About Ford

Do you want to change the world? The Ford Motor Company had endured and thrived for 118 years – through every imaginable challenge – because we have the vision to imagine the future and the courage to change. 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 BEVs. 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. This is the opportunity of a lifetime.

The Opportunity 

Ford North America Manufacturing is hiring exceptional talent for our Plant Manager role at Windsor Site Operations which consists of Windsor Engine and Essex Engine Plants located in Canada. Our Plant Managers are critical to the success of Ford Motor Company and our ability to deliver innovative, high-quality products that our customers want and need. These plant leaders are highly visible members of the local community and responsible for leading a team of area managers within one of our 40+ manufacturing plants in vehicle operations, powertrain, or stamping operations.​

Please take a moment to review the responsibilities and required and desired skills of this Plant Manager. If you feel you have the manufacturing experience and servant leadership philosophies to be successful, we encourage you to apply. 

Learn more about the Windsor Site Operations here. For more information about current events check our US Manufacturing News & Updates site.

The Team

The Plant Manager will report to a regional Director of Manufacturing and lead the two Plants’ Executive Leadership Teams. The Plant Manager will lead a team of functional manufacturing leaders (operating committee members) and have oversite for approximately 1,800 employees between the two sites.

What you’ll be able to do 

The Plant Manager is the “CEO” of the plant, has holistic understanding of manufacturing and business operations. These leaders take full accountability of plant operations delivering on cost and quality. In addition to the domain expertise required (business, data, and technical acumen along with manufacturing proficiency), some of the Plant Manager key responsibilities will include demonstrating the following Ford Operating System Behaviors (Excellence, Focus, and Collaboration) and Servant Leadership qualities:

Excellence

Creates a culture of proactive safety ensuring our most valuable asset, our team members, get home safely every day. Leverages data and insights to drive lean improvements that deliver on quality and cost targets. Continually seeks opportunities and inspire others to improve processes and outcomes, leveraging KPIs and the PDCA model. Holds self and others accountable for excellence and adherence to operational and behavioral expectations. Effectively collaborates with Area Managers, Process Coaches and Hourly Employees to set standards and lead by example at all levels of the organization. Develops “leaders as teachers” and prioritizes ongoing development and evaluation of employee performance to continually create high performing teams that deliver results for the Ford Motor Company. Leads implementation of the Ford Production System aligned with lean principles and behaviors to drive structured problem solving at all levels of the organization. Leads transformation and change management efforts to advance the company’s competitiveness.  Addresses risk, concerns, and recognizes achievements of their team.

Focus

Serves as a positive change agent driving results and leveraging relationships to get things done. Establishes and operationalizes a local vision and mission through clear goal setting and communication through structured operational cadences. Ensures operational stability by implementing disciplined processes and standards, meeting jobs per hour, rolled -throughput-yield, quality, and other key metrics. Strong problem solver who can lead effectively under pressure and crisis manage when necessary. Leads costs reductions and manages plant resources responsibly and for the betterment of the plant operations and profitability. 

Collaboration

Creates a servant leadership culture by demonstrating self-awareness and a deep understanding of employee's aspirations, strengths, and well-being, evidenced by employee engagement scores, regular impactful check-ins, and effective time spent on the plant floor.  Leverages staffs to build an inclusive culture allowing for diverse viewpoints and mutual respect. Fosters collaboration on best practices, standardized work, and building networks across functional areas. Builds strong relationships with employees, Employee Resource Groups, the union, suppliers, and cross-functional teams in order to bring the full force of Ford’s capability to create value.  Consistently demonstrates empathy by going to Gemba, engaging regularly with employees on the plant floor to listen and problem solve. Role models authenticity and inspires through charismatic communication and leading by example.  Brings a high level of energy and effort to all tasks.

Functional & Technical Knowledge 

The minimum requirements we seek

Bachelor’s degree in an engineering or technical field. 10+ years of progressive responsibilities and experience in operations leadership in a high-volume, high-precision, complex manufacturing environment and experience overseeing an operation of 800+ employees. Lean / Six Sigma certification or demonstrated equivalent experience applying lean manufacturing principles and standardized work.  Extensive experience in high-volume, complex, manufacturing environments ideally with machining and assembly in a tight tolerance environment.  Hands on leader who has strong relationship buildings skills and experience interfacing in an environment with hourly and salaried employees. Ability to drive cultural transformation. Deep understanding of managing a Profit and Loss statement, demonstrating strong financial acumen.  Aspiration for continued career growth and new challenges.

Our preferred requirements 

A master’s degree or equivalent experience in an engineering or a technical field. Experience partnering with the union during a negotiation / contract renewal.  Experience in engine or powertrain manufacturing. Deep manufacturing engineering technical capabilities

What you'll receive in return

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. Our benefits summary can be found here.

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 time of hire. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Ford Motor Company 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.