System Manager

Ford Motor Company

. Lead the integrated Interior Systems view for assigned forward-model programs across Seats, Restraints, Cockpit, and Trim .

Posted 10/28/2026full-timeDearborn • Michigan • United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $115,500 - $218,100 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in leading integrated Interior Systems for automotive programs, with a strong focus on system-level metric tracking, project management, and cross-functional collaboration. Proficient in managing vehicle development processes and ensuring manufacturing readiness while driving efficiency initiatives.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Automotive Product DevelopmentInterior Systems ExperienceProject LeadershipAnalytical SkillsCross-Functional Team Collaboration

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

System-Level Target ManagementSourcing and Delivery TrackingManufacturing ReadinessPart-Count ReductionComplexity Reduction Initiatives

Soft Skills

Communication SkillsIssue ResolutionPriority ManagementAlignment Building

Tools & Technologies

PDPFEDEDPAAPQPPPAPTKOBPR

Industry Keywords

Interior SystemsSeatsRestraintsCockpitTrimForward-Model ProgramsVehicle Development Processes

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead the integrated Interior Systems view for assigned forward-model programs across Seats, Restraints, Cockpit, and Trim
Own system-level metric tracking and reporting for cost, weight, sourcing, delivery, timing, and quality
Prepare and lead Interior Systems status reporting for Business Performance Reviews, including progress, risks, and required decisions
Drive resolution of technical, packaging, cost, content, and timing issues with DREs and cross-functional stakeholders
Guide system-level trade-offs involving interior content and design to support vehicle targets, design intent, and price-class positioning
Lead part-count reduction and other complexity or efficiency initiatives
Coordinate Interior Systems delivery plans, production-tooled build and pre-DCV testing dates, TKO glidepaths, and Sign-Off reviews
Monitor APQP and PPAP status and raise manufacturing-readiness risks
Support Matched Pair decisions and other program decisions protecting component delivery plans and milestones
Guide DREs in delivering components to target while maintaining the integrated system glidepath, including SOW and FEDE maintenance
Promote disciplined use of program processes and tools and share lessons learned across programs
Coordinate subsystem work, surface and resolve issues, inform stakeholders of status and risks, align cross-functional partners, and escalate milestone risks

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a closely related technical field
Experience in automotive product development, preferably in one or more Interior Systems areas: Seats, Restraints, Cockpit, or Trim
Experience leading projects, programs, or cross-functional teams, including driving action and issue resolution without direct reporting authority
Understanding of vehicle development processes and program timing, deliverables, and readiness expectations
Strong analytical and communication skills, including the ability to synthesize information from multiple subsystems into a clear status and recommendations for leaders
Ability to manage competing priorities, build alignment across teams, and escalate risks appropriately
Experience supporting forward-model vehicle programs or early-stage vehicle development
Familiarity with Ford product development processes and systems, including PDP, FEDE, DPA, APQP, PPAP, TKO, and BPR
Experience with system-level target management, sourcing and delivery tracking, or manufacturing readiness
Experience with interior content or price-class differentiation, part-count reduction, or other complexity-reduction initiatives
Experience working with global teams, suppliers, DREs, or vehicle program organizations
Schedule flexibility to work outside normal business hours to coordinate with global teams
Must be legally authorized to work in the United States
Visa sponsorship is not available

Benefits

Comp & perks

Immediate medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage
Paid parental leave
New parent ramp-up programs
Subsidized back-up child care
Family building benefits including adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement and fertility treatments
Vehicle discount program for employees and family members and management leases
Tuition assistance
Established and active employee resource groups
Paid time off for individual and team community service
Generous vacation time, sick/personal time, and paid holidays, including between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day