Senior Manager, Product Research

Ford Motor • Dearborn, MI

3d • 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 position ensures that customer requirements and future consumer trends are incorporated into product development and long-range portfolio strategy decisions. The role governs Truck, Van, and Large Traditional Utility research, as well as Buyer Rejector and syndicated studies.

The role serves as a strategic advisor to executive leaders across Product Development, Design, and Marketing. It leads research strategy, supplier governance, research program delivery, and the development of a global team while helping institutionalize consumer insights across Ford. 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; employment eligibility verification is required at hire.

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 business objectives.
• Provide strategic direction and synthesize consumer insights to influence long-range cycle planning, portfolio strategy, and technology roadmaps.
• Direct and optimize the strategic research supplier ecosystem, encouraging innovation in research methodologies and expanding 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 execution, actionable outcomes, and budget utilization.
• Establish and enforce quality and analytical standards for external research partners and align supplier deliverables with Ford’s strategic objectives.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a diverse global team of strategic research professionals and managers.
• Synthesize syndicated studies and macro-trends into business implications and strategic recommendations for Ford leadership.
• Oversee the curation, digital mobilization, and sharing of strategic research assets through the Knowledge Management System.
• Ensure financial stewardship and operational compliance across 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 backup 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