Technician Recognition Manager

Ford Motor Company; Allen Park (MI); Hybrid; USD 116,000 - 218,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision coverage

Vehicle discount program

Paid time off

Tuition assistance

Job summary

Ford Motor Company in the United States seeks a Technician Recognition Manager to lead recognition programs for about 50,000 technicians across Ford and Lincoln networks, focusing on retention and certification growth. This leadership role blends strategy, data analytics, vendor management, and cross-functional partnership to deliver engaging, cost-effective programs and measurable ROI.

The position requires strategic vision, collaboration with dealers, travel up to 30%, and a track record of

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• 7+ years of experience in workforce strategy, field operations, or related field.
• 5+ years managing multiple external vendor relationships.
• 5+ years developing, implementing, and rolling out programs.
• 5+ years translating data into actionable business insights and recommendations.

Responsibilities

• Lead a data-centric program management approach to measure ROI and engagement.
• Design and drive strategies for technician recognition, retention, and certification growth.
• Oversee vendor performance, contracts, and quarterly reviews.
• Develop scalable processes and broad adoption across field teams.
• Partner with vendors and cross-functional teams to embed insights into programs.

Skills

Leadership

Vendor management

Data analysis

Strategic planning

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Job description

We made history and now we work to transform the future – for our customers, our communities and our families. You'll see your work on the road every day, helping people move freely and pursue their dreams. At Ford, you can build more than vehicles. Come build what matters.

In this position...

The Technician Recognition Manager is a dynamic, strategic leader responsible for designing and executing impactful recognition programs that reach nearly 50,000 U.S. technicians — while simultaneously motivating dealers to achieve shared corporate objectives. This role is central to improving technician retention and certifications across the Ford and Lincoln networks.

What You'll Do...

Leadership & Development

• Lead, coach, and inspire a high-performing recognition team and vendor partners to ensure exceptional execution and sustained performance
• Cultivate a culture of accountability, innovation, collaboration, and results-driven excellence
• Foster an environment that values feedback, adaptability, and continuous enhancement of technician experiences

Strategy & Execution

• Design and drive comprehensive strategies for technician recognition, retention, and certification growth
• Align workforce initiatives with broader dealer network priorities and organizational goals
• Continuously evaluate and enhance recognition experiences to ensure programs remain engaging, impactful, and aligned with technician and dealer needs
• Champion innovative approaches that elevate technician engagement while balancing scalability, operational efficiency, and cost effectiveness

Data & Insights

• Lead a highly data-centric approach to program management, using analytics to evaluate recognition effectiveness, technician engagement, dealer participation, financial performance, and overall program ROI
• Monitor and manage program budgets with a strong focus on fiscal responsibility, operational efficiency, and value creation
• Aggregate, analyze, and synthesize data across multiple systems to fuel informed decision-making and operational improvements
• Establish and evolve KPIs that measure not only participation and activity, but the overall quality, impact, and effectiveness of recognition initiatives
• Proactively identify trends, risks, and opportunities through rigorous data analysis, adjusting strategies and experiences based on feedback and measurable outcomes
• Craft clear, compelling narratives that translate complex operational and financial data into actionable insights and strategic recommendations for leadership and stakeholders
• Partner cross-functionally and with vendor partners to embed data insights into process design, program development, and long-term planning
• Drive a culture of data fluency and accountability, empowering teams at all levels to make informed, insight-driven decisions
• Use technician, dealer, and vendor feedback to continuously refine programs and improve the overall participant experience

Process Development & Implementation

• Build and deploy scalable, repeatable processes that drive consistency, efficiency, and measurable outcomes
• Lead communication strategies that ensure broad adoption and sustained execution across field teams
• Develop operational frameworks that support long-term program sustainability and continuous optimization

Vendor Management

• Manage strategic vendor relationships with a sharp focus on performance, accountability, innovation, and return on investment
• Oversee service delivery excellence and lead Quarterly Business Reviews
• Own all aspects of vendor performance, contracts, and purchase orders related to recognition program delivery

Strategic Planning & Financial Management

• Develop and execute annual and long-term business plans aligned with organizational priorities
• Ensure cost-effective program delivery while maximizing return on investment and business impact
• Balance innovative program enhancements with responsible financial stewardship and measurable business outcomes

You'll have...

• Bachelor's degree
• 7+ years of experience in workforce strategy, field operations, or a related field
• 5+ years of experience managing multiple external vendor relationships simultaneously
• 5+ years of experience with a demonstrated track record in program development, implementation, and rollout
• 5+ years of experience gathering, interpreting, and synthesizing data into actionable business insights and recommendations
• 5+ years of experience with stakeholder management, and the ability to influence and engage across multiple levels of the organization
• Willingness and ability to travel as needed (approximately 30%)
• Valid U.S. Driver's license required

Even better, you may have...

• Master's degree
• Field-based experience preferred; familiarity with dealership Parts and Service operations is a plus
• Highly adaptable problem-solver, comfortable operating in ambiguous, evolving environments and shaping programs from the ground up
• Strong time management, prioritization, and organizational skills
• Event Management experience
• Automotive service or technical background desired
• Experience managing field and dealer concerns, including issue investigation, escalation handling, and exception management

Benefits

• 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.

This position is leadership level 6 and ranges from $115,500-$218,100.
Final determination of salary grade will be based on candidate's skills and experience, and base salary will be set within the applicable range according to job scope responsibility and competitive market value.
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. 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.
This position is hybrid. Candidates who are in commuting distance to a Ford hub location may be required to be onsite four or more days per week.