6 jobs in Ford Motor Company

**Job Purpose**
Build the image of the Ford products and primary brand by developing and implementing a comprehensive product-related communication strategy. Drive aspirational demand by showcasing Ford vehicles as the ultimate, reliable enablers of the resilient South African lifestyle.
**Role summary**
This role leads Ford South Africa's product and lifestyle communications strategy, driving the "From the Road" content programme through media, influencer and lifestyle engagement to achieve adoption, usage and rich content delivery targets. It owns end-to-end media management for new product launches (from pre-launch through sustainment) crafting lifestyle-driven storytelling that reinforces Ford's brand relationship with South Africa while extending campaigns through influencer communities and platforms.
The position sustains ongoing earned-media momentum via releases, editorial and multimedia content, building strong relationships across motoring, lifestyle and consumer media, tracking favourability, sentiment, share of voice and brand health and expanding presence into podcasts, forums, Reddit, Substack and dedicated consumer club communities (e.g., Ranger Clubs).
It integrates closely with marketing and product teams to deliver earned and influence-based outcomes for major campaigns, partnering with creative agencies on earned-first ideas, while also executing business defence strategies in collaboration with corporate communications.
The role oversees the communications test/fleet vehicle programme (long-termers, weekly tests, ROI on earned media, influencer and lifestyle usage and utilisation targets) and ensures robust measurement and reporting through partnership with the Data and Insights team, delivering regular performance metrics, maintaining data tool proficiency, and conducting ongoing competitor and landscape analysis.
1) Development of customer lead content strategy and approach to support "From the Road first" communications
a. Motoring, lifestyle and influence engagement and relationship programme. Achievement of From the Road adoption and usage targets among target 'media'
b. Briefing, management and budgeting of rich content support requirements to enable FTR delivery
2) New product launches to media through pre-launch, launch and sustainment campaigns. Ongoing lifestyle and consumer positioning for product and product related features
a. Impactful exposure of the new product to media and all stakeholders, resulting in various metrics being met and sustainable exposure realised.
b. Extension of launch programmes beyond launch with a focus on lifestyle media, influencer community and From the Road as a platform
c. Storytelling supporting the Ford brand in SAF. Delivery of messaging related targets about Ford's relationship with South Africa and the benefits it creates for consumers when it relates to product and lifestyle
3) Ongoing product coverage in the media through releases, editorial and multimedia - along with relationship building with both motoring and lifestyle and consumer media / queries
a. Ongoing execution of product comms strat to ensure earned-media flow is steady and messaging is constantly telling the product story
b. Favourabilty, sentiment, share of voice, brand health, reputation reporting all need to show that our messaging is landing with media
c. Development and role out of platform strategy targeting podcasts, online forums and platforms such as Reddit and Substack, and online communities
d. Develop and entrench relationship with consumer clubs and communities on social media (such as Ranger Clubs) to promote Ford related product content and narratives
4) Integration with marketing and product teams to deliver earned and influence based outcomes for key marketing related campaigns and initiatives
a. Delivery of annual integrated campaigns (launches, specific campaigns such as "commercial" or "Ford Family Promise")
b. Partnership with creative agency to support earned first creative ideas
5) Delivery of key business defence strategy and consumer facing programmes for "business critical" focus areas for Ford in SAF and how it relates to its customer community
a. Issues based media responses as they relate to product and customer experience
b. Integration of "Chinese" defence strategies into all product and customer facing programmes. Collaboration with corporate communications team on overall Chinese defence plan
c. Development and role of our ongoing quality and customer experience communications campaigns and programmes
6) Vehicle / test fleet management
a. Full scope and oversight of test car fleet, including long-termers, weekly tests, traffic fines, and most-importantly ROI in terms of earned-media
b. Develop and implement approach for use of fleet with influencer community, key opinion leaders and key stakeholder communities. Agree advocacy ROI metrics
c. Develop and implement approach for use in lifestyle spaces and with lifestyle and consumer media
7) Measurement and reporting
a. Partnership with IMG Data and Insights team on ongoing reporting and measurement
b. Delivery of monthly, quarterly and annual bowler metrics
c. Ensure ongoing knowledge and competence on data tools and resources
d. Ongoing competitor reporting and landscape reviews
- Bachelor's degree in English, Journalism, Marketing or Communications
- Five years of Communications experience
- Automotive experience is an advantage but not essential if the successful applicant can demonstrate a proven track record in media relations/communications, and a real interest in the automotive industry
- Crisis management experience
- Project Management Experience
- Proven ability to create and execute a PR strategy or program
- Budget responsibility

This role is for an OE Buyer in the Exterior Systems Team. You will be required to collaborate closely with Ford's Supplier Partners as well as with Regional and Cross-functional Team Members.
