Manufacturing L&D Manager

Ford Motor • Dearborn, MI

18h • Hybrid

About The Position

Ford is seeking a strategic Manufacturing Learning Operations leader to strengthen and scale how we build capability across our global manufacturing network. This role provides enterprise leadership for the systems, governance, and data-driven processes that ensure learning investments translate into measurable readiness, performance, and compliance across Global Ford Manufacturing. The primary deliverables for this role are to: (1) provide strategic leadership, management, and ongoing maintenance of the Manufacturing Capabilities Framework; (2) lead Global Manufacturing Governance through a Manufacturing Learning Council to align priorities and standards; (3) shape and lead the enterprise approach to Learning Needs Assessment and Learning Data/Evaluation strategy; and (4) define, implement, and sustain the structure, expectations, and operating cadence for Plant Training & Development Leads to drive consistent execution across plants.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in a related field (e.g., Human Resources, Organizational Development, Business, Engineering, or similar) or equivalent experience
• Demonstrated or direct experience creating learning and/or training programs
• Experience designing, implementing, and maintaining competency and/or skills frameworks, including governance, version control, and stakeholder alignment.
• Manufacturing experience, including experience working in and leading learning teams within a plant/manufacturing environment, with demonstrated understanding of plant operations, production systems, and frontline workforce development.
• Strong strategic thinking skills including the ability to impart or exchange information as a means of connecting people or places for the enhancement of business outcomes
• Strong stakeholder management skills
• Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills and proven record of accomplishment in effectively achieving results in a cross functional or matrix environment
• Strong facilitation skills; able to plan and lead effective workshops, governance forums, and stakeholder working sessions.
• High-energy, engaging presence with the ability to influence and connect with employees at all levels; demonstrated servant leadership and a learner-first mindset.
• Outstanding written and presentation skills
• Led team of at least 5+ employees

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Learning/Instructional Design, Human Resources, Organizational Development, or related field
• Automotive manufacturing experience (preferred/bonus).
• In-depth knowledge of Adult Learning Theory Principles and Learning Evaluation strategies
• Stays current on latest learning and development technologies
• Experience in lean manufacturing principles

Responsibilities

• Set the enterprise strategy and multi-year roadmap for Manufacturing Learning Operations, aligning plant capability needs to business priorities while ensuring scalable, cost-effective execution.
• Own the Manufacturing Capabilities Framework: define standards, governance, version control, stakeholder input mechanisms, and an ongoing maintenance process to keep capabilities current as technologies and processes evolve.
• Lead the enterprise Learning Needs Assessment approach across plants (methods, cadence, stakeholder roles), assessing performance needs and translating findings into prioritized capability gaps and an actionable learning portfolio.
• Define and govern the Learning Data & Evaluation strategy (metrics, dashboards, measurement standards, and system requirements) to monitor workforce skills gaps, training needs, and program effectiveness, and to demonstrate impact, adoption, and readiness outcomes.
• Lead Global Manufacturing Governance through a Manufacturing Learning Council, engaging senior HR and business stakeholders to set priorities, approve standards, remove barriers, and communicate decisions and progress.
• Establish and sustain the operating model for Plant Training & Development Leads (role clarity, onboarding, and development, routines, community of practice, escalation paths, and shared artifacts) to drive consistent deployment and continuous improvement across regions.
• Lead the Ford Production System team’s monthly newsletter and website ensuring clear, consistent communication that engages global Manufacturing employees with current development information, learning resources, and upcoming events.
• Manage budgets and expenditures; negotiate contracts and agreements, ensuring timely delivery and quality of services
• Actively role model and advocate a culture of learning to enhance employee knowledge, skills, and behaviors, supporting business needs
• Manage and oversee LMS and LXP administration and governance, ensuring accurate, complete, and confidential learning records in accordance with established company wide policies.
• Develop relevant standards, procedures, and reporting templates to ensure efficient and effective learning experiences
• Actively engage and partner with other Ford Learning and Development teams to share and leverage best practices.
• Perform talent management responsibilities including staffing, performance, pay decisions, team development, and other personnel actions for the Learning and Development function
• Lead, motivate, and mentor a team; foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment.
• Proven experience building and leading high-performing teams

Benefits

• Immediate medical, dental, and prescription drug coverage
• Flexible family care, parental leave, new parent ramp-up programs, subsidized back-up childcare 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