Vehicle Personalisation Manager Planning & Programming

Australia
Permanent
Full-time

8 days ago

Job Category: Ford Customer ServiceJob Description:About UsLead. Grow. Transform.Ford Australia is constantly evolving and innovating, committed to delivering smarter, more connected vehicles for all Australians, now and for generations to come.Looking ahead, Ford is excited about the future. With an expanding vehicle lineup, growing digital services, and a strong dealer network, they are well-positioned to support Australian businesses in new ways.As Australia's largest automotive OEM employer, we proudly have around 1,500 talented engineers, designers, and specialists working across five Victorian sites. Crucially, Australia is a key global development hub for Ford and their local design and engineering team lead the creation of vehicles including the Ranger, Ranger Raptor, and Everest models sold in around 180 markets worldwide.Why Ford?For a century, we've been a driving force across Australia, building a legacy that truly speaks for itself. Our iconic Mustang proudly holds its position as Australia's No. 1 Sports Car, while the versatile Everest has carved out its place as the No. 1 in its segment. Leading the way, the Ranger continues its rein as Australia's No. 1 Selling Vehicle.These remarkable achievements are a testament to our unwavering commitment to innovation and a customer-focused approach that has delivered success across our entire lineup, giving us so much to be excited about! But we believe we do more than just build award-winning vehicles-we build careers.Our employee benefits include;Discounted lease car options.Additional Leave days.Multiple Employee Resource Groups - Ford Pride, Women of Ford and Ford Empowering Diverse Abilities.Flexible Work Arrangements.Growth and development opportunities via internal and external training.Paid parental leave from day 1.Comprehensive Employee Assist Program.Wellness Programs including Free Flu Vaccinations and Health Checks.Paid volunteer days.About the RoleWe are seeking a highly driven and experienced Vehicle Personalization (VP) Program Manager, Australia & New Zealand to lead the successful launch of all Vehicle Personalization products, including Special Interest Packs, Ford Performance Parts, Genuine Ford, and Ford Licensed Accessories. This pivotal role is the key driver for meeting critical cost and timing targets across both Dealer and Production channel businesses in the AU & NZ markets.Utilizing the VP Planning system, you will be responsible for the end-to-end management of all VP product launches, from project kick-off
Program Start
through to Stock in Store. Your expertise will ensure the delivery of the right products, launched at the right time, while consistently achieving target costs for our customersReporting directly to VP Director of Demand Creation based in India, you will partner heavily with our Australian-based FCSD (Ford Customer Service Division) and Fleet Sales teams.This role is based on a hybrid arrangement, requiring four (4) days per week in our National Sales Company (NSC) office located in Richmond.Responsibilities:Program Management & Launch Leadership: Lead and manage Vehicle Personalization (VP) programs from program start through to launch and aftersales for IMG & Global markets.Dealer Channel Management: Collaborate closely with Market leads, VP Product Marketing, and VP Sales to define product requirements, cost targets, and timing for Dealer Channel launches, engaging with cross-functional teams (VP Purchasing, Engineering, PS&L, Suppliers etc) for successful execution.Production Channel Management: Work with Product Marketing, Product Development , Manufacturing, Sales Planning, and other cross-functional teams to ensure VP parts readiness for production builds.Program Planning & Tracking: Develop and manage program/work level plans, budget plans, and recovery plans, actively tracking program progress and critical paths.Cross-Functional Team Leadership: Chair and lead Program leadership meetings with cross-functional teams.Reporting & Escalation: Provide regular reports on program status and effectively escalate help requests or critical issues to higher management.Relationship Building: Develop and maintain strong working relationships with cross-functional and regional supporting teams across Product Development and Ford Customer Service Division environments.Global Coordination: Facilitate communication and collaboration across multiple time zones, including Europe, North America, South Africa, China, and IMG.Commodity Cycle Plan Maintenance: Maintain the commodity cycle plan for current + 2 years, including carryover studies (e.g., model year changes, bundle changes etc).Qualifications:About YouBachelor's degree in engineering or business management.Minimum of 10+ years of progressive experience in Program Management or Product DevelopmentExperience in product development for an OEM; knowledge of GPDS (Global Product Development System) is a significant advantage.Proven ability to lead and manage cross-functional teams (CFTs) in various capacities within Markets, Product Development, or Project Management (including experience with small-sized teams).Experience within the Marketing / Sales or FCSD (Ford Customer Service Division) business (e.g., as a Zonal Manager (Sales / Service) / Service Marketing / Product Planning ) is an added advantage.Lead with curiosity and look for ways to improve operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.Strong leadership, persuasive, and motivational skills to effectively manage inputs and outputs within a matrix and cross-departmental organization and achieve desired program results.A strong inclination towards business development, local market developments, and trends within Vehicle Personalization, Upfitting, and Overlanding business potential. Possesses a sound knowledge of business financials.Strong analytical skills with hands-on experience in data management. Experience with tools like Alteryx or QlikView for a data-driven approach is a plus.Communication & Negotiation: Excellent communication and negotiation skills, adept at interacting with diverse cross-functional teams such as Marketing, Legal, Engineering, and Management.Proficiency with project management tools; MS Project experience or PMP Certification is a plus.If you want to be a part of this challenging and rewarding transformation - Apply Now.Equal OpportunityFord Australia is committed to building an inclusive work environment and welcome applications from all qualified applicants. If you require any support or adjustments to the recruitment process, please contact our Inclusion and Talent Lead, .Candidates at the time of application must be legally authorized to work in Australia (relocation costs may be at the expense of the candidate/employee). Verification of employment eligibility in Australia will be required at the time of hire.---Applications will close on Friday 12 September 2025, however, please do not delay your application as interviews will commence before this date---

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