Chief Global Program Operations And Transformation Officer

About Us
We constantly evolve and innovate, committed to delivering smarter, more connected vehicles for all Australians, now and for generations to come.
With an expanding vehicle lineup, growing digital services, and a strong dealer network, we are well-positioned to support Australian businesses in new ways.
We have around 1,500 talented engineers, designers, and specialists working across five Victorian sites.
Australia is a key global development hub for us, and our local design and engineering team leads the creation of vehicles including the Ranger, Ranger Raptor, and Everest models sold in around 180 markets worldwide.
Why Choose Us?
For a century, we've been a driving force across Australia, building a legacy that truly speaks for itself.
Our iconic Mustang proudly holds its position as Australia's No. 1 Sports Car, while the versatile Everest has carved out its place as the No. 1 in its segment.
The Ranger continues its reign as Australia's No. 1 Selling Vehicle.
These remarkable achievements are a testament to our unwavering commitment to innovation and a customer-focused approach that has delivered success across our entire lineup.
But we believe we do more than just build award-winning vehicles—we build careers.
We offer:
Complimentary vehicle and discounted lease car options.
Multiple Employee Resource Groups – Ford Pride, Women of Ford and Ford Empowering Diverse Abilities.
Flexible Work Arrangements.
Growth and development opportunities via internal and external training.
Paid parental leave from day 1.
Comprehensive Employee Assist Program.
Wellness Programs including Free Flu Vaccinations and Health Checks.
Paid volunteer days.
About The Role
This is a pivotal senior leadership role at the heart of our global truck success.
As the Global Program Operations and Transformation Chief, you will drive the future of our iconic T6 programs (Ranger and Everest) from our International Market Groups (IMG) Product Development hub in Broadmeadows, Australia.
This is a unique opportunity to shape the strategic direction and operational excellence of commercially vital global programs.
You will inspire and lead the dedicated Core Programs Team across the IMG region, forging powerful partnerships to revolutionize operations.
Your mission will be to drive Cost and Waste strategies, simplify day-to-day processes for peak efficiency, and ensure the flawless, accelerated delivery of critical program milestones.
This senior position is instrumental in masterminding the efficient management of complex program workstreams and empowering team resources for optimized execution.
This role operates on a hybrid arrangement, requiring four days per week in our Broadmeadows office.
Global Program Operations & Transformation: Serve as the lead for Core Program Management and Global Product Development Systems (GPDS) for the T6 platform, acting as the key interface with the global Core Program team.
Lead the development and execution of innovative tools and processes, including unique solutions for the T6 program and contributing to global development initiatives to meet the complex requirements of a global program.
Drive the transformation of how programs are tracked and delivered, including the strategic deployment of AI technologies.
Strategic Business & Program Management: Lead the operational governance and efficiency transformation for the T6 Hub, ensuring streamlined processes.
Establish, track, and report on key Program Management Metrics (PM Metrics) to monitor program performance against corporate targets, driving accountability and continuous improvement.
Manage the critical T6 meeting cadences, including Product, Quality, and Cost Gemba sessions, and oversee T6 Hub Room operations and Product Day (leveraging digital tools like Miro and AI technology).
Lead IMG Product Development communications and strategic events, such as power-up sessions and town halls.
Financial & Resource Stewardship: Drive business operations and vehicle line strategies, including new business development.
Manage T6 Lifecycle Gross Margin and Total Cost, analyzing performance by carline, region, and plant.
Lead talent management within the T6 team, including budget, staffing, performance reviews, and resource allocation.
Strategically align business requirements with team members' personal development needs to foster a high-performing culture.
Manage Assistant Chief Program Engineers (ACPEs), serving as the crucial interface between ACPEs and various markets, balancing market demands with business execution to meet corporate EBIT targets.
Lead design cost reduction efforts for the segment, utilizing benchmarking and competitive analysis.
Collaborate with tax analysts to facilitate the annual R&D tax submission process for Australia.
Cross-Vehicle Strategy & Innovation: Champion complexity reduction across markets and programs, from upfront program setting to waste management in production.
Lead the strategy and implementation of cross-carline technologies.
Serve as the program lead for minor programs and drive key learnings to inform future programs.
Focus on specific cross-program initiatives, including the T6 Accessories Business Model and driving innovation.
About You
Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, or a related field is required.
A Master's degree (e.g., MBA or relevant advanced engineering degree) is highly preferred.
Proven track record of success in senior leadership roles within global product development, program management, or business operations, preferably within the automotive or a related complex manufacturing industry.
Extensive experience (15+ years) leading large-scale, complex global programs from conception through launch and lifecycle management.
Demonstrated ability to drive strategic initiatives and deliver results in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
Deep expertise in process optimization, operational efficiency, and driving significant cost and waste reduction initiatives.
Experience in leading and implementing transformational changes in tools, processes, and methodologies, including the successful deployment of digital and AI technologies.
Excellent analytical skills with the ability to establish, track, and drive performance against key metrics and corporate targets.
Comprehensive financial expertise, encompassing gross margin management, cost reduction strategies, and robust budget oversight.
Experience in business development and identifying new opportunities within a vehicle line or product segment.
A highly collaborative leader with a proven ability to inspire, develop, and manage high-performing global teams across multiple functions and time zones.
Exceptional communication, negotiation, and influencing skills, capable of effectively engaging with and presenting to executive leadership, internal stakeholders, and external partners.