Program Specialist Jobs

About The Position

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, Project Management, Information Systems / Technology Management, or Data & Analytics and 5+ years experience.
• Advanced certification: Project Management Professional (PMP), Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, or equivalent experience.
• Demonstrated success in leading complex, large-scale programs from conception to closure, with specific expertise in managing technical engineering changes and ensuring DFMEA tracking and cross-functional cascading within an automotive or industrial manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct rigorous data analysis, identify root causes, and develop practical, data-driven solutions to intricate business challenges, leveraging various analytical tools and techniques.
• The capability to conceptualize complex systems, understand interdependencies across various functions, and develop long-term strategic roadmaps for transformation.
• Superior ability to articulate complex technical and business concepts clearly and concisely to diverse audiences, including executive leadership, and to influence cross-functional teams without direct authority.
• Proven ability to build strong relationships, foster collaboration, and drive alignment across various departments.

Nice To Haves

• Direct experience within Quality, Engineering, Advanced PD Planning, or Manufacturing in automotive/industrial transformation within a large-scale OEM or supplier.
• Systematically track Design Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (DFMEA) updates and ensure technical changes are effectively cascaded to all impacted cross-functional areas (e.g., Manufacturing, Quality, Purchasing). Manage the end-to-end communication loop to ensure transformation initiatives remain technically aligned and that downstream impacts are identified and mitigated in real-time.
• Familiarity with Ford's internal quality systems, product development processes (e.g., GPDS), and global manufacturing footprint.
• Experience in driving significant organizational change, overcoming resistance and ensuring successful adoption of new processes and initiatives across a large, complex organization.
• Experience leveraging advanced analytics, machine learning, or artificial intelligence.
• Global program management experience, working with diverse international teams and supply chains.
• Prior experience in a consulting role focused on operational efficiency, supply chain optimization, or integrated business planning within a large enterprise.
• Comfort with large data sets, various data systems, analytics platforms, and a foundational understanding of automotive product development, manufacturing processes, and vehicle systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic planning, execution, and oversight of complex, cross-functional process transformation initiatives within a dedicated functional area (e.g., Quality, Engineering, PD, or Manufacturing) aimed at optimizing global Industrial System operations.
• Conduct deep-dive analysis within your assigned functional area to identify milestone execution gaps, emerging issues, and significant opportunities for improved delivery and end-to-end integration.
• Collaborate extensively with diverse teams across the Industrial System to align strategies, build consensus, and implement integrated solutions that bridge functional silos.
• Define, track, and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) related to functional area efficiency, providing regular, insightful updates and data-driven recommendations to executive leadership.
• Coach and Mentor workstream leads on the adoption of the Transformation Project Management Framework (TPMF), ensuring consistent application of digital tools and methodology across the portfolio.
• Champion a culture of continuous improvement within your functional area, challenging existing paradigms and fostering innovative solutions to complex operational challenges throughout the organization.
• Demonstrate exceptional resilience and adaptability, effectively navigating ambiguous transformation requirements, managing competing priorities, and responding strategically to evolving business needs.
• Facilitate robust risk management (R.A.I.D. logs) and schedule mitigation strategies for all assigned programs, ensuring project health remains within tolerance through the effective resolution of impediments.
• Serving as a subject matter expert and TMO thought leader for your assigned functional area, influencing stakeholders at all levels to embrace and implement transformational changes.

Benefits

• Immediate medical, dental, and prescription drug coverage
• Flexible family care, parental leave, new parent ramp-up programs, subsidized back-up childcare 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.