Senior Manager, Product Research

Ford Motor Company • Dearborn, MI

3d • $141,700 - $268,300 • Hybrid

About The Position

This position defines the strategic vision, execution framework, and integration of global customer research and insights within the Global Product Development System (GPDS). It ensures customer requirements and future consumer trends are embedded in product development and long-range portfolio strategy decisions. The role governs Truck, Van, and Large Traditional Utility research, along with Buyer Rejector and syndicated studies.

The Senior Manager serves as a strategic advisor to executive leaders across Product Development, Design, and Marketing; directs research programs and supplier relationships; and leads a global team of research professionals and managers. The position is hybrid and 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, including quantitative and qualitative methods.
• Ability to apply market research findings to business problems.
• Ability to manage complex projects with cross-functional stakeholders.
• Legally authorized to work in the United States.

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree.

Responsibilities

• Act as a trusted advisor and strategic liaison to executive-level 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, promoting research innovation and expanding the global supplier base.
• Build collaborative partnerships with executive clients to define, prioritize, and address research and insight needs.
• Govern research programs from strategic planning and design through analysis and reporting, ensuring quality execution, actionable outcomes, and budget utilization.
• Establish and enforce quality and analytical standards for external research partners and align deliverables with business objectives.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a diverse global team of research professionals and managers.
• Synthesize syndicated studies and macro-trends into actionable implications and strategic recommendations for Ford leadership.
• Oversee the curation, digital mobilization, and sharing of strategic research assets in the Knowledge Management System.
• Ensure financial stewardship and operational compliance for program budgets, project initiation, vendor bidding, and billing 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.
• 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