Global Sr. Manager, Hard Trim & Door Trim

Ford • Dearborn, MI

5d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Global Sr. Manager, Hard Trim & Door Trim works across product development, design, manufacturing, purchasing, supplier partners, quality, and regional teams to deliver robust, competitive solutions from concept through production launch and throughout the product lifecycle. The role calls for visionary leadership, extensive design and release experience in interior systems and components, deep knowledge of advanced automotive manufacturing and launch processes, a commitment to pioneering quality, and strong collaboration with cross-functional teams, external partners, and suppliers.

This leader sets global product strategy and oversees engineering and program execution for hard trim and door trim systems. The position leads global teams, develops engineering talent, manages supplier relationships and program risks, drives innovation and continuous improvement, and supports production and field performance. The role is hybrid and requires onsite work four or more days per week. Visa sponsorship is not available.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or another relevant engineering discipline.
• At least 8 years of experience in automotive interior design, development, validation, and quality assurance, with a proven record contributing to or leading the industrialization of significant interior innovations or first-to-market features.
• At least 4 years of leadership or management experience in an automotive engineering environment.
• Deep technical knowledge of automotive interior components and systems, including emerging materials, advanced manufacturing processes, and assembly techniques beyond traditional methods.
• Expertise in failure-mode avoidance processes, including DFMEA, Boundary Diagram, and P-Diagram, applied to complex, novel systems.
• Strong understanding of reliability principles and their application in validation plans for new and innovative technologies.
• Lean Six Sigma Green or Black Belt certification, or similar experience in structured problem-solving, particularly for complex and undefined innovation challenges.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills, including the ability to explain complex technical and innovative concepts to senior leaders and cross-functional teams.
• Proven ability to manage and motivate highly skilled engineers and foster creativity and technical excellence.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to thrive under pressure, navigate ambiguity, and define clear paths forward for emerging technologies.
• Ability to think strategically and independently, anticipate next steps for innovation, and champion new ideas effectively.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States; employment eligibility will be verified at hire.

Nice To Haves

• Experience managing teams focused on advanced development or innovation.

Responsibilities

• Set global product strategy for door trim and hard trim, including technology roadmaps, standardization opportunities, and regional considerations.
• Lead product engineering and development for components and systems such as door panels, interior trim panels, consoles, instrument-panel trim, pillars, and package trays.
• Oversee program execution from early concept and requirements definition through design release, validation, launch, and post-launch improvement.
• Drive functional performance across fit and finish, durability, noise and vibration, safety, ergonomics, perceived quality, and environmental requirements.
• Balance business and technical objectives, managing cost, weight, investment, quality, and timing targets while protecting customer-facing design intent.
• Lead global cross-functional teams and establish priorities, accountability, decision-making, and alignment across regions and vehicle programs.
• Coach engineering leaders, build technical expertise, and support succession and talent development.
• Manage supplier and partner relationships, including technical alignment, capability assessment, issue resolution, and performance improvement.
• Identify and mitigate risks related to design maturity, materials, tooling, capacity, quality, supply continuity, and launch readiness.
• Promote innovation and continuous improvement, including advanced materials, sustainable solutions, modular architectures, process improvements, and lessons learned.
• Establish governance through technical standards, reviews, metrics, escalation processes, and timely executive communication.
• Support production and field performance by leading resolution of significant issues and ensuring corrective actions address root causes.

Benefits

• Immediate medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage.
• Flexible family care days, paid parental leave, new parent ramp-up programs, and subsidized back-up childcare.
• Family-building benefits, including adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement and fertility treatments.
• Vehicle discount program for employees and family members and management leases.
• Tuition assistance.
• Active employee resource groups.
• Paid time off for individual and team community service.
• 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: Senior