Manager - Material Planning & Logistics with AI and Digital Transformation

Ford Motor; Chennai; On-site; INR 2,500,000 - 4,500,000; Full time

Job summary

Ford Motor in Chennai is seeking a Manager MP&L - AI and Digital Transformation to lead the AI and innovation agenda for the Material Planning and Logistics function. You will collaborate with global teams to optimize inventory, improve BOM health, reduce costs, and strengthen supply chain resilience.

The role requires 8–12 years in SCM, strong AI/analytics experience in manufacturing, and the ability to translate complex problems into actionable roadmaps while driving governance and change

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, Operations Research, CS, Data Analytics, IT.
• 8–12 years of progressive experience in Supply Chain, Material Planning and Logistics.
• Proven experience delivering AI, analytics, automation, or digital transformation initiatives in manufacturing or automotive.
• Track record of moving AI/ML or advanced analytics projects from concept to production with measurable impact.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the AI and Innovation roadmap for MP&L aligned with enterprise objectives.
• Identify, evaluate and implement high-impact AI/ML, Generative AI, CV, IoT, and Digital Twins projects to optimize inventory and reduce costs.
• Establish KPIs to measure ROI and efficiency gains of deployed AI solutions.
• Champion innovation by piloting concepts and scaling successful solutions across the organization.
• Collaborate with Supply Chain, Purchasing, PD, Manufacturing, Quality, Finance IT, GDIA and external partners.
• Drive governance forums, monitor benefits and drive continuous improvement.
• Foster a data-driven, innovation-first culture and lead change management initiatives.

Skills

AI & Analytics

Supply Chain Strategy

Change Leadership

Agile Delivery

Executive Communication

Strategic Planning

Data Visualization

Cross-functional Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, Operations Research, Computer Science, Data Analytics, Information Technology

Master's degree preferred

Tools

SAP S/4HANA

WMS

TMS

MRP

AWS/Azure/GCP

Tableau/Power BI

SQL

Python/R

Job description

Manager MP&L - AI and Digital Transformation

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the AI and Innovation roadmap for MP&L department aligned with enterprise objectives.
• Identify, evaluate and implement high-impact projects where AI/ML, Generative AI, Computer Vision, IoT, and Digital Twins can optimize inventory levels, Improve BOM Health, reduce freight costs, mitigate supplier risks, and streamline material handling and improving operational performance.
• Establish metrics and key performance indicators (KPIs) to evaluate the business value, ROI, and operational efficiency gains of deployed AI solutions.
• Champion innovation by evaluating emerging technologies, piloting new concepts, and scaling successful solutions across the organization.
• Develop predictive and prescriptive analytics for demand forecasting, inventory optimization, material shortage prediction, supplier risk management, and logistics optimization.
• Collaborate with Supply Chain, Purchasing, PD, Manufacturing, Quality, Finance IT, GDIA and external partners to deliver innovative and scalable solutions.
• Drive utilizing the governance forums to monitor innovation initiatives and AI solutions, track business benefits and drive continuous improvement.
• Foster an innovation culture by promoting idea generation, facilitating innovation workshops, sharing best practices, and building AI and digital capabilities across the function.
• Serve as the MP&L liaison to external innovation ecosystems, including tech startups, university research labs, supply chain / logistics software vendors, and industry consortiums.
• Drive change management and training initiatives to foster a data-driven, innovation-first culture within the global MP&L organization.
• Apply Lean / Six Sigma principles alongside digital tools to eliminate waste, lower carbon footprints (sustainable logistics), and enhance supply chain resilience.

Technical Skills & Knowledge

• AI & Analytics: Practical understanding of machine learning algorithms (regression, classification, clustering, time-series forecasting), optimization modelling, deep learning, computer vision, and Generative AI applications.
• Supply Chain Systems: Expertise in modern ERP systems (SAP S/4HANA), Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), Transportation Management Systems (TMS), and Material Requirements Planning (MRP).
• Data & Cloud Platforms: Familiarity with cloud environments (AWS, Azure, or GCP), data visualization tools (Tableau, Power BI), and data processing architectures (SQL, Python/R capabilities).
• Emerging Tech: Exposure to IoT sensors, RFID tracking, Digital Twin simulation tools, Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs), and edge AI.

Strategic Thinking, Project Management, Stakeholder Management, Change Leadership, and Cross-functional Collaboration Soft Skills & Leadership Competencies

• Strategic Thinking: Ability to translate complex operational challenges into actionable AI technical roadmaps.
• Change Management: Proven ability to influence stakeholders at all levels, from plant floor operators to executive leadership.
• Agile Delivery: Experience working in Agile environments for software and product development.
• Communication : Exceptional storytelling and executive presentation skills with the ability to articulate technical AI concepts in clear business terms.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, Operations research, Computer Science, Data Analytics, Information Technology, or a related discipline; Master's degree preferred.
• 8–12 years of progressive experience in Supply Chain, Material Planning and Logistics areas.
• Demonstrated experience delivering AI, analytics, automation, or digital transformation initiatives in a manufacturing or automotive environment.
• Proven track record of taking AI/ML or advanced analytics projects from concept to production with measurable business impact.

Preferred Certifications (Plus)

• Certified in Production and Inventory Management or Certified Supply Chain Professional.
• Project Management Professional (PMP).
• Lean Six Sigma Green/Black Belt certification.
• AI/Data Science professional certifications (e.g., Azure AI Engineer, AWS Machine Learning Specialty).

Experience Level Mid Level