Ford Customization Planning Manager

Overview

At Ford, you’ll work on ideas that matter, alongside passionate people who want to make a global impact. Together, we’re shaping the next era of transportation—grounded in purpose, driven by progress. Make your move.

• Job Type: Full time
• Work Type:
  Hybrid

Ford Customization Planning Manager

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.

In this position…

The Ford Customization team (formerly Vehicle Personalization) is looking for a new Planning Manager! This individual will be responsible for developing and implementing all aspects of customization on their assigned vehicle lines.

This leader will serve as the end-to-end owner of the business and will be the go-to-lead on accessories and personalization for their vehicle line. This is a wonderful opportunity for strong leaders who are interested in both forward model ideation and in-market planning and execution.

What you’ll do…

• Develop a full cycle plan of accessories and buzz model packages through the business plan period
• Drive deep customer understanding with GM/marketing teams to ensure FC cycle plan is filling in key gaps in the marketplace/Ford portfolio
• Leverage customer and sales data to drive business cases and to consistently review and challenge programs to ensure best use of capital allocation
• Identify and develop detailed product proposals for new accessories, options and feature vehicles for production and dealer channel offerings
• Lead FC GPDS and Ford Customization Product Development System
• Manage business case development/analysis, provide planning direction and secure approval for Ford Customization projects.
• Ensure smooth transition from Planning to Program Management at hand-off. Ensure achievement of key business objectives including revenue & profit targets, take rates, part volumes and budget adherence.
• Lead monthly discussion with senior leadership on business health, areas of opportunity, help needed, etc.
• Represent Ford Customization in key cross-functional forums as required, ensuring broad awareness of the accessory cycle plan through the company

The ideal candidate for this position will be a proven hands-on leader with a broad understanding of all organizations related to the creation and production of Ford/Lincoln vehicles.

Additionally, the ideal candidate will be an excellent collaborator and communicator with the ability to drive a program through ideation to execution.

You’ll have…

• Bachelor’s degree
• 5 years of experience organizing and leading cross-functional teams, including stakeholders in POV alignment, planning and business integration activities
• 3 years of experience with Vehicle planning, cycle planning, product marketing, strategy and/or program management
• 3 years of demonstrated success in problem solving complex cross-functional challenges

Even better, you may have…

• Experience with accessories / buzz models a plus
• Demonstrated understanding of the Ford Finance process used to create and approve business cases
• Experience working on cycle plan and forward model programs
• Demonstrated ability to make business critical decisions and owning end-to-end implications of those decisions
• Demonstrated project management skills
• Ability to work independently yet collaboratively across organizations
• Possess strong interpersonal skills, demonstrating integrity in all actions
• Prior vendor/supplier management
• Demonstrated extraordinary teamwork and leadership behaviors
• Comfortable interfacing with Executive level leadership
• Deep experience in the Ford system beyond VP/FCSD; proven track record of…