Prototype Strategy and Planning Manager

**What you'll do...**

We are seeking a highly skilled Prototype Strategy and Planning Manager to join our team in Campbellfield, Victoria. Reporting to the Quality Director for Australia and New Zealand, you will be responsible for the strategic planning and development of new vehicle launches, from initial design concept to manufacturing plant launch.

You will lead a team of engineers, overseeing the assembly of pre-production prototype vehicles for rigorous testing and validation, ensuring disciplined execution of Launch Quality Operation Systems (LQOS) for all launches. This is a unique opportunity to shape one of the largest automotive engineering communities in Victoria and play an integral role in building the next generation of Ford vehicles, working with a diverse range of global stakeholders.

The role will be based full time onsite at our New Model Program Plant in Campbellfield next to our International Market Group Product Development Head Office. Plant hours of operation are from 7:00am until 3:30pm.

**You'll have...**
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering.
- Min. 8 years of experience as a Project manager, working on complex and large-scale projects. (Automotive experience beneficial) with proven ability to meet key deliverables.
- Effective communication, negotiation, and related skills.
- Proven analysis skills to identify solutions that provide measurable business value.

Prototype Program Management experience

**You may not check every box, or your experience may look a little different from what we've outlined, but if you think you can bring value to Ford Motor Company, we**

**encourage you to apply**

**About us**

As the world changes, we will continue to adapt and lead change. That’s why we’re evolving to focus on services, experiences and software that will continue to power the freedom of movement for all Australians, for now, and for generations to come.

Having operated in Australia for almost 100 years, Ford Australia is a household name synonymous with iconic products. Today, our Product Development team plan, design, develop and test vehicles for global markets, including the award-winning Ranger and Everest. Our National Sales Company team provide marketing, sales and service expertise, supporting our national dealer network, with focus on providing amazing customer experiences.

Some of our many employee benefits are listed below;
- Extra days leave
- Discounted Vehicle lease schemes
- Multiple Employee Resource Groups - Ford Pride, Women of Ford and Ford Empowering Diverse Abilities
- Opportunities for growth and personal development through external/internal training programs
- Paid parental leave.
- Paid volunteer Days.

**Equal Opportunity**

As part of our commitment to driving equity and inclusion for all, we are now recognised by WGEA as an Employer of Choice for Gender Equality.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and all effort will be made to ensure diverse interviewers.**Main Responsibilities**
- Prototype Planning: Manage 40-week prototype planning processes, ensuring LQOS adherence, timely deliverables, and readiness reviews.
- Build Execution: Oversee build planning and execution, ensuring program deliverables are met.
- Resource Allocation: Manage resource planning to support prototype and National Sales Company programs.
- Process Engineering: Oversee vehicle assembly process engineering, identifying facility and tooling requirements.
- Quality Control: Develop and execute quality control plans.
- Cross-Functional Alignment: Ensure alignment of cross-functional teams (PD, VEV, VOME) with program milestones and deliverables.
- Budget Management: Manage the New Model Program budget, optimize resources and processes, and proactively identify cost savings while ensuring quality control.
- Team Leadership & Development: Ability to foster a high-performing team through skill and leadership development, driving alignment across cross functional teams (PD, VEV, VOME).
- Co-ordinate the actions of the site maintenance team and lead project development and implementation.