STA Director, Interior

As the Global Commodity Leader of the Supplier Technical Assistance (STA), you will be instrumental in crafting the future of our STA organization. We are seeking a proven, passionate & energetic Supplier Quality & Development Leader. This role involves partnering with Engineering, Purchasing, Supply Chain, Quality and Manufacturing stakeholders to enable the required Supplier network needed to support our strategic plans. You will bridge the present and the future, optimizing and improving Supplier Performance. 

The Ford Supplier Technical Assistance (STA) team is a critical driver of quality, efficiency and growth for the entire Supply Chain organization. As part of the STA organization, you will help us accomplish our winning aspiration to: deliver Ford+ by ensuring best in class quality & delivery with our Supplier Partner network, through flawless execution of new product and best in class quality for current models.

This role is based in Dearborn, MI and will require up to 50% travel. Relocation assistance is available. 

• Partner with STA leadership and stakeholders to develop and implement the comprehensive Global Commodity Supplier Quality Strategies.

• Lead the integration of Commodity Site and Technical Core areas within the STA organization, and key R&Rs which include:

  • Executing APQP to achieve high quality & integrity of PPAP

  • Flawless Launches at assigned supplier sites, collaborating with Launch STA team

  • Represent STA in Global Sourcing ensuring strategic alignment to sourcing strategy

  • Driving continuous improvement in manufacturing excellence through Ford’s Q1-and in accordance with AIAG & IATF 16949 

  • Maintain, Develop & Evolve Commodity Base PFMEA & Control Plans

  • Deliver Lean Manufacturing, Quality Principles, and Industrialization in support of Design to Target (delivering Job 1 Cost).

  • Ensure GTDS Engagement, Industrialization Plans and Global lessons learned and prevent recurrence.

• Support all key strategic priorities related to quality, delivery, cost and future program execution. 

• Utilize strong data analytic skills to optimize value, improve quality, delivery, and cost across the organization.

Minimum requirements:

• Bachelor of Science / Engineering or academic equivalent, MBA / MS preferred.

• 10+ years of Engineering/Quality/SQ, Commodity – related experience in Automotive

Preferred qualifications

• Must be a proven change agent – able to challenge status quo and lead transformation

• Operational experience in Manufacturing processes and process control.

• Strong business acumen to be effective at driving transformations and change management.

• Critical thinking skills with the ability to identify gaps and propose innovative, fit for purpose solutions.

• Proficiency in data analytics and its application for continuous improvement in Supply Chain

• Excellent communication skills, capable of translating complex supply chain requirements into feasible solutions and articulate proper impact to business for Senior Leadership.

• Strong Transformational Leadership skills and team management experience. 

• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external key stakeholders.