You will focus on Cost, Quality, Delivery & Resilience Metrics championing end to end supplier management. You will be expected to pro-actively identify potential supply risks and use effective problem-solving methods to mitigate these risks.
You will need to use your effective negotiation skills to ensure on-time delivery of production parts, at optimal cost and at the right quality.
+ Accuracy on costing, sourcing recommendations, negotiations
+ Effective Collaboration: Ability to work effectively in a team, cross-functionally and with suppliers.
+ Timelines: 100% placements of orders and claims on time.
+ Resolution efficiency: Effective risk mitigation on supplier risks in relation to quality, delivery and costs.
+ Well-developed written and verbal communication skills
+ Full understanding of commodity purchasing, which influence product cost, piece price, quality, performance and capacity
+ Well-developed collaboration / negotiation skills
+ Ability to keep abreast of leading technologies and processes related to automotive commodities
+ Well-developed business acumen and finance knowledge to ensure that accurate sourcing decisions are made
+ Ability to manage change and conflict
+ Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills including good communication skills
+ Well-developed negotiation skills
+ Well-developed communication skills
+ Good presentation and computer skills
Quality
+ Ensure supplier launch capacity and launch readiness
+ Monitor supplier's Q1 activities, including Q1 Deviations/Waivers, Q1 Work plans and Q1 Action Plan implementation
+ Support supplier quality metrics meetings lead by STA and/or Commodity Purchasing through QCDR engagements
Cost
+ Negotiate and secure supplier commitment to program targets and work towards ongoing BIC costing
+ Negotiation and management of production piece prices, engineering design changes, and tooling costs
+ Issue purchase orders, lump sum payments, and tool orders for production requirements on a timely basis
+ Drive recovery of aligned supplier responsibility warranty & supplier caused manufacturing costs losses
+ Monitor supplier's on-going MCR design initiatives performance
+ Drive the process to eliminate waste in the value chain using Lean Deployment, Total Cost Management, Quality Operating Systems, etc.
+ Conduct GEMBA workshops to develop Should Costs aiding negotiations
+ Conduct and support ongoing supplier negotiations to meet annual cost reduction targets (TVM)
+ Conduct ongoing benchmarking activities to ensure optimal costing
+ In collaboration with Cost Estimating, develop and reconcile Optimal Cost Estimates
+ Support annual Benchmark/Prorated Gap Allocation effort
+ Support distressed supplier management
Delivery and Sourcing
+ Champion supplier delivery to ensure programs and ongoing production are unaffected
+ Oversee suppliers value chains to ensure robust material coverage
+ Complete sourcing actions on time to target to meet program launch deliverables
+ Support development of global Category Business Plans
+ Support after market parts and delivery team to ensure compliance on service expectations
Resilience
+ Manage distressed suppliers ensuring robust PCA's are in place to ensure production continuity
+ Continuous engagement with suppliers through QCDR reviews/Cross Functional Business Reviews to ensure effective supplier management & relationship management
+ Tier N value stream mapping to aid risk identification & resilience plans
+ BBBEE engagement and management to ensure compliance to APDP expectations
+ National Diploma or Degree in Purchasing/Engineering/B. Com./Commercial
+ Minimum 3 years working experience in relevant disciplines and previous automotive purchasing experience would be a distinct advantage
+ Valid Driving License

The role ensures the accuracy of monthly financials, monitors working capital and operational efficiencies, and maintains a robust control environment to drive financial transparency and informed decision-making in Ford Protect and FCSD South Africa (SAF) including Ford Protect Sub Saharan Africa (SSA) and Northern Africa (NAF). This role is critical for ensuring that financial reserves are accurately and fairly valued, identifying potential plan losses, and preparing comprehensive reports for management and fund administration that adhere to stringent financial controls and standards. The role also serves as the primary financial interface between PS&L, FCSD Operations, Purchasing, Payables and Regional GBS teams. This is a high impact, "hands-on" role responsible for ensuring that the physical reality of our supply chain is accurately reflected in our financial results. Moving beyond simple reporting to identify operational "root causes," strengthens internal controls, and optimizes the end-to-end Procure-to-Pay (PTP) process. Investigate and resolve PTP bottlenecks, specifically focusing on fixing root causes of supplier payment delays and training local operations on correct Goods Receipt (GR) procedures. Provide high-integrity financial reporting and analytical support for the FCSD business unit.
