Analyst, Vehicle Planning at Ford

The Product Planning Analyst plays a critical role in defining the future of our vehicle lineup. You will sit at the intersection of Market Research, Engineering, Finance, Manufacturing, Purchase and Design to help determine the scope of the next program.
This role is foundational to the "Ford+" plan, ensuring our vehicles—whether Internal Combustion Engine (ICE), Hybrid, or Electric (EV)—meet customer needs while achieving business profitability.

• Education:

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Economics, Engineering, or a related quantitative field.

• Analytical Skills:

Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, VLOOKUPs) and Artificial intelligence domain.

• Data Tools:

Experience with data visualization tools such as Tableau, Power BI, or Alteryx.

• Strategic Mindset:

Ability to think 5–10 years into the future while managing the constraints of today’s manufacturing environment.

• Communication:

Ability to translate complex data into a compelling narrative for diverse stakeholders.

• Customer Centricity:

A passion for understanding user pain points and translating them into hardware and software solutions.

• Agility:

Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment where market conditions and technology shift rapidly.

• Lead the Pre-PS cadence:

Coordinate weekly meetings with cross-functional teams to ensure all deliverables are "Green" for the next GPDS gate.

• Market & Competitive Intelligence:

Monitor and analyze automotive industry trends, competitor product launches, and emerging technologies (e.g., ADAS, software-defined vehicles).

• Lifecycle Management:

Support the planning of "Minor Changes" (facelifts) and "Major Programs" (all-new platforms) to ensure the portfolio remains fresh and competitive.

• Product Definition:

Assist in defining vehicle attributes, including performance targets, dimensions, technology suites, and trim level strategies.

• Financial Analysis:

Partner with Finance to evaluate the business case for new programs.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration:

Act as a liaison between Engineering (to understand technical constraints), Design (to ensure brand DNA), and Marketing (to align with customer profiles).

• Lead the Pre-PS cadence:

Coordinate weekly meetings with cross-functional teams to ensure program is health and key issues are addressed.

• Executive Briefing:

Prepare clear, concise presentations for senior leadership to support milestones approvals.