Senior Manager, Product Research

Ford • Dearborn, MI

3d • $141,700 - $268,300 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior Manager, Product Research defines the strategic vision, execution framework, and integration of global customer research and insights within Ford’s Global Product Development System (GPDS). The role ensures customer requirements and future consumer trends are embedded in product development and long-range portfolio strategy. It governs Truck, Van, and Large Traditional Utility research, as well as Buyer Rejector and syndicated studies.

The position serves as a strategic liaison to executive leaders across Product Development, Design, and Marketing; guides research priorities and the use of insights in portfolio and technology planning; and oversees the research supplier ecosystem and full lifecycle of research programs. It leads a global team, establishes partner quality and analytical standards, promotes enterprise-wide use of consumer insights, and ensures financial stewardship and operational compliance. This hybrid position requires onsite work four or more days per week.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree with relevant coursework in statistics, research methods, consumer behavior, and data analysis.
• At least 7 years of experience in market research using quantitative and qualitative methods.
• Ability to apply market research findings to business problems.
• Ability to manage complex projects with cross-functional stakeholders.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree.

Responsibilities

• Advise and act as a strategic liaison to executive leaders across Product Development, Design, and Marketing, aligning global research priorities with corporate objectives.
• Synthesize consumer insights to influence long-range cycle planning, portfolio strategy, and technology roadmaps.
• Direct and optimize the strategic research supplier ecosystem, innovate research methodologies, and expand the global supplier base.
• Partner with cross-functional executive clients to define, prioritize, and address research and insight requirements.
• Govern research programs from strategic planning and design through analysis and reporting, ensuring actionable outcomes and effective budget use.
• Set and enforce quality and analytical standards for external research partners and align supplier deliverables with business objectives.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a diverse global team of research professionals and managers.
• Translate syndicated studies and macro-trends into actionable business implications and strategic recommendations for Ford leadership.
• Oversee curation, digital mobilization, and sharing of strategic research assets through the Knowledge Management System.
• Ensure financial stewardship and operational compliance for program budgets, project initiation, vendor bidding, and billing procedures using platforms such as Aurora and Ariba.

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 child care.
• 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