Ford Customization Engineering Manager

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You will step into a high-impact leadership role as the Engineering Manager for Ford Customization North America. You will guide a talented and diverse engineering team responsible for the end-to-end development of a broad range of innovative accessories and vehicle packages. This isn't just a management position; it's a driving force behind Ford's sustained growth, increased profitability, and our commitment to exceeding customer and shareholder expectations through cutting-edge vehicle personalization.

Seize this exciting opportunity to shape the future of Ford!

• Direct the full lifecycle of Ford Customization Accessories and packages, from conceptual design through robust product release, ensuring alignment with brand standards and market demands.
• Drive the successful achievement of all engineering milestones across active accessory projects, implementing rigorous engineering practices and disciplined execution to ensure quality and timely delivery.
• Uphold stringent compliance with all relevant Regulatory Vehicle Safety Standards and applicable internal requirements for every accessory project, mitigating risks and ensuring product integrity.
• Oversee the development, maintenance, and enforcement of comprehensive accessory design standards, engineering requirements, and foundational technical documentation to guide product development.
• Lead the analysis and validation of critical vehicle integration parameters (e.g., compatibility, attribute performance, and mass management) for all accessory program content, ensuring seamless integration and optimal performance.
• Guide and empower the engineering team to consistently achieve program timelines and key deliverables, driving on-time project completion and contributing to overall business objectives.
• Exercise final technical authority and provide critical sign-off for all accessory program releases and engineering deviations, safeguarding product quality and adherence to specifications.
• Cultivate and strengthen strategic partnerships and cross-functional integration between Ford Customization teams and key external stakeholders (e.g., Product Development, Program Teams, Industrial Systems, and suppliers) to optimize collaboration and accelerate delivery.
• Champion and facilitate the global alignment and standardization of accessory product development processes, driving efficiency and best practices across international teams.
• Act as a catalyst for continuous improvement, proactively evaluating and optimizing product delivery processes to maintain relevance and efficiency within a dynamic and complex business landscape.
• Facilitate the resolution of complex engineering challenges and team issues through disciplined problem-solving methodologies, fostering team learning and driving sustainable solutions.
• Manage the governance and evolution of critical engineering foundational documents that underpin Failure Mode Avoidance processes, ensuring accuracy and design robustness.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing, diverse engineering team distributed across three countries, fostering a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous professional growth.
• Ensure clear, concise, and effective communication across all levels of management, with peers, and supporting personnel, fostering strong collaborative relationships and strategic stakeholder alignment.

• Bachelor's Degree or higher in Engineering.
• 6+ years of demonstrated experience in leading or significantly contributing to Product Development, Design and Release processes, preferably within the automotive or a related complex manufacturing industry.
• Demonstrated expertise in applying and optimizing Product Development Systems, methodologies, and quality control frameworks.
• 3+ years of experience leading and mentoring engineering teams.
• Proficiency with core Ford engineering tools including FEDEBOM, WERS, Team Center, Bill of Material, AIMS, 8
  
  Ds, Engineering Sign Off, DFMEA, and Six Sigma principles.
• Proven ability to make sound technical decisions, balancing engineering best practices with manufacturing feasibility and business objectives.
• Highly organized, self-motivated, and capable of independently driving complex engineering tasks to completion.
• Proven leadership abilities, aligning with Ford Motor Company's OS Behaviors.

• Possess the discernment to make critical decisions and the accountability to manage their outcomes, guiding product development with precision.
• Deep enthusiasm for and comprehensive knowledge of vehicle accessories and aftermarket product segments.
• Proficient in Ford's Global Product Development System (GPDS) and Ford Customization's Vehicle Personalization Product Development System (VPPDS) processes and deliverables.
• Navigate complex organizational landscapes, demonstrating the ability to independently drive initiatives while fostering essential…