The SMRT Analyst plays a pivotal role in ensuring that Ford’s supply base is prepared, capable, and system-ready for vehicle launches, re-sourcing, and ongoing production. This role acts as a bridge between Ford and its suppliers, providing coaching on MMOG/LE requirements, managing launch readiness (LRR), and troubleshooting critical delivery issues. You will be responsible for driving supplier performance, conducting deep-dive system audits, and managing complex data to ensure a seamless supply chain.

Key Responsibilities:

Supplier Readiness & MMOG Endorsement:

• Engage with new suppliers immediately after sourcing agreement to assess manufacturing and logistics system readiness against MMOG/LE requirements through onsite evaluations.
• Coach and train both new and carry-over suppliers on MMOG endorsement expectations and Level A standards.
• Conduct feasibility audits (onsite and offsite) to identify gaps between current supplier capabilities and MMOG Level A requirements.
• Develop and establish detailed gap-closure timing plans and actively drive suppliers to meet endorsement milestones through regular onsite and virtual reviews.
• Perform comprehensive document reviews and validate supplier systems including ERP, MRP, MPS, WMS, EDI, Tier-2 EDI, and barcoding processes prior to MMOG endorsement.
• Monitor supplier progress and proactively escalate risks, delays, or non-compliance to Cross-Functional Teams (CFT) to secure timely support.
• Prepare and maintain structured management reports, track stage-wise readiness progress, and provide clear inputs to Purchasing, STA, and CFT forums.
• Ensure achievement of annual MMOG endorsement targets as defined by the people leader and organizational goals.

Launch Readiness Review (LRR) Execution:

• Trigger Launch Readiness Review (LRR) audit assessments via SuperG upon receipt of OTG from PPM, in alignment with the defined LRR process (typically 6 months prior to Job #1 / TT).
• Train and coach suppliers on LRR requirements and ensure timely completion of self-assessments and evidence submission in SuperG.
• Review supplier self-assessments and supporting documentation to identify readiness gaps.
• Develop detailed gap-closure action plans and drive suppliers to complete all actions on or before MP1 for the program launch

Resourcing & Localization Readiness Execution:

• Trigger resourcing audit assessments via SuperG upon receipt of Resourcing Work Message (RWM) from Purchasing, in accordance with the defined resourcing process.
• Train and coach suppliers on onboarding and resourcing requirements, ensuring timely completion of self-assessments and evidence submission in SuperG.
• Review supplier self-assessments and supporting documentation to identify readiness gaps.
• Develop structured gap-closure action plans and drive suppliers to complete all actions well before start of supply.
  Supplier Onboarding & System Enablement:
   
• Onboard new suppliers into MP&L digital platforms and ensure access to systems including Covisint, FSP, eDDL, Ascent, SuperG, SIM, GCP, MCPV, and NGVAS.
• Establish and validate EDI connectivity between the organization and suppliers for release transmission and ASN receipt.
• Work closely with suppliers to verify and validate ERP systems, ensuring robust MRP and MPS processes are in place to support production planning and release execution.
• Perform deep-dive assessments of supplier Tier-2 material ordering processes (MRP), logistics value stream mapping (VSM), and inventory management across pipeline, WIP, and in-plant stages.
• Validate Tier-2 capacity alignment with Tier-1 production requirements to ensure supply continuity.
• Train and onboard suppliers into ASCENT and ensure commitment compliance within defined cut-off timelines.
  Supply Chain & Tier-2 Readiness Validation:
   
• Analyze supplier delivery performance reports from SuperG to identify underperforming suppliers based on defined thresholds.
• Work with suppliers to perform root cause analysis, develop corrective action plans, and track recovery to improve delivery ratings above minimum requirements.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (CST, Purchasing, STA) to secure appropriate support and drive sustainable performance improvement.
• Provide fact-based recommendations to CFT regarding Q1 certification actions, including override or revocation.
• Analyze and process supplier delivery disputes in SuperG in a timely manner by validating issues and approving or rejecting disputes as per governance.
  Supplier Delivery Performance & Dispute Governance:
   
• Analyze data from multiple sources (Daily Production Reports, Plant MP&L inputs, SuperG, premium freight data, and proto teams) to identify production-critical suppliers.
• Lead root cause analysis with suppliers and define detailed, time-bound recovery action plans.
• Conduct in-depth onsite and remote reviews of supplier ERP, MRP, and MPS processes, inventory integrity (pipeline, WIP, in-plant), and Tier-2 capacity alignment.
• Be deployed onsite at supplier locations during crisis situations until system and physical issues are fully stabilized.
• Perform immediate onsite supplier reviews following production loss or line stoppages caused by suppliers.
• Prepare and submit structured daily, weekly, and monthly progress reports to management, highlighting risks, recovery status, and support required.
• Participate in cross-functional and leadership meetings to provide inputs and secure timely support for issue resolution.

Critical Supplier & Crisis Management:

• Analyze data from multiple sources (Daily Production Reports, Plant MP&L inputs, SuperG, premium freight data, and proto teams) to identify production-critical suppliers.
• Lead root cause analysis with suppliers and define detailed, time-bound recovery action plans.
• Conduct in-depth onsite and remote reviews of supplier ERP, MRP, and MPS processes, inventory integrity (pipeline, WIP, in-plant), and Tier-2 capacity alignment.
• Be deployed onsite at supplier locations during crisis situations until system and physical issues are fully stabilized.
• Perform immediate onsite supplier reviews following production loss or line stoppages caused by suppliers.
• Prepare and submit structured daily, weekly, and monthly progress reports to management, highlighting risks, recovery status, and support required.
• Participate in cross-functional and leadership meetings to provide inputs and secure timely support for issue resolution.

Strategic Skill Set Matrix

 

Technical Mastery

• MMOG/LE Expertise: Expert-level understanding of Global Materials Management Operations Guidelines.
• Systems Integration: Deep knowledge of ERP (SAP/Oracle), MRP, and EDI protocols.
• Ford Digital Suite: Proficiency (or the ability to quickly master) SuperG, Ascent, Covisint, FSP, and GCP.
• Supply Chain Engineering: Mastery of Inbound/Outbound logistics, VSM, Packaging, and Warehouse Management.

 

Analytical & Digital Skills

• Big Data Management: Ability to synthesize complex data from multiple sources into clear, actionable management strategies.
• Advanced MS Office: High proficiency in Excel (pivot tables, complex formulas) and PowerPoint for executive presentations.
• Techno-Innovation: A mindset for using digital tools to automate manual tracking and improve supply chain visibility.

 

Leadership & Behavioural Competencies

• Strategic Influence: Ability to "coach up" supplier leadership and influence Ford’s cross-functional partners (Purchasing, Engineering, STA).
• Resilience & Agility: The ability to remain calm and decisive during high-pressure production crises or "line-down" situations.
• Global Mindset: Comfortable working across different cultures and time zones, with the willingness to travel globally to supplier sites.
• Communication Excellence: Crystal-clear oral and written English skills for global reporting and onsite coaching.

 

Candidate Requirements

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, or Business. (A Master’s degree is a significant advantage).
• Experience: 3+ years in an automotive OEM or Tier 1 environment. We are looking for someone who has "lived" the manufacturing floor and understands the pressure of a vehicle launch.
• Mobility: Ready for moderate to high travel (sometimes on short notice) to Ford and supplier sites worldwide.