Global Sr. Manager, Advanced Engineering, Structures Compliance

Ford is seeking a Sr. Global Manager – Advanced Seats Engineering, Structures, and Compliance to lead a global engineering organization responsible for early architecture and technology innovation, seat structure design and development, and seat system regulatory compliance. This leader will direct cross-functional, cross-regional teams to deliver seating systems that meet the highest standards of safety, quality, performance, and manufacturability, while driving advanced technology and innovation strategies.

This role requires a proven technical leader with deep automotive engineering expertise, a track record of managing and growing high-performing global teams, and the ability to navigate complex regulatory and homologation requirements across multiple markets.

• Lead, mentor, and develop a global team of engineers and managers across multiple disciplines, sites, and time zones.
• Build organizational capability by attracting, developing, and retaining top engineering talent
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performance culture across globally distributed teams.
  Advanced Seating Architecture & Technology Development

• Direct early-phase seating architecture strategy, concept development, and advanced technology roadmaps aligned with future vehicle programs.
• Partner with product planning, design, and innovation teams to identify and mature emerging seating technologies (e.g., comfort, packaging, materials, electrification-driven requirements).
• Guide feasibility studies, benchmarking, and technology readiness assessments to inform long-term seating strategy.
• Seat Structure Development & Industrialization

• Oversee structural design, engineering analysis, validation, and industrialization of seat systems from concept through ongoing product development
• Drive continuous improvement in structural performance, weight optimization, cost, and quality.
  Seat System Compliance & Homologation

• Guide seating development priorities to meet emerging homologation and 3rd party targets.
• Serve as the technical escalation point for compliance risks and work cross-functionally to resolve regulatory issues.
• Ensure lessons-learned and best practices are fed into forward model development programs.

• Collaborate with Program Management, Purchasing, Manufacturing, Quality, and Supplier Technical Assistance teams to ensure integrated program delivery.
• Represent Seating Engineering in senior leadership reviews, program milestones, and executive-level technical discussions.
• Drive alignment of global engineering standards, processes, and best practices across regions.

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Physics, or a related technical field (required).
• Master's degree in Engineering or related field (preferred).
• 10+ years of progressive experience managing technical teams of increasing size and complexity.
• Strong automotive industry experience, with demonstrated expertise in seat systems, structures, or related vehicle component engineering.
• Proven experience leading global, cross-regional, and cross-cultural engineering teams.
• Solid understanding of automotive regulatory and homologation requirements (FMVSS, ECE, or equivalent global standards).
• Strong knowledge of structural engineering principles, CAE/CAD tools, and industrialization/manufacturing processes.
• Excellent communication, executive presentation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage budgets, resources, and strategic technology roadmaps.

• Master's degree in Engineering,…