Lead. Grow. Transform. 

 

Ford Australia is constantly evolving and innovating, committed to delivering smarter, more connected vehicles for all Australians, now and for generations to come.

Looking ahead, Ford is excited about the future. With an expanding vehicle lineup, growing digital services, and a strong dealer network, they are well-positioned to support Australian businesses in new ways.

As Australia’s largest automotive OEM employer, they proudly have around 1,500 talented engineers, designers, and specialists working across five Victorian sites. Crucially, Australia is a key global development hub for Ford and their local design and engineering team lead the creation of vehicles including the Ranger, Ranger Raptor, and Everest – models sold in around 180 markets worldwide.

Complementing this technical network, Ford Australia’s National Sales Company (NSC) located in Richmond, is the central hub for commercial and customer engagement activities across the country.

                                                                                              

About the Role 

Ford Australia is seeking a Portfolio Strategy and Planning Manager to lead the strategy for our critical International Markets Group (IMG).

The IMG Portfolio Strategy team is at the heart of defining successful products and plans across a diverse set of regions: MEA (Middle East & Africa), ASIA PACIFIC, ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations), and APDM (Asia Pacific Emerging Markets). The role will be responsible for creating the product portfolio and detailed plans, managing the product lifecycle (our 'Cycle Plan'), navigating regulatory landscapes, planning powertrain options, identifying key partnerships, and ensuring the unique needs of these international markets are incorporated into global product development.

Reporting to the IMG Portfolio Strategy Senior Manager, based at Ford Australia’s National Sales Company office in Richmond, you will also lead a dedicated team of two. Together, your primary focus will be ensuring the competitiveness of our product portfolio and strategically planning future investments across all IMG regions, operating within the framework of the established Cycle Plan.

This is a significant leadership opportunity to shape the future of Ford's product offerings in diverse and dynamic markets.

This role offers a Hybrid work arrangement.

 

Key Responsibilities 

Align and integrate the IMG Strategy team's efforts with global product planning and strategy teams (Global GPP&S). Define IMG's profitability priorities across markets and segments, ensuring alignment with the global Ford portfolio and overall strategies. Develop and manage an affordable IMG product portfolio designed to maximize profitability. Investigate and evaluate cross-market trade opportunities, including considerations for manufacturing footprint optimization. Develop comprehensive Product and Powertrain Strategies and prioritize their inclusion within the Cycle Plan process. Support the IMG Cycle Plan Team and ensure IMG requirements are effectively integrated into the global Cycle Plan, adhering to established global processes. Monitor emerging safety, emissions, and sustainability regulations and develop affordable compliance strategies for the IMG portfolio. Define specific IMG Powertrain requirements based on unique regional factors such as fuel availability, emissions standards, electrification incentives, local market demands, and taxation/duty structures (e.g., engine displacement taxes). Develop a deep understanding of the IMG market landscape by monitoring customer data, analysing the competitive environment, and tracking technology trends. Identify and develop market-specific business opportunities beyond traditional vehicle sales, including partnerships (e.g., with local digital service suppliers), aftermarket services, and second-hand vehicle programs. Develop the IMG product and business point-of-view, translating regional market needs and customer wants into requirements for global Vehicle Product Lines. Translate specific IMG market requirements into global technology planning needs, including localized features like language support and regional applications (APPs). Provide critical IMG insights and requirements as input for annual High Priority Studies. Deliver key program milestones (Pre-PS/PS) and support <PSC> Workstreams for specific IMG vehicle programs.

                                                                                                                                                          

About You

A Master's level degree in Engineering and/or Business is highly desirable. Demonstrated prior experience in relevant fields such as Cycle Planning, Strategy, Finance, Planning, Program Management, or Product Marketing. Passionate about strategic planning and advanced program development. Proven ability to build strong working relationships and collaborate effectively across diverse teams and time zones – with peers, cross-functionally, internationally, and with senior leadership.  Exceptional analytical, communication, and presentation skills. Excellent leadership, mentoring, and coaching abilities, with experience leading a team.

                                                                                                

Why Ford? 

As we celebrate 100 years in Australia, our legacy truly speaks for itself. But we believe we do more than build award winning vehicles—we build careers!

Flexible Work Arrangements.      Complimentary vehicle and additional discounted lease car options. Recognised by WGEA as an Employer of Choice for Gender Equality.    Multiple Employee Resource Groups – Ford Pride, Women of Ford and Ford Empowering Diverse Abilities       Opportunities for growth and personal development through external/internal training programs     Paid parental leave.   Comprehensive Employee Assist Program   Wellness Programs including Free Flu Vaccinations and Health Checks Paid volunteer days.    

 

Equal Opportunity  

Ford Australia is committed to building an inclusive work environment and welcome applications from First Nations, LGBTQ+, culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, people with disability, and people across all life stages.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and all effort will be made to ensure diverse interviewers.  If you require any support or adjustments to the recruitment process, please contact our Inclusion and Talent Lead, scastr34@ford.com.

Candidates at the time of application must be legally authorised to work in Australia (relocation costs may be at the expense of the candidate/employee). Verification of employment eligibility in Australia will be required at the time of hire.

 

---Applications will close on Sunday 15 June 2025, however, please do not delay your application as interviews will commence before this date--- 

 

Please note due to the high numbers of applications we will only be able to contact shortlisted candidates.

 

*Ford Motor Company of Australia Pty Limited ACN 004 116 223 (Ford) is collecting your personal information in order to consider you for a role at Ford. Ford may also collect personal information about you from third parties such as refereess and recruitment agencies for this purpose. Ford may disclose your personal information to its related companies and third party service providers for purposes such as screening and background checks, aptitude testing and health and safety and human resources management activities. Ford’s privacy policy (available at www.ford.com.au) states how you can seek to access or correct any personal information Ford holds about you, how to complain about a privacy breach by Ford and how Ford will deal with a privacy complaint. You can contact Ford at 13 FORD (13 36 73) or via the contact details set out in Ford’s privacy policy