The purpose of this role is to proactively mitigate supply chain risks that could potentially impact Ford Motor Company’s manufacturing operations. You will lead a team of highly motivated individuals dedicated to resolving a caseload of operationally and financially distressed production suppliers. This position demands a strategic thinker who can develop and deliver robust risk mitigation strategies aimed at protecting Ford’s Vehicle and Powertrain production plants. You will be instrumental in executing interim and permanent corrective actions with suppliers to ensure a resilient supply signal to Ford Motor Company, ensuring alignment with Ford’s Supply Chain Organization's strategic business objectives. Your ability to communicate effectively across all levels of the organization, both within the function and with other functions and suppliers, will be paramount to your success.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Supply Chain, Business Administration, or a related field.
• 8+ years of working experience in Manufacturing Operations, with Supply Chain experience strongly preferred.
• 3+ years of Managerial / People Leader experience.
• Ability to speak and write fluently in English to effectively communicate with global teams.
• A strong understanding of manufacturing processes, throughput, and program management is required.
• Ability to prepare and present material effectively to Senior Leadership.
• High level of analytical ability for unusual, difficult, or complex problems.
• Ability to lead problem-solving activities and manage resolution targets.
• Ability to handle multiple time-sensitive and urgent matters, anticipating business needs and comfortably dealing with ambiguity.
• Ability to assess complex supply chain issues, lead cross-functional teams, and develop creative solutions to minimize vehicle production losses.
• Proficient computer skills, including MS Suite/Excel.
• Ability to travel up to 75% to supplier plant locations for onsite support of operationally distressed suppliers; must be available on weekends as required.
• Ability to be flexible and, at times, work extended and non-core hours to ensure issues are resolved.
• Self-motivated, independent, and resourceful; able to anticipate business needs and comfortable dealing with ambiguit

Preferred Qualifications:

• Understanding of Safe Launch, APQP, PPAP, and Industrialization processes.
• Familiarity with Ford Systems knowledge, including CMMS, VPP, OTG, and WERS.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership & Team Management:

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of Supply Operations Specialists, fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
• Support the overall growth and development of the Supply Operations Team (SOT) function, consistent with the ONE Ford initiative and Ford OS Leadership Behaviors.
• Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for the SOT, ensuring effective alignment with organizational goals and holding team members accountable for meeting targets.
• Provide high-level, concise reporting to senior management regarding supply chain performance, challenges, and recommended actions.
• Provide coaching and counseling to direct reports (3-4) to develop the next generation of leaders, fostering key talent and managing succession plans.
• Establish appropriate staffing levels in accordance with the global headcount model and embrace diversity within all aspects of the business.

Risk Mitigation & Crisis Management:

• Oversee the resolution of highly complex supplier issues that pose an imminent threat to production.
• Direct the team responsible for engaging suppliers classified as “no confidence” through robust reviews (“Look-See” / Assessment) and those classified as “imminent risk to disrupt” Ford Manufacturing by developing comprehensive stabilization plans (“Way Forward”).
• Collaborate cross-functionally within Ford to ensure alignment of resources around the critical goal of "No Lost Units" due to supply disruptions.
• Develop and implement proactive crisis management plans to respond effectively to supplier-related disruptions or emergencies, ensuring vehicle/powertrain production remains uninterrupted.
• Lead and support the execution of comprehensive risk mitigation plans, ensuring supply risk is effectively minimized.

Operational Excellence & Collaboration:

• Ensure seamless "Supply Signals" pass through the Control Tower, reviewing and conveying operational challenges back to the Control Tower.
• Direct teams to collaborate with supplier partners to drive innovation and process improvements that positively affect supplier performance and help deliver "No Lost Units."
• Work closely with our supply base to guarantee uninterrupted supply for North American Vehicle and Powertrain production.
• Direct the team with respect to the Business Transfer process, assigning roles and responsibilities to SOT Senior Operations Specialists and Operations Specialists.
• Build strong relationships with other functions, joint venture partners, and external suppliers to foster a collaborative environment.

Compliance & Advocacy:

• Ensure the team's compliance with company policies, best practices, and audit requirements.
• Advocate and champion the use of standardized work processes and methodologies across the function.