Global Sr. Manager, Hard Trim & Door Trim

Ford Motor Company•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 the product lifecycle. The role calls for visionary leadership, extensive design and release experience in Interior Systems and Components, a deep understanding of advanced automotive manufacturing and launch processes, a strong commitment to quality, and effective collaboration with cross-functional teams, external partners, and suppliers to develop interior innovations. The role sets global product strategy for door trim and hard trim and leads engineering and development for relevant interior components and systems. It oversees programs from concept through launch and post-launch improvement, balancing technical and business targets while maintaining customer-facing design intent. The position leads global teams, develops engineering talent, manages supplier relationships, mitigates program risks, promotes innovation and continuous improvement, and supports production and field issue resolution. This is a hybrid position requiring onsite work four or more days per week. Visa sponsorship is not available. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States. The position is leadership level 4.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or another relevant engineering discipline.
8+ years of experience in automotive interior design, development, validation, and quality assurance, with a proven track record of contributing to or leading industrialization of significant interior innovations or first-to-market features.
4+ years of experience in a leadership or management role within an automotive engineering environment.
Deep technical knowledge of automotive interior components and systems, including emerging materials, advanced manufacturing processes such as smart textiles, integrated electronics, and additive manufacturing, 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, including 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, undefined problems inherent in innovation.
Excellent written and verbal communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills, including the ability to explain complex technical and innovative concepts to very senior leaders and cross-functional teams.
Proven ability to manage and motivate a team of 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, discern next steps for innovation without extensive guidance, and champion new ideas effectively.
Legally authorized to work in the United States.

Nice To Haves

Experience managing teams focused on advanced development or innovation.
The posting encourages applicants who may not meet every listed qualification but believe they can bring value to Ford Motor Company.

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 door panels, interior trim panels, consoles, instrument-panel trim, pillars, package trays, and related hard trim, as applicable to the organization’s portfolio.
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 by managing cost, weight, investment, quality, and timing targets while protecting customer-facing design intent.
Lead global cross-functional teams, establishing priorities, accountability, decision-making, and alignment across regions and vehicle programs.
Develop organizational capability by coaching engineering leaders, building technical expertise, and supporting 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.