SOT Process and Product Owner

Ford Motor • Dearborn, MI

24d • Hybrid

About The Position

SOT Process and Product Owner We are the movers of the world and the makers of the future. We get up every day, roll up our sleeves and build a better world -- together. At Ford, we’re all a part of something bigger than ourselves. Are you ready to change the way the world moves? We are seeking a highly analytical and strategic individual to contribute to lead critical initiatives that enhance the resilience and efficiency of our global supply chain. Be part of one of the fastest-moving organizations within Ford that sets the benchmark for standard work and efficiency. Working in the Supply Operations Team (SOT) means being a high performer who thrives in a dynamic, fast-paced, high-pressure environment. This role is pivotal in developing / optimizing processes, coaching / training, and managing key strategic projects that proactively identify, assess, and mitigate supply chain risks to ensure continuity of Ford Production. This is a highly cross-functional role, where you will serve as a primary liaison between the SOT, GDIA (Global Data Insight & Analytics), IT, Purchasing, STA (Supplier Technical Assistance), MP&L (Material Planning & Logistics), and other stakeholders to ensure seamless project execution, fostering an environment of high collaboration and accountability. What you'll do... Business Process Optimization & Training Leadership: Lead end-to-end process mapping initiatives for existing and new supply chain risk management functions, meticulously documenting current states and identifying areas for significant improvement. Design, develop, and implement optimized business processes and standard operating procedures (SOPs) that reduce bureaucracy, increase speed, and enhance operational efficiency within the SOT and across cross-functional partners. Take ownership of assigned processes, ensuring their effective deployment, adoption, and continuous refinement based on performance data and feedback. Develop, deliver, and continuously improve comprehensive training programs and materials (e.g., workshops, guides, e-learning modules) for SOT team members and cross-functional partners on new tools, optimized processes, and best practices. Coach and mentor team members on new processes, tools, and best practices, fostering a culture of continuous learning and high performance. Conduct competency assessments and establish baselines to measure the effectiveness of training initiatives and identify further development needs and opportunities for team skill enhancement. High-Velocity Case Management & Risk Mitigation: Drive the continuous improvement of case management processes (e.g., PEGA-based systems), focusing on enhancing efficiency, reducing resolution times, and improving data quality. Analyze case data to identify root causes of repeat issues and systemic risks, then develop and implement preventative actions (PACs) and process controls to mitigate future occurrences. Lead initiatives to reduce key risk indicators such as lost units from supplier manufacturing issues, production disruptions, parts with excessive Ford releases, and suppliers behind releases, with an unwavering focus on achieving target reductions at an accelerated pace. Develop and implement strategies to improve case management efficiency, reduce red/yellow cases, and increase the proportion of proactive cases, ensuring zero surprises from known cases and timely escalation. Performance Monitoring and Reporting for Action: Define, track, and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) and leading indicators related to supply chain risk and operational excellence, providing actionable intelligence. Ensure the accuracy and timeliness of data used for monthly metrics filings, weekly operations reviews, and executive-level reporting, supporting fast and informed decisions. Develop and maintain tracking mechanisms for project milestones, process adherence, and training completion rates, providing regular updates to stakeholders. Strategic Project Management & Rapid Deployment: Own and drive specific workstreams or components within strategic supply chain risk management projects, including process enhancements and digital tool deployments, with an emphasis on rapid development and execution. Manage the full lifecycle of assigned project elements, from detailed planning and scoping to deployment, adoption, and post-implementation evaluation, ensuring alignment with SOT objectives and KPIs. Proactively track and report on project progress, identifying potential roadblocks and proposing agile solutions to maintain project velocity. Drive the implementation and utilization of critical tools and systems, such as PEGA Case Management, ASCENT Digital Blue Bars, ASCENT CTB/CTC (Clear to Build / Clear to Commit), serving as a subject matter expert and providing guidance to the SOT team on their effective use. Cross-Functional Collaboration and High-Impact Stakeholder Management: Serve as a primary liaison between the SOT, GDIA, IT, Purchasing, STA (Supplier Technical Assistance), MP&L (Material Planning & Logistics), and other relevant stakeholders to ensure seamless project execution and data integration, fostering an environment of high collaboration and accountability. Facilitate discussions and workshops with cross-functional teams to align on process changes, project requirements, and training needs. Advanced Analytics Interpretation & Application for Risk Mitigation: Collaborate with a team of data scientists and analysts to understand, interpret, and apply predictive and prescriptive analytical models for supply chain risk segmentation, early warning indicators, and proactive intervention strategies, focusing on solutions that enable fastest reaction times. Utilize insights from SOT’s company-leading AI solutions, including supply chain genAI “Agents” and predictive models, to inform business process redesign and operational strategies. Translate complex analytical findings into clear, actionable insights and recommendations for senior leadership and operational teams, facilitating swift decision-making and driving process change. Ensure the effective utilization of diverse data sources (e.g., purchasing data, supplier performance, production updates, transit metrics) to build comprehensive risk profiles and enable robust decision-making. You'll have... Education and Experience

