Technician Recognition Manager

Ford • Allen Park, MI

1d • $115,500 - $218,100 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Technician Recognition Manager is a dynamic, strategic leader responsible for designing and executing impactful recognition programs that reach nearly 50,000 U.S. technicians — while simultaneously motivating dealers to achieve shared corporate objectives. This role is central to improving technician retention and certifications across the Ford and Lincoln networks. As the orchestrator of high-level coordination and strategic planning, this leader builds strong partnerships with dealers, technicians, vendors, and internal stakeholders to drive meaningful, measurable outcomes. The ideal candidate is both an operational expert and a forward-thinking innovator — someone who thrives on solving complex challenges, championing continuous improvement, and delivering real impact across a nationwide dealer network. This leader works collaboratively with cross-functional teams to break down barriers to entry — such as tool access and certification pathways — with an unwavering commitment to technician success and retention.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree
• 7+ years of experience in workforce strategy, field operations, or a related field
• 5+ years of experience managing multiple external vendor relationships simultaneously
• 5+ years of experience with a demonstrated track record in program development, implementation, and rollout
• 5+ years of experience gathering, interpreting, and synthesizing data into actionable business insights and recommendations
• 5+ years of experience with stakeholder management, and the ability to influence and engage across multiple levels of the organization
• Willingness and ability to travel as needed (approximately 30%)
• Valid U.S. Driver’s license required

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree
• Field-based experience preferred; familiarity with dealership Parts and Service operations is a plus
• Highly adaptable problem-solver, comfortable operating in ambiguous, evolving environments and shaping programs from the ground up
• Strong time management, prioritization, and organizational skills
• Event Management experience
• Automotive service or technical background desired
• Experience managing field and dealer concerns, including issue investigation, escalation handling, and exception management

Responsibilities

• Lead, coach, and inspire a high-performing recognition team and vendor partners to ensure exceptional execution and sustained performance
• Cultivate a culture of accountability, innovation, collaboration, and results-driven excellence
• Foster an environment that values feedback, adaptability, and continuous enhancement of technician experiences
• Design and drive comprehensive strategies for technician recognition, retention, and certification growth
• Align workforce initiatives with broader dealer network priorities and organizational goals
• Continuously evaluate and enhance recognition experiences to ensure programs remain engaging, impactful, and aligned with technician and dealer needs
• Champion innovative approaches that elevate technician engagement while balancing scalability, operational efficiency, and cost effectiveness
• Lead a highly data-centric approach to program management, using analytics to evaluate recognition effectiveness, technician engagement, dealer participation, financial performance, and overall program ROI
• Monitor and manage program budgets with a strong focus on fiscal responsibility, operational efficiency, and value creation
• Aggregate, analyze, and synthesize data across multiple systems to fuel informed decision-making and operational improvements
• Establish and evolve KPIs that measure not only participation and activity, but the overall quality, impact, and effectiveness of recognition initiatives
• Proactively identify trends, risks, and opportunities through rigorous data analysis, adjusting strategies and experiences based on feedback and measurable outcomes
• Craft clear, compelling narratives that translate complex operational and financial data into actionable insights and strategic recommendations for leadership and stakeholders
• Partner cross-functionally and with vendor partners to embed data insights into process design, program development, and long-term planning
• Drive a culture of data fluency and accountability, empowering teams at all levels to make informed, insight-driven decisions
• Use technician, dealer, and vendor feedback to continuously refine programs and improve the overall participant experience
• Build and deploy scalable, repeatable processes that drive consistency, efficiency, and measurable outcomes
• Lead communication strategies that ensure broad adoption and sustained execution across field teams
• Develop operational frameworks that support long-term program sustainability and continuous optimization
• Manage strategic vendor relationships with a sharp focus on performance, accountability, innovation, and return on investment
• Oversee service delivery excellence and lead Quarterly Business Reviews
• Own all aspects of vendor performance, contracts, and purchase orders related to recognition program delivery
• Develop and execute annual and long-term business plans aligned with organizational priorities
• Ensure cost-effective program delivery while maximizing return on investment and business impact
• Balance innovative program enhancements with responsible financial stewardship and measurable business outcomes

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