Software Sourcing Project Manager

We are the movers of the world and the makers of the future. We get up every day, roll up our sleeves and build a better world -- together. At Ford, we're all a part of something bigger than ourselves. Are you ready to change the way the world moves? 

Title: Software Sourcing Project Manager

About the job
Ford is redefining how it will build a better world for the future by creating a culture and opportunities where employees will capitalize on Ford's excellence in designing and building the most iconic products while also helping develop the future of world-class connected EVs. We will deliver at the speed of a startup, with a deep expertise in high-volume production. This is the opportunity of a lifetime. We call this new business focused on connected digital vehicles, Model e. 
At Model e, we were inspired by the success of small, purposeful Ford teams that developed the Mustang Mach-E SUV and F-150 Lightning™ pickup, as well as Ford's dedicated EV division in China. Similarly, dedicated teams within Model e will create the software platforms and fully networked vehicle architectures to support delightful, always-on and ever-improving vehicles and experiences. We are building a team of the world's best supply chain, software, electrical and automotive talent and turning them loose to create great electric vehicles and digital experiences for new generations of customers.

Responsibilities

In this position...
We're seeking a Software Sourcing Program Manager for Ford's in-vehicle needs to help us refine and scale our software / digital licenses management. You'll develop strategies for how we simplify and standardize the license management platform, build robust vendor relationships, proactively engaging with internal stakeholders to understand and address their procurement needs.
This role is based in Dearborn, MI. We use a hybrid work model of 3 days in the office per week.

What You'll Do...
Onboard, ramp-up, and become a valued contributing member of the Software Licensing team focusing in the areas of In-Vehicle licensing operations, and licensing purchase and renewals.
Licensing Operations - collaborate and resolve payment issues related to global in-vehicle software licenses by working (project manage) cross-functionally with Product Development/Engineering, Finance, India (SCBS) to ensure the Ford team is tracking, enabling reconciliation of reports, and if suppliers are under or overpaid, then assist by engaging with vendors to rectify the issue in an efficient manner.

Lead Licensing Management Platform strategy, roadmap, and implementation.

Licensing Purchase and Renewals – 1) use the ARIBA system for Indirect PO placement; 2) Work cross functionally the business owners, Product Development, Finance to ensure the correct payment to software suppliers
Be subject matter expert on current and future software features with potential impact on  licensing operations. Find and implement cost savings ideas.
Primary Liaison with internal stakeholders across various departments, understand their procurement needs, and ensure a streamlined procurement request and approval process to improve operational efficiency, fiscal discipline within Ford, and ensuring timely sourcing of software technology. 
Interact with key software suppliers to ensure alignment on features, cost, and renewals.
Drive the continuous improvement of processes with our global cross-functional teams.
Lead reporting and analytics initiatives within the software procurement domain, generating insightful reports and dashboards to monitor performance, identify trends, and support data-driven decision-making aligned with Supply Chain's financial and operational goals.
Deliver the Ford+ Plan.

Qualifications

You'll have...
Education: Bachelors Degree required or equivalent experience
Years of Experience: ~4 or more years of software supply chain/commodity management and/or software technical and/or product management experience in the Automotive, Electronics, or consumer industries. 
Strong analytical and data skills (manipulation, investigation, storytelling, drive decisions)
Negotiation skills/Navigate internally and externally in both offensive and defensive situations.
Strong Interpersonal skills and ability to effectively deal with Internal stakeholders to find creative solutions.
Supplier relationship management.
Strategic mentality and the ability to see the bigger picture.
Be a self-starter, motivated and be able to work independently; proactive and resourceful; comfortable with navigating ambiguity 
Proficient with Microsoft productivity tools (powerpoint, word, excel)

Even better, you may have...
Software development and/or software project management experience in any of these software areas: a) embedded, b) applications, c) data-as-a-service, d) software-as-a-service,
Purchasing and/or vendor management for software license production and renewals purchases
Proficient with Microsoft excel (pivot tables, etc) and analyzing data
Strategic and innovative thinking skills to streamline business, processes and resilience to manage change in a rapidly evolving environment.

