At FordDirect, our emphasis on diversity is much more than words. We encourage you to be yourself. We open our minds and doors to all walks of life, respecting and celebrating the uniqueness within each of us. We value the voice and contributions of all team members.

THE DIVERSITY OF OUR TEAM DRIVES US, INSPIRES US, AND MAKES US PROUD TO CALL FORDDIRECT HOME.

FordDirect is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, disability status or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations, and ordinances. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements.

If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please email [email protected].  

This position is must be based in Dearborn, Michigan.  

The role is hybrid which requires the employee to work in the office Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. 

Job Summary

Reporting to the CEO, the Chief Operating Officer is responsible for the vision, leadership, and strategic direction of FordDirect’s Operational business areas. Serving as a key member of the leadership team, this role develops strategy, creates alignment, and drives execution to achieve business objectives.  

The COO will ensure the mission and core values of the company drive actions and work closely with the FordDirect Leadership team to maintain alignment of priorities. This role is responsible for driving effective and efficient operations, fostering innovation, building sustainable teams while ensuring we achieve our mission and objectives.

Additionally, this role requires an in-depth understanding of our dealer customers’ needs, challenges, and market solutions to ensure the team’s top priority is always the voice of the customer. 

The ideal candidate will have industry experience and bring a wealth of experience in operations management, product innovation, strategic planning, and team leadership. Additionally, the ideal candidate will be a skilled change agent, have a growth mindset, be collaborative, and possess managerial courage. 

Essentials Functions

1. Develop and maintain deep knowledge and awareness of market, Dealer, and FMC needs and priorities to create an aligned vision for the operational business areas.
2. Build and maintain relationships with Dealers, FMC partners, and key suppliers.
3. Facilitate development of product strategy based on analyses of market intelligence (industry, competitors, and customers).  
4. Orchestrate the development and execution of strategies and plans to achieve revenue, customer success, support, and satisfaction objectives. 
5. Ensure marketing communication strategies (product, industry, corporate) drive achievement of company goals. 
6. Ensure the organization fully leverages the integration of data across the Ford ecosystem to obtain actionable insights, drive value, innovate, build great products, and serve our customers.
7. Effectively implement and manage process, operations, and structural changes, to improve operational efficiency and enable high quality, on-time deliverables.
8. Lead and facilitate the development of the annual strategic plan with the leadership team.
9. Present at key meetings and attend functions with Board of Managers, Dealers, FMC partners, and key suppliers.
10. Manage the P&L for the Operations division, oversee budget, and efficient utilization of resources to achieve long-term viability. 
11. Monitor current pricing practices and evaluate alternatives to increase revenue growth, profitability, and customer satisfaction objectives.
12. Model core values and leadership that contributes to a positive work environment and sets a positive example for employees.
13. Prevent, detect, and mitigate compliance, regulatory and reputational risk across the company strengthening the company's culture of compliance
14. Manage and coach team members for role performance, career progression, succession planning and skill development as needed (i.e., set goals, provide performance feedback, and conduct performance reviews).

% Travel (Approximate):  up to 40%

Qualifications

Experience

• Leadership of a product/operations/marketing function in retail automotive (10 years).
• Direct engagement with automotive Dealers (10 years).
• Digital marketing (10 years).
• Product development and lifecycle planning including successfully positioning products to drive revenue growth (7+ years).
• Accountability for organizational level P&L (7+ years).
• Successful track record of leading a team to achieve revenue and profitability targets.
• Strong track record of presenting and displaying thought leadership both internally and externally to industry groups, partners, and customers.
• Experience managing senior level direct reports.
  
  

Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

• Strong decision-making skills informed by long-term strategy, annual objectives, KPIs, and business needs.
• Advanced leadership skills including the ability to assess structure, resources, and execute meaningful change.
• Proactively problem-solve and multitask while maintaining composure and attention to detail.
• Follow-through mindset to uphold a ‘close the loop’ culture.
• A positive approach to serving customers and providing exceptional customer service.
• Ability to demonstrate good judgment, high ethics, and project a professional image. 
• Ability to work independently and as a collaborative team member with a positive ‘can do’ attitude.
• The drive to identify and seize opportunities for continuous improvement as business needs change.
• Excellent organization, flexibility and time management skills and the ability to work in a dynamic, deadline-driven environment.
• Exceptional interpersonal and business communication skills (written, verbal, listening).
• Proficient in Microsoft Office skills (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint).
• Solid people management skills and the ability to create a motivational environment for team members.
• Knowledge of HR-related principles such as goal setting, discrete communication, and performance management and feedback.

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Marketing, or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience
MBA desirable

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