Requirements

• BS/BA in Engineering, Business Analytics, Operations, Industrial Engineering, or a related quantitative field
• 5+ years of deep understanding of supply chain principles, risk management frameworks, supplier management, and operational excellence methodologies.
• Strong proficiency in business process mapping, analysis, and re-design methodologies (e.g., value stream mapping).
• Proficiency in data analysis and visualization tools (e.g., Power BI, Qlik, Tableau).
• Knowledge of AI/ML concepts and their application in supply chain prediction and optimization.
• Proven ability to manage project tasks, track progress, and drive successful completion of project components in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated experience developing and delivering training programs and materials to diverse audiences.
• Strong coaching and mentoring abilities with a focus on building team capabilities.
• Ability to simplify complex information for diverse audiences.
• Ability to translate strategic objectives into actionable project plans and analytical requirements.
• Strong problem-solving skills with a methodical, data-driven approach and the ability to make sound decisions under pressure.
• Capacity to identify emerging risks and develop proactive, quickly implementable mitigation strategies.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build effective relationships across organizational levels.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, able to present complex information clearly and concisely.
• Demonstrated ability to influence and collaborate with technical teams (e.g., data scientists, analysts) to achieve project goals.
• Proven track record of exceeding expectations and delivering excellence.
• Ability to adapt quickly to changing priorities and dynamic environments.
• Thrives in high-speed, agile, and proactive problem-solving environments.
• Strong sense of urgency and accountability, especially regarding delivery risks to production.

Nice To Haves

• Deep knowledge and practice in APQP and/or delivery concern management processes with suppliers
• Experience with advanced AI/ML–driven optimization in supply chain environments.
• Prior leadership or program management experience in complex, cross-functional organizations.
• Experience fostering high-performance team culture or driving organizational transformation initiatives.
• Background working closely with data science or advanced analytics teams beyond project collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end process mapping initiatives for existing and new supply chain risk management functions
• Design, develop, and implement optimized business processes and standard operating procedures (SOPs)
• Take ownership of assigned processes, ensuring their effective deployment, adoption, and continuous refinement
• Develop, deliver, and continuously improve comprehensive training programs and materials
• Coach and mentor team members on new processes, tools, and best practices
• Conduct competency assessments and establish baselines to measure the effectiveness of training initiatives
• Drive the continuous improvement of case management processes
• Analyze case data to identify root causes of repeat issues and systemic risks
• Lead initiatives to reduce key risk indicators
• Develop and implement strategies to improve case management efficiency
• Define, track, and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) and leading indicators related to supply chain risk and operational excellence
• Ensure the accuracy and timeliness of data used for monthly metrics filings, weekly operations reviews, and executive-level reporting
• Develop and maintain tracking mechanisms for project milestones, process adherence, and training completion rates
• Own and drive specific workstreams or components within strategic supply chain risk management projects
• Manage the full lifecycle of assigned project elements
• Proactively track and report on project progress, identifying potential roadblocks and proposing agile solutions to maintain project velocity
• Drive the implementation and utilization of critical tools and systems
• Serve as a primary liaison between the SOT, GDIA, IT, Purchasing, STA (Supplier Technical Assistance), MP&L (Material Planning & Logistics), and other relevant stakeholders
• Facilitate discussions and workshops with cross-functional teams to align on process changes, project requirements, and training needs
• Collaborate with a team of data scientists and analysts to understand, interpret, and apply predictive and prescriptive analytical models
• Utilize insights from SOT’s company-leading AI solutions, including supply chain genAI “Agents” and predictive models, to inform business process redesign and operational strategies
• Translate complex analytical findings into clear, actionable insights and recommendations for senior leadership and operational teams
• Ensure the effective utilization of diverse data sources

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: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees