3D Operations Digital Chief

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.

Join us in shaping the future of Ford Motor Company, as part of a global organization with exceptional colleagues in world-class facilities. As part of Ford Design, you’ll be at the cutting edge of Ford’s most strategically critical work, designing people and society’s needs into the heart of our next generation of products, services, and experiences.

In this position...

At Ford Motor Company, as a Digital Design Manager, you will spearhead a talented team of digital modelers, sculptors, and digital managers, driving the development of a wide array of concepts and design intent models in a dynamic and fast-paced environment. This position allows you to work in all phases of Design Development – from initial sketch to a production intent prototype.

As a leader of the team you will recommend and implement training and development plans for subordinates. Assist in the proper and effective implementation of personnel programs, including performance reviews, salary planning and employee counseling. Your leadership will be key in ensuring the seamless integration of innovative design concepts with practical fabrication techniques, fostering creativity and efficiency within the team.

What you'll do...

As Design Build Manager you will:

• Manage a team of creative digital sculptors to create and develop product concepts and thematic alternatives.

• Lead a team digital modelers to develop complete CAD models for physical builds from limited data release/availability.  

• Oversee the creation of complete 3D data for all systems related to property builds, including chassis, armature, body and component development.

• Manage and deliver timing plans, work orders, and design reviews for property builds.

• Lead the development of 3D data for all Studio properties

• Oversee all functional aspects of model builds – including closures, electronics and experiential demonstrations.

• Collaborate and interface with all levels and functions of the Design team.

• Take responsibility for the creative vision and the standard of output across the teams this position is responsible for.

• Recommend and implement training and development plans for subordinates. Assist the 3D Operations Director in the proper and effective implementation of personnel programs, including performance reviews, salary planning and employee counseling.

• Be comfortable with complexity—finding opportunities and clear paths in ambiguous environments. You’re comfortable facilitating senior stakeholder discussions.

• Have strong people management and leadership skills to hire, develop, and inspire the creative team.

• Cultivate employee engagement. Embody our culture and steward others in the direction of our shared values and ways of working with Ford. You have patience to mentor and coach others through difficult challenges and can serve as a trusted advisor to senior stakeholders.

You'll have...

• Creative background with knowledge of technical requirements for automotive design

• Experience with all aspects of vehicle design, interiors, exteriors, and chassis

• Experience leading a team of professionals with a proven record of results

• Experience with and in depth knowledge of surfacing techniques and software

• Knowledge of CAD software

• High level of understanding of the requirements for physical model development techniques

• Ability to work in a dynamic work environment with continuous change and a willingness to learn new skills  

• Proficient at creative problem-solving.

• Outstanding teamwork, leadership, visual, written, and verbal communication skills required.

Even better, you may have...

• 10+ years working in Studio / Design environments

• Computer skills and software knowledge of Microsoft Office

• Passionate about automotive and mobility industry, glob