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, then we would love to talk to you. We encourage you to apply!

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!
As an established global company, we offer the benefit of choice. You can choose what your Ford future will look like: will your story span the globe, or keep you close to home? Will your career be a deep dive into what you love, or a series of new teams and new skills? Will you be a leader, a changemaker, a technical expert, a culture builder…or all of the above? No matter what you choose, we offer a work life that works for you, including:
• Immediate medical, dental, vision and prescription drug coverage
• Flexible family care days, paid parental leave, new parent ramp-up programs, subsidized back-up child care and more
• Family building benefits including adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, fertility treatments, and more
• 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
• A generous schedule of paid holidays, including the week between Christmas and New Year's Day
• Paid time off and the option to purchase additional vacation time.

For more information on salary and benefits, click here: https://fordcareers.co/GSRnon-HTHD
This position is a range of salary grades SG6-SG8 .
Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
Candidates for positions with Ford Motor Company must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to a culturally diverse workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status or protected veteran status. In the United States, if you need a reasonable accommodation for the online application process due to a disability, please call 1-888-336-0660.

#LI-Hybrid   #LI-KH2
What You'll Do...
Onboard, ramp-up, and become a valued contributing member of the Software Licensing team focusing in the areas of In-Vehicle licensing operations, and licensing purchase and renewals.
Licensing Operations - collaborate and resolve payment issues related to global in-vehicle software licenses by working (project manage) cross-functionally with Product Development/Engineering, Finance, India (SCBS) to ensure the Ford team is tracking, enabling reconciliation of reports, and if suppliers are under or overpaid, then assist by engaging with vendors to rectify the issue in an efficient manner.

Lead Licensing Management Platform strategy, roadmap, and implementation.

Licensing Purchase and Renewals – 1) use the ARIBA system for Indirect PO placement; 2) Work cross functionally the business owners, Product Development, Finance to ensure the correct payment to software suppliers
Be subject matter expert on current and future software features with potential impact on  licensing operations. Find and implement cost savings ideas.
Primary Liaison with internal stakeholders across various departments, understand their procurement needs, and ensure a streamlined procurement request and approval process to improve operational efficiency, fiscal discipline within Ford, and ensuring timely sourcing of software technology. 
Interact with key software suppliers to ensure alignment on features, cost, and renewals.
Drive the continuous improvement of processes with our global cross-functional teams.
Lead reporting and analytics initiatives within the software procurement domain, generating insightful reports and dashboards to monitor performance, identify trends, and support data-driven decision-making aligned with Supply Chain's financial and operational goals.
Deliver the Ford+ Plan.

You'll have...
Education: Bachelors Degree required or equivalent experience
Years of Experience: ~4 or more years of software supply chain/commodity management and/or software technical and/or product management experience in the Automotive, Electronics, or consumer industries. 
Strong analytical and data skills (manipulation, investigation, storytelling, drive decisions)
Negotiation skills/Navigate internally and externally in both offensive and defensive situations.
Strong Interpersonal skills and ability to effectively deal with Internal stakeholders to find creative solutions.
Supplier relationship management.
Strategic mentality and the ability to see the bigger picture.
Be a self-starter, motivated and be able to work independently; proactive and resourceful; comfortable with navigating ambiguity 
Proficient with Microsoft productivity tools (powerpoint, word, excel)

Even better, you may have...
Software development and/or software project management experience in any of these software areas: a) embedded, b) applications, c) data-as-a-service, d) software-as-a-service,
Purchasing and/or vendor management for software license production and renewals purchases
Proficient with Microsoft excel (pivot tables, etc) and analyzing data
Strategic and innovative thinking skills to streamline business, processes and resilience to manage change in a rapidly evolving environment.