Director Business Operations - Model e

Ford•Detroit, MI

About The Position

The Director of Business Operations for Model e is a high-impact, strategic leadership role serving as the primary advisor and "right-hand" to the General Manager of Model e. As a key leader within Ford's EV business unit, this individual is responsible for managing global business operations and ensuring the GM's office functions with maximum efficiency. This role is not just an operator, but a strategic storyteller who can synthesize complex data and analytics into actionable insights that shape the future of Ford's EV business. The ideal candidate will bridge the gap between high-level strategy and operational execution, translating technical and financial data into compelling narratives, removing barriers to change and navigating the complex, fast-paced environment of the EV industry. You will be accountable for the performance of the Model e Business Office, leading a team to deliver data-driven insights that shape the future of Ford's electric, hybrid, and EREV portfolio. Design and manage efficient global governance forums. Support employee engagement initiatives to include ensuring business progress is broadly shared. Workflow Optimization: Streamline the GM's daily operations and workflow, prioritizing projects and managing resources to ensure the leadership team remains focused on the highest-value initiatives. Manage the end-to-end lifecycle of consultancy engagements, from initial scoping and needs assessment to final execution and delivery. Established and active employee resource groups GM Advisory: Serve as a trusted advisor to the GM, proactively identifying and analyzing critical business issues, retail trends, and competitive threats in the EV market. Strategy Implementation: Drive the mid-to-long-term execution of Model e business plans, focusing on key growth areas, product portfolio decisions, and the reimagined dealer/customer experience. Objective Setting: Lead the annual objectives and KPI setting process (aligned with Ford+ corporate goals), cascading these metrics across the Model e leadership team and cross-functional partners. Team Development: Manage and mentor the Business Office staff, fostering a culture of high performance, agility, and continuous learning. Ford OS Advocacy: Role model Ford OS behaviors and drive the adoption of new digital tools and technologies to improve global collaboration. Change Management: Improve team-wide information flows and onboarding processes to enable rapid scaling and cultural alignment within the Model e unit. Manage SharePoint and Teams channels to centralize key information and increase transparency.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Finance, Engineering, or a related analytical field or equivalent combination of relevant education and experience.
10 years of progressive experience in business operations, finance, or strategic consulting.
Experience managing teams and directing multiple departments.
Executive Presence: Extensive experience working closely with senior executive leadership (ELT) and Boards of Directors.
Communication: Exceptional ability to distill complex data into concise business documents and impactful presentations.
Strategic Problem Solving: Guided by long-term objectives; able to solve abstract problems without precedent and remove barriers to change.
Financial Acumen: Strong understanding of financial modeling, accounting principles, and the ability to identify complex financial issues.
Agility: Proven success in a "startup" or high-growth environment; ability to adapt to shifting priorities in a fast-paced, global market.
Industry Passion: Deep interest in electric vehicles, software-defined products, and the future of automotive retail.
Experience in sales/ go to market experience

Responsibilities

Manage global business operations
Ensure the GM's office functions with maximum efficiency
Synthesize complex data and analytics into actionable insights
Translate technical and financial data into compelling narratives
Remove barriers to change
Navigate the complex, fast-paced environment of the EV industry
Accountable for the performance of the Model e Business Office
Lead a team to deliver data-driven insights
Design and manage efficient global governance forums
Support employee engagement initiatives
Streamline the GM's daily operations and workflow
Prioritize projects and managing resources
Manage the end-to-end lifecycle of consultancy engagements
Serve as a trusted advisor to the GM
Proactively identifying and analyzing critical business issues, retail trends, and competitive threats in the EV market
Drive the mid-to-long-term execution of Model e business plans
Lead the annual objectives and KPI setting process
Manage and mentor the Business Office staff
Role model Ford OS behaviors
Drive the adoption of new digital tools and technologies
Improve team-wide information flows and onboarding processes
Manage SharePoint and Teams channels