 Conduct "walk-throughs" of warehouse and operations processes to identify and close local control gaps.
 Partner with Operations to oversee complex inventory cycle counts and resolve discrepancies.
 Provide financial context for PS&L budget variances and support local projects like warehouse footprint changes or provider transitions.
 Ensure compliance with duties, VAT, and parts movement documentation for the PS&L division.
 Develop monthly forecasts for Revenue, Technical, and Fixed Marketing/Selling expenses.
 Consolidate and present Business Operating Data (BOD) to leadership for the SSA and NAF regions.
 Calculate the Annual FCSD Transfer Price updates and conduct Loss Ratio analysis for the ESB SSA market.
 Perform ROI and benefit analysis for Variable Marketing (VM) programs to track investment effectiveness.
 Execute monthly and quarterly account reconciliations for ESB SSA and NAF markets, ensuring high-risk reserves are accurate.
 Manage the end-to-end journal process (preparation and posting) for FCSD, SSA, NAF, and SAF entities.
 Manage SAF-specific requirements including Guardrisk and Pinn Bordereaux, MXSI commission calculations, and PDI/AA/Seriti billings.
 Perform detailed account investigations and subledger preparations to ensure "month-end" integrity.
 Analyze FCSD cost and margins, collaborating with Material Cost and Pricing teams to explain variances.
 Execute MCRP (Modular Control Review Program) testing; maintain and update Desk Procedures, DRIM, and Basic Control Files; provide support for Internal Audits & PWC audits and ensure KFS (CAT 1 & 2) compliance.
 Identify and implement automation opportunities to eliminate manual "waste" across FCSD and PS&L.
 Function as the critical business continuity backup for the FCSD Analyst and ESB SAF finance roles.
 Financial Integrity & Reporting Accuracy
 PS&L Operational Impact
 Robust Internal Control Environment
 Business Support & Continuity
 Innovation & Cost Transformation
 Proven experience in month-end financial closing, including journal preparation, subledger management, and complex account reconciliations across multiple currencies or markets.
 The ability to communicate financial concepts to non-finance stakeholders, specifically within the Parts Supply & Logistics (PS&L) and Ford Protect teams.
 Strong digital skills: Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Microsoft Teams.
 The flexibility and cultural intelligence to manage financial operations across diverse markets, including SSA, NAF, and SAF.
 The ability to move between the office and the warehouse floor to solve "ground-level" process issues.
 Calm under pressure with strong problem‑solving, attention to detail, and clear communication. The ability to influence non-finance stakeholders in PS&L, Purchasing, and Operations.
 A "waste elimination" mindset with the ability to use (or learn) automation tools (e.g., Alteryx, Power Automate, or Power BI) to streamline manual financial processes.
 Proficient English (spoken and written).
 A bachelor's degree in finance, Accounting, Internal Audit, or a related field. A professional qualification such as CIMA, CA, or ACCA is highly advantageous.
