Specialist – Product Strategy

Ford Motor Company; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 600 000 - 800 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company is seeking a motivated individual to define profitability priorities and lead portfolio strategy for IMG markets. The role involves monitoring economic factors, developing product strategies, and collaborating with global teams to ensure regional needs are met. Ideal candidates will have strong leadership and analytical skills, along with a Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Business.

Qualifications

• Prior cycle planning, product planning & strategy experience is an advantage.
• Experience with Human-Centered Design and Strategic Choice Cascade framework.

Responsibilities

• Define IMG profitability priorities and lead portfolio strategy.
• Monitor emerging changes in safety, emissions and sustainability regulations.
• Liaise with global program, planning and cross-functional teams.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical Skills

Communication

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Business

Tools

JATO

TNS

NCBS

GPS

IHS

Job description

Job Description

• Strong interest in planning, advanced programs & product strategy
• Ability to work within a culturally and functionally diverse environment with teams across time zones
• Ability to work on complex, unstructured problems
• Impeccable integrity and prudence, good attitude and excellent interpersonal skills
• Excellent leadership, teaching and coaching skills
• Highly motivated, self-starter
• Demonstrated global business perspective

Responsibilities

• Define IMG profitability priorities, lead portfolio strategy for individual markets aligning with IMG portfolio and global strategies
• Define affordable, differentiated IMG portfolio with clear customer why-buys, while optimizing investments & maximizing profitability
• Develop broad market view, monitor micro/macro-economic factors, demographic & technology trends, competitive landscape and assess impact on IMG product strategy
• Investigate cross-market trade opportunities, FTAs including manufacturing footprint considerations and assess impact to Ford’s strategic direction
• Develop Product & PT Strategies and prioritization into Cycle Plan
• Monitor emerging changes in safety, emissions and sustainability regulations and define affordable compliance plans for the portfolio
• Define IMG Powertrain requirements, consistent with fuels, emissions, electrification incentives, local market requirements, including engine displacement taxes and duties
• Develop IMG market requirements into global technology planning, including local languages, apps, etc.
• Feed IMG insights/requirements, product and business PoV for senior leadership reviews
• Lead & manage IMG strategy rooms to foster stakeholder and leadership discussion/decisions
• Liaise effectively with global program, planning and cross-functional teams to ensure MEA/IMG requirements are effectively captured and global strategic direction considers regional needs
• Lead program and planning for IMG markets

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering and/or Business (highly desirable)
• Prior cycle planning, product planning & strategy experience is an advantage; finance or product marketing experience is desirable
• Strong teamwork skills with peers, cross-functionally, internationally, and with leadership
• Expert analytical, communication and presentation skills
• Experience with Human-Centered Design and Strategic Choice Cascade framework
• Proficiency with tools like JATO, TNS, NCBS, GPS, IHS, and market research (primary/secondary)
• Experience in planning for program gateways and leading gateway reviews

About Us

At Ford Motor Company, we believe freedom of movement drives human progress. With our plans for the future of mobility, we offer numerous opportunities to accelerate your career and help define tomorrow’s transportation.

About The Team

Ford Product Development utilizes Design Thinking & User Experience methods to deliver innovative products and services. Our teams focus on autonomy, electrification, and smart mobility technologies, working together globally to create smart vehicles for a smart world.