Senior Manager — Service Software Delivery & Validation

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? 

Our Marketing, Sales & Service organization advances the Ford reputation as a visionary vehicle and mobility services company and helps deliver a trusted customer experience. Use your marketing, sales and service expertise to turn data-driven insights into innovative solutions that enhance sales and customer loyalty. Join us and be the eyes, ears and voice of Ford.

In this position... 

The Senior Manager, Module Programming leads a global engineering organization responsible for delivering reliable vehicle software programming and configuration solutions used by Ford and Lincoln dealership and aftermarket technicians. You will set strategy, own delivery and validation of programming solutions, partner with PD/CVS, IT, & supplier teams, and measure success using clear KPIs. This role is absolutely key to ensuring that Ford/Lincoln technicians around the world have the best solutions for updating vehicle software across the full range of Ford/Lincoln vehicles on the road now and in the future.

What you'll do...

Strategic Leadership & Vision-

• Champion the mission: We make it easy for Ford and Lincoln technicians to accurately and efficiently load and configure the required vehicle software.
• Define the Now / Near / Far strategy and a multi-year roadmap for module programming across vehicle architectures (legacy and future platforms).
• Drive the integration of data and AI/ML to predict software deployment issues, enhance diagnostic programming accuracy, and automate validation processes, contributing to SE&O's intelligent repair solutions.
  • Identify and prioritize architecture enablers (OTA modernization, backend data pipelines/processes, future vehicle programming technologies) 
  • Own strategy to identify and eliminate software deployment failures — 
    • Implement software bill of material quality measures for software-data alarms (including plant metrics within LQOS (Launch Quality Operating System)
    • An execution plan to optimize USB programming capabilities.
• Lead strategic initiatives including Software Repair Validation automation and expansion ensuring that the vehicle receives the right software for the specific customer action as directed by Field Service Actions (FSAs) and TSBs (Technical Service Bulletins).
• Own the end-to-end strategy, delivery, and continuous improvement for all service-related vehicle software deployment and validation, encompassing reliable module programming, efficient software repair, and automated validation across vehicle architectures.
• Maintain a 3–5 year vision for service software delivery, balancing technical debt, supplier dependencies, and emerging vehicle architectures.

Team Leadership-

• Lead, mentor, and develop a large organization of approximately 60 individuals in multiple time zones and countries (US, UK, India, Mexico); which includes both Ford employees and purchased service/contract staff. 
• Build a collaborative, accountable culture focused on high-quality, field-proven solutions; own hiring decisions, performance management, career paths, and annual development plans.
• Drive organizational clarity: define team structure, roles, and responsibilities to ensure 24x7 operational coverage and predictable delivery across time zones.
• Manage departmental budget planning (annual and 5-year plans), vendor spend, and supplier performance metrics.
• Coach leaders to handle competing priorities and ensure resilient global coverage.

Operational Oversight

• Own the strategic direction and delivery of all software deployment, programming, and automated validation functionalities embedded within the broader Diagnosis & Repair Systems and Tools (e.g., FDRS), ensuring seamless technician experience and accurate vehicle configuration.
• Deliver 100% Programming solutions Globally at New Vehicle Launch OK to Buy date (OKTB); Ensure dealer readiness/capability.
• Lead development of detailed validation test plans, including refined simulation methods to ensure full end-to-end prove-out prior to release to the field. 
• Drive automation of Software Repair Validation and expand coverage so tha