On-Road Driving Experiences Manager

Ford Motor • Allen Park, MI

10d • $112,680 - $212,760 • Hybrid

About The Position

Ford Racing is looking for an enthusiastic, talented professional to join their team as the On-Road Driving Experiences Manager. In this position... As the Manager, On-Road Driving Experiences, you will be instrumental in shaping the future of Ford's global Driving Experiences initiatives. You will be responsible for leading the strategic development, operational excellence, and expansion of these high-impact customer experiences. This role requires a visionary leader who can not only manage complex programs and strategic partnerships but also directly lead and develop an internal team and external partners to achieve business plan and customer engagement objectives. Your ultimate goal will be to strategically funnel customers into Ford's Ecosystem, deepening their brand loyalty and enhancing their driving skills through world-class programs. This role is hybrid and requires at least 4 days per week onsite in Allen Park, MI.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Marketing, Sports Management, a related field of study, or equivalent combination of relevant education and experience.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in customer experience, marketing, or program management, with a significant portion within the automotive or motorsports industry.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience demonstrating a deep understanding of the Motorsports industry's dynamics and key players.
• Minimum of 3 years of direct people management experience, including coaching, performance management, and team development.

Nice To Haves

• Proven experience in strategic program development, execution, and expansion.
• Demonstrated experience in contract negotiation, partnership management, and vendor relations.
• Strong financial acumen with proven experience in budget development, management, and forecasting.
• Deep experience as a racing instructor or a professional racing background.
• Proven track record in developing and executing revenue-generating, customer-centric strategies.
• Exceptional strategic thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly and persuasively to executive leadership and diverse stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and motivate cross-functional teams in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• High degree of adaptability and resilience, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and drive projects forward autonomously.
• A profound passion for Ford products, motorsports, and delivering exceptional customer experience.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Vision & Program Growth: Lead the strategic planning, development, and execution of Ford Racing's On-Road Driving Experiences, ensuring alignment with Ford Racing's overall vision and business objectives. Drive the creation and enhancement of innovative Experience curricula, leveraging comprehensive market insights and competitive analysis. Develop and implement comprehensive expansion strategies, identifying new market opportunities and strategic partners to grow the program footprint globally. Lead global market coordination and strategy to ensure consistent excellence and growth across all regional On-Road Driving Experience programs. Maintain a deep understanding of the competitive landscape, motorsport trends, and consumer preferences to ensure Ford Racing's On-Road Driving Experiences remain best-in-class.
• Team Leadership & Development: Directly manage, mentor, and develop direct reports, setting clear performance objectives, conducting regular reviews, and fostering a high-performing and collaborative team environment. Provide strategic guidance and oversight to ensure the optimal performance and seamless execution of program deliverables by the team.
• Partnership & Commercial Management: Establish, negotiate, and cultivate strategic relationships with key partners and external vendors, ensuring all contractual obligations are met and high standards of program delivery are maintained. Oversee the management of partner performance, ensuring adherence to brand guidelines, operational standards, and financial targets.
• Operational Excellence & Customer Experience: Champion and ensure the consistent delivery of premium, customer-centric brand experiences across all On-Road Driving Experience programs and touchpoints. Establish robust operational processes and best practices to maximize efficiency, quality, and participant satisfaction. Oversee logistical planning and execution for vehicle assets, equipment, and personnel to support On-Road Driving Experience operations.
• Marketing, Analytics & Reporting: Lead the development and execution of integrated marketing and communication strategies for On-Road Driving Experience programs, collaborating closely with internal marketing teams and external agencies. Direct the analysis and interpretation of program data, customer feedback, and market trends to measure ROI, identify areas for improvement, and inform strategic decision-making. Develop and present comprehensive program updates, performance reports, and strategic recommendations to senior leadership.
• Cross-Functional Integration & Budget Management: Lead cross-functional initiatives, collaborating with Engineering, Communications, Marketing, Global Markets, Dealer Relations, and other teams to integrate On-Road Driving Experience programs into broader Ford Racing and Ford brand initiatives. Develop, manage, and forecast program budgets, ensuring financial targets are met and resources are optimized.

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