Director, MaterialVehicle Logistics & Customs IT

Ford is in the middle of Supply Chain Transformation. One of the key focus areas to enable this transformation is optimized planning & execution of our logistics network along with proactive management of customs/duty/tariff regulations to drive supply assurance in support of demand for our world-leading products.

Ford is seeking an experienced strategic and hands-on Director Material/Vehicle Logistics & Customs IT. In this critical role you will own the end-to-end strategy delivery implementation and maintenance of the digital products powering Fords global supply chain. This role will help drive the solutions for inbound material logistics finished vehicle logistics intralogistics of parts/vehicles across Ford facilities and customs this includes network planning transportation management end-to-end visibility yard/compound logistics global trade compliance and integration with warehouse management capabilities.

Specifically this role will

• Be the global Enterprise Technology face off for Inbound materials finished vehicle distribution & customs compliance business functions
• Be accountable for technical and operational excellence of portfolio delivery of IT investments and production support.
• Own and manage delivery of IT investments: governance budgets contracts reviews feasibility cost benefit analysis prioritization initiation execution and closure.
• Develop strategy and explore future technologies powering material and vehicle logistics transformation
• Adopt an AI-First mindset and leading cloud offerings to modernize the portfolio (replacing legacy/ mainframe technologies) and innovate extensively to solve business problems
• Drive technical integration of portfolio and ensure seamless interoperability across ecosystem to provide best in class user experience.

What youll be able to do:

• Define and evangelize the multi-year product roadmap for Fords global logistics and trade compliance platforms aligning closely with Material Planning & Logistics (MP&L) and plant operations
• Guide product and integration teams across full lifecycle of a diverse application portfolio driving transportation network planning multi-modal visibility of materials and vehicles distribution yard/compound management trade compliance and other associated core supply chain execution functions
• Lead mentor and coach a global team of product managers and engineers fostering a culture of agile excellence and continuous improvement. Optimize resource footprint to take advantage of talents globally and across Ford and technology partners
• Ensure delivery is managed effectively using Agile delivery and portfolio management practices. Drive the migration of legacy mainframe and on-premise systems to modern scalable cloud environments (e.g. Google Cloud Platform) and industry-leading SaaS/COTS platforms.
• Partner with legal and trade compliance teams to ensure systems meet strict global import/export standards tariff classifications and trade agreements (e.g. USMCA).
• Apply a broad understanding of Ford enterprise architecture and technology standards to guide solutions/services
• Work together effectively with senior management business partners suppliers and internal IT partners ensuring high availability security and performance of mission-critical logistics systems
• Ensure that financial targets are met for operating budget and new investments.
• Lead mentor and coach a global team of product managers and engineers fostering a culture of agile excellence and continuous improvement

Minimum Requirements we seek:

• Bachelors degree in Computer Science Supply Chain Management or Information Systems or relevant experience
• At least 10 years of progressive responsibilities within technology and software functions
• Direct experience managing or implementing IT systems in at least two of the following areas:
  • Inbound Material Logistics (transportation mgmt. yard mgmt. control tower).
  • Outbound/Finished Vehicle Logistics (transportation mgmt. yard mgmt. damage mgmt.)
  • Customs Compliance & Global Trade (import/export clearance duty drawback classification solicitation).
• Strong vendor management skills to engage with SaaS platform as well as services providers
• Hands-on experience in multiple roles across the spectrum of the lifecycle of applications and/or technologies.
• Demonstrated experience of having delivered AI-enabled solutions with cloud-native technologies including ability to implement AI tooling at every phase of software development lifecycle with a large team of engineers.
• Familiarity with cloud architectures (Google Cloud Platform preferred) API-driven integrations. Exposure Gemini Enterprise Agent Platform.
• Knowledge of tracking technologies like RFID BLE GPS or Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) in a logistics environment will be a plus.

Other expected experiences:

Enterprise Technology Partner Management

• Ability to interact extensively with and influence senior business leaders technology partners and software platform & services providers.
• Implementation experience with multiple delivery models including supplier-led engagements SaaS solutions strong supplier management skills and effective contract-negotiation skills.

Communication

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively with all levels of management in varying areas of business and enterprise technology
• Strong interpersonal skills demonstrating professionalism in all actions.

Functional & Technical

• Experience with global team development and building knowledge and capability.
• Management skills/experience and independent decision-making skills.
• Develop and maintain strong knowledge of the business functional areas for Supply Chain including logistics
• Technical excellence in software design development and deployment.

Program/Project Management

• Demonstrated ability to deliver on project commitments through leadership rigorous execution teamwork strategic planning/scheduling problem analysis resolution and productivity improvements.
• Agile delivery methodologies and Product Driven Organization implementation.
• Manage portfolio level financials & budgets and guide regular financial reporting for the portfolio and major development projects