quality launches. Responsible for people functions including training.

 

 

 

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering or related field. 
• 4+ Years of experience in Powertrain/Vehicle Operations manufacturing, design, and/or program management, with Project management or launch experience.
• 4+ Years of experience with New Model Launch Proficiency including a working level knowledge of the processes by which New Model Programs launches vehicle programs.
• Skilled in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Microsoft Project. 
• Project management and/or launch experience.
• Experience with WERS and AIM preferred. 
• Experience with 8-D and problem solving disciplines using statistical mindsets.

 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master of Science degree in Engineering or related field.   
• 6+ Years of experience in Powertrain/Vehicle Operations manufacturing, design, and/or program management, with Project management or launch experience.
• 6+ Years of experience with New Model Launch Proficiency including a working level knowledge of the processes by which New Model Programs launches vehicle programs.
• 3+ Years of Leadership