Field Operations Manager

Ford • Allen Park, MI

2d • $115,500 - $218,100 • Hybrid

About The Position

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.
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 Technical Training Operations & Resource Manager is a strategic and execution-focused leader responsible for optimizing the delivery of technical training across a national network. This role oversees training center operations, instructor and resource management, and end-to-end training logistics—while driving continuous improvement through data, process innovation, and emerging technologies. This individual is expected to think differently and identify scalable ways to deliver results.
This leader will play a critical role in transforming how training is delivered by identifying efficiencies, leveraging AI-enabled solutions, and developing innovative and scalable processes that accelerate technician readiness in a cost-effective and sustainable way. The ideal candidate is both an operational expert and forward-thinking innovator, capable of solving complex challenges and driving measurable impact across the dealer network. This individual will have the ability to invent and simplify processes for greater efficiency, and insist on the highest standards. The candidate must be able to communicate a bold direction that inspires results and have a bias for action.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required
• 7+ years of experience in operations, training delivery, workforce development, or a related field
• Experience leading teams and managing complex, multi-site operations
• Strong process development and continuous improvement experience (Lean, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies a plus)
• Demonstrated ability to leverage data and analytics to drive decision-making and performance improvements
• Proven success managing external vendors and resource networks
• Strong financial and business planning acumen
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence at all levels
• Highly adaptable problem-solver, comfortable navigating ambiguity and driving innovative solutions
• Strong organizational, time management, and prioritization skills
• Willingness and ability to travel (>35%)
• Valid US Driver’s license required

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree preferred
• Automotive, technical training, or skilled trades experience strongly preferred
• Experience exploring or implementing AI, automation, or digital tools in operational environments preferred

Responsibilities

• Training Operations Leadership
• Lead and develop the training delivery team, fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement
• Oversee operations of all U.S. training centers, ensuring consistent, high-quality execution and performance
• Partner with facility stakeholders (e.g., Ford Land) to enhance and expand training center capabilities
• Process Innovation & Continuous Improvement
• Design, implement, and refine scalable processes to improve training delivery efficiency, quality, and cost-effectiveness
• Identify and eliminate operational bottlenecks, driving streamlined workflows and improved throughput
• Champion an improvement mindset, proactively identifying opportunities to optimize performance
• Data-Driven Strategy & Insights
• Lead the end-to-end strategy for training analytics, ensuring data is actively used to evaluate program effectiveness, identify gaps, and validate that training delivery is meeting current and future network needs
• Gather, analyze, and synthesize data from multiple sources (training utilization, technician performance, capacity, cost, and outcomes) to drive continuous improvement and operational decision-making
• Develop clear, compelling narratives that translate complex data into actionable insights, effectively communicating the impact and value of training programs to senior leadership and key stakeholders
• Establish and evolve KPIs and performance frameworks that measure not only activity, but true training effectiveness, technician readiness, and business impact
• Proactively identify trends, risks, and opportunities through data analysis, using insights to inform process improvements, resource allocation, and strategic direction
• Partner cross-functionally to ensure data insights are embedded into process design, program development, and long-term workforce planning
• Drive a culture of data accountability, ensuring decisions are grounded in measurable outcomes and continuously refined based on performance insights
• AI & Technology Enablement
• Identify and implement AI-driven and technology-enabled solutions to enhance training operations, scheduling, resource allocation, and delivery
• Explore innovative approaches to accelerate technician training timelines while maintaining or improving quality
• Leverage digital tools and automation to improve efficiency, scalability, and user experience
• Resource & Vendor Management
• Manage Service Training Instructor (STI) supplier relationships to ensure high-quality instruction and performance accountability
• Oversee training vehicle fleet coordination in partnership with vehicle programs to ensure availability and readiness
• Own vendor performance, contracts, and purchase orders related to training delivery
• Training Delivery & Program Effectiveness
• Partner with training development teams to ensure curriculum is practical, scalable, and effectively delivered in classroom and field environments
• Ensure training programs meet defined objectives for technician readiness, certification, and performance
• Drive initiatives that improve program efficacy, sustainability, and long-term impact
• Strategic Planning & Financial Management
• Develop and execute annual and long-term business plans aligned with organizational objectives
• Maintain and manage a 5-year financial plan for training center operations
• Ensure cost-effective delivery of training while maximizing return on investment
• Innovation & Future-State Vision
• Act as a thought leader in training operations, identifying new and innovative program opportunities
• Develop creative solutions to address industry challenges, including technician shortages and evolving skill requirements
• Lead and embrace change, operating effectively in ambiguity and driving progress in “white space” environments

Benefits

• Immediate medical, dental, vision and prescription drug coverage
• Flexible family care days, paid parental leave, new parent ramp-up programs, subsidized back-up child care and more
• Family building benefits including adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, fertility treatments, and more
• Vehicle discount program for employees and family members and management leases
• Tuition assistance
• Established and active employee resource groups
• Paid time off for individual and team community service
• A generous schedule of paid holidays, including the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day
• Paid time off and the option to purchase additional vacation time

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees