VA & AE Strategic Business and Operations Manager

Ford Motor Company

. Serve as a strategic partner, operational integrator, and proxy for VA&AE .

Posted 11/11/2026full-timeDearborn • Michigan • United StatesSeniorLead💰 $141,700 - $268,300 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in program management and business operations, with a strong focus on Engineering Efficiency and strategic alignment across cross-functional teams. Proven ability to lead organizational initiatives, optimize performance metrics, and facilitate communication between senior leadership and operational teams.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Program ManagementEngineering EfficiencyLeadership SkillsBusiness Strategy ImplementationCross-Functional Collaboration

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Vehicle ArchitectureAnalytical Engineering ProcessesPerformance MonitoringKPI DevelopmentResource PlanningContinuous ImprovementTechnical RigorDocumentation ManagementOperational IntegrationStrategic Planning

Soft Skills

Exceptional CommunicationHigh InitiativeIndependent WorkProblem-SolvingCollaboration

Certifications & Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree in EngineeringMBA or Advanced Degree Preferred

Industry Keywords

VA&AEIT/SoftwareFinanceSupply ChainManufacturingOrganizational CultureCross-Functional OrganizationGlobal OperationsAuditsControl Tests

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Serve as a strategic partner, operational integrator, and proxy for VA&AE
Represent VA&AE interests across IT/Software, VHE, Program Management, Finance, Supply Chain, and Manufacturing
Orchestrate communication strategy and coordinate high-stakes mass communications and organizational updates
Facilitate feedback between Chief/Directors and Director/VP levels
Lead high-priority VP initiatives focused on Engineering Efficiency
Define annual targets and execute plans to optimize results
Translate ELT objectives into actionable multi-year functional plans
Establish a rigorous review cadence to monitor progress
Lead organizational culture initiatives and structural changes, including headcount optimization and resource planning
Develop annual objectives and KPIs and manage performance monitoring and reporting
Define and maintain Engineering Roles & Responsibilities, Functional Action Plans, and critical documentation
Oversee GPDS T04 and FEDE management
Lead internal VA&AE audits focused on engineering discipline and technical rigor
Serve as SPoC for the Office of General Counsel, external audits, and control test audits
Lead cross-functional problem-solving initiatives to remove roadblocks
Identify and implement continuous improvement opportunities in business operations and engineering delivery cycles
Report directly to the Director of VA&AE

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Business or related field
8-10 years of progressive or equivalent combination of relevant education and experience
Progressive responsibilities in program management and related business operations roles
Experience implementing business strategy for organizations of significant scope, generating roadmaps, and overseeing implementation
Well-developed technical and business acumen in Vehicle Architecture, Analytical and Attribute Engineering Processes and strategy
MBA or other advanced degree in a related engineering or business field preferred
Exceptional leadership and communication skills
Experience presenting and driving alignment with senior-level management
High degree of initiative, independent work, and confidence
Ability to work collaboratively and navigate complex decision-making in a fast-paced environment
Self-driven to research and investigate new concepts to solve difficult problems
Experience dealing with a cross-functional organization globally
Must be legally authorized to work in the United States

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
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
Paid holidays, including between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day
Visa sponsorship available