Connectivity Launch & Operations Manager

This position is responsible for delivering enterprise and customer value through regional Connectivity Operations, the Ford App and Over-the-Air (OTA) capabilities across IMG. The role leads cross-functional planning, implementation, governance and ongoing operations, aligning regional market priorities with global product, technical and business teams.

Connectivity OperationsLead the regional connectivity business operations model across IMG, working in unison with regional and global business operations teams and representing IMG priorities to global go-to-market teams and senior Connectivity leadership.Own the identification, removal and resolution of technical issues that block or limit the delivery of IMG connectivity responsibilities and achievement of KPIs.Build and optimize operational processes with technical partners, quality teams, customer-facing support teams, regional business leads and market stakeholders, including operational financesOwn and deliver market sign-off for all Connected vehicles in all Connected markets within the region, including their relevant feature set and end-end functionalityProvide knowledge, leadership and resource support for broader connectivity studies, regional objectives and longer-term roadmap development and delivery.Ensure stakeholders are informed, aligned and engaged through timely, effective internal and external communications. Ford AppProvide regional operational and product leadership for the Ford (and Lincoln) App across relevant IMG markets, including co-ordination of specific market-focused regional delivery activities.Lead the implementation, Digital Product related go-to-market and ongoing operational support of the Ford App and associated digital customer touchpoints across IMG.Partner with Connectivity global strategy and portfolio teams, regional business leads and go-to-market teams to define Minimum Viable Product delivery scope for emerging markets and new IMG market launches.Manage complex cross-functional workstreams to deliver Ford App connected customer and vehicle experiences for market and App content expansion initiatives.Work with technical development teams to establish and improve end-to-end mobile application testing and validation processes.Lead the mobile application publishing process and regional app store releases for each IMG Ford Application.Act as the voice of the customer for mobile App releases by assessing issue and defect criticality and the potential impact on IMG customers and regional releasesServe as the IMG liaison between Connectivity Retail, regional Marketing, Sales and Service, business operations and go-to-market teams.Analyze customer feedback, engagement and app store ratings across regional platforms to identify and prioritize customer experience improvements. OTALead regional Over-The-Air planning, engineering, deployment and delivery activities across relevant IMG markets and skill teamsProvide input to and alignment with the global OTA Technical Program Management team and represent broader IMG Connectivity priorities in global OTA planning workstreamsLead regional Solution Train Engineering activities, including package releases, testing and delivery readinessLead In-Vehicle SW Updates (IVSU) feature delivery for Ranger vehicle lineRun regional OTA deployment activities, with focus on Ranger (and derivative) priorities and other key import products for relevant IMG marketsProvide governance and support for the OTA process, including partnering with teams whom own the customer experience and relevant legal and regulatory requirementsRepresent IMG in relevant global forums and OTA leadership callsLead timely internal and external OTA communications to appropriate stakeholders

Selection Criteria

10+ years of professional experience in software product ownership, software integration, project or program management, automotive engineering, manufacturing, information technology or a related fieldDemonstrated experience in leadership positions, driving cross-functional and cross-market teams toward common quality, delivery, program and business outcomesStrong project management, strategy, planning, analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage complex workstreams and aggressive timelinesKnowledge of connected vehicles, cloud-based systems, vehicle electrical architectures and electrical components; Ford App, mobile app or website development experience is considered an advantage.Experience with varying market needs, go-to-market delivery challenges, customer-facing digital products and operational support models.Understanding of agile methods, product backlog management and tools such as Jira, with the ability to adapt quickly in a fluid and changing environment.Outstanding communication, presentation, interpersonal and leadership skills across technical teams, support personnel, vendors, management, markets and global stakeholders.Customer-focused, creative and detail-oriented, with a passion for troubleshooting and gaining a deeper understanding of multiple technologies across a complex ecosystem.Self-directed learner with an interest in vehicle connectivity, digital application development practices and emerging industry trends.Candidates should be flexible with work hours due to time differences between IMG markets, Dearborn, Europe and other global teams.

Qualifications Required

Bachelor’s degree in Science, Electrical Engineering, Telecommunication Engineering, Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Business, Commerce or Project ManagementA Master’s degree or double degree is preferred