 A minimum of 3-5 years of financial analysis, management accounting, or internal audit within a large-scale corporate environment. preferably within the automotive industry.
 Experience using, or strong desire to learn, data automation tools such as Python, Power BI, or Power Automate to drive efficiency.
 Valid driver's license.

Responsible for the lifecycle management of stamping assets, toolroom operational excellence, and the technical development of the engineering team. Drive long-term dimensional stability and optimize tool maintenance strategies to maximize Strokes Per Minute (SPM) and minimize downtime
+ **Strategic Leadership & Management:** Lead the Tool & Die ME team in the development and execution of robust maintenance and engineering standards. Mentor and develop a high-performing team of engineers and technicians.
+ **Tooling Lifecycle & Performance:** Oversee the preventative and predictive maintenance programs for all die sets. Ensure tool reliability to meet production volume requirements.
+ **Dimensional Integrity:** Drive root-cause analysis for complex dimensional issues. Collaborate with Quality and Production teams to ensure final panels meet strict CP/CPK requirements.
+ **Safety & Compliance:** Ensure all toolroom activities and die modifications adhere to OHSAS and Ford's safety standards.
+ **Continuous Improvement:** Implement Lean Manufacturing principles within the toolroom to reduce changeover times and improve die repair efficiency.
+ **Technical Problem Solving:** Act as the final technical authority on complex tooling issues affecting exterior panels. Lead root-cause analysis for surface quality trends identified in the Quality Loop (QLS).
+ **Asset & Standards Management:** Maintain the integrity of checking fixtures and die standards. Ensure all toolroom and metrology activities comply with Ford's Quality Operating System (QOS) and 5S standards.
+ **Financial Management:** Control departmental budgets (OPEX), focusing on specialized tooling consumables and metrology equipment calibration/upgrades.
Skills:
+ **Skin Panel Expertise (Mandatory):** Expert knowledge of Class A surface requirements, die spotting, and hand-finishing techniques for exterior panels.
+ **Technical Mastery:** Deep understanding of draw-die development, spring-back compensation, and material behavior in stampings.
+ **Metrology Proficiency:** Advanced ability to interpret GOM/3D scanning data and CMM reports to drive tooling adjustments.
+ **Leadership:** Proven ability to manage a large workforce of skilled tradespeople.
+ **Analytical Thinking:** Ability to bridge the gap between digital measurement data and physical toolroom intervention.
Education:
+ **Education:** National Diploma or Degree in Mechanical Engineering + Tool & Die Making Trade.
+ **Experience:** Minimum 10 years in Automotive Stamping, with a **mandatory minimum of 5 years focused specifically on Skin Panel/Class A surface production.**
+ **Management Experience:** Proven track record of managing large technical teams (20+ people) within a high-volume toolroom or manufacturing engineering environment.

- Cooperate with training development or design team to review and adjust materials to readiness before delivery of training.
- Cooperate with training development or design team on the translation process to review materials in local language and readiness before delivery training.
- Cooperate with STARS, Market SEO (Field Service Engineer/Zone Managers) for technician nomination to improve class fill rate.
- Cooperate with market SEO/FSE/TAC to identify special market needs to improve FIRFT and reduce VORs.
- Strong skills & knowledge of automotive technology.
- Strong presentation and facilitation skills, with the ability to engage and motivate trainees through interactive learning activities and demonstrations.
- Proficiency in using automotive diagnostic tools, software, and equipment, with the ability to demonstrate proper operation and troubleshooting techniques.
- Excellent problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify and address training gaps, challenges, and opportunities for improvement.
- Ability to take on required suggestions from training supervisor and put it into practice.
Delivery technical training
- Delivery of technical training on curriculum training, new model training, and performance improvement training to technicians across dealership networks in the market.
- Review technical training materials and market relevant adjustments that retain high quality of technical training such as curriculum, new model training and market special courses to improve FIRFT in market.
- Training material translation review, feedback, and rectification (local language and content).
- Develop special training courses such as FIRFT based on market requirement.
- Arrange and Ensