Come help build a better world, where every person is free to move and pursue their dreams. Ford Motor Company was built on the belief that freedom of movement drives human progress. It’s a belief that has fueled our passion to create great cars and trucks. Today, it drives our commitment to become the world’s most trusted mobility company, designing vehicles for a smart world that helps people move more safely, confidently, and freely. Ford is experiencing significant business transformation in an ever-changing digital world. We are dedicated to delivering distinctive products and solutions, having an “always on” relationship with customers and continuously improving our user experience.

About Electric Vehicle, Digital and Design (EVDD)
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. Ford is transforming our global automotive business to scale EVs, strengthen operations, and unlock value. We will deliver the speed of a startup, with the deep expertise of high-volume production. 

As part of the future, we have the EVDD function. Electric Vehicles, Digital and Design leadership – driving the future of digital technologies.

The Opportunity
The Global Design Director, Product Experience and Interaction uses creative talents to lead change throughout the brand and generate appealing designs for Ford and Lincoln vehicles. Reporting to Todd Willing, this position is a critical connecting role as part of the global leadership team. It requires effective leadership and collaboration skills across a large, global team. Everything this position and team(s) designs and executes will emphasize what the customer wants and loves in the design of a vehicle. 

Functional & Technical Knowledge
The minimum requirements we seek 

Bachelor's degree in Industrial Design, Automotive Design, or related field  Minimum of 15 years of experience in design, with a proven track record of success in leadership roles.  Demonstrated expertise in both interior and exterior automotive design, with a portfolio showcasing innovative and impactful design solutions.  Strong leadership and team-building skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate large, cross-functional teams.  Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to articulate design concepts and rationale to diverse audiences.  Deep understanding of design processes, methodologies, and tools, with a passion for pushing the boundaries of design innovation.  Proven ability to navigate complex design challenges and drive consensus among stakeholders to achieve business objectives. 

Our preferred requirements

Advanced degree in industrial design is a plus. Experience in sustainable design practices is a plus.

 

What We Can Offer
As part of the Ford family, you’ll enjoy excellent compensation, and a comprehensive benefits package that includes generous PTO, retirement, savings and stock investment plans, incentive compensation, and much more. You’ll also experience exciting opportunities for professional and personal growth and recognition.

Candidates for positions with Ford Motor Company must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a permanent basis. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Ford is 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.

The Position
We are a leading global automotive company dedicated to revolutionizing the industry through innovation, sustainability, and cutting-edge design. With a commitment to pushing the boundaries of mobility, we are seeking a visionary Global Design Director to lead our dynamic team of 100 industrial, human center and brand expression designers. 

As the Global Design Director, you will be responsible for the development of Ford and Lincoln platformed experiences to be implemented across our portfolio of products. You will ensure that our designs reflect our brand ethos while meeting the highest standards of functionality, safety, and sustainability. You will lead a talented team across multiple disciplines, fostering a culture of creativity, collaboration, and excellence.

What you’ll be able to do

Own strategies for product experiences, interactions, components and brand on vehicle expression of all Ford and Lincoln vehicles.   Create cross product component strategies that deliver on quality execution and business efficiency.  Establish and implement a global vision for component design excellence, setting high standards for aesthetics, functionality, and sustainability across all vehicle programs.  Play a critical role in design interface with the Digital Product Design (DPD) team in developing seamless connected experiences for our products.  Lead three interconnected teams – Human Centered Design (HCD), Physical Interaction (Components) and Brand Expression Design.  Partner with 3D and DPD teams to deliver the right level of prototyping to support decision making.  Develop product concept methodology to aid in the definition of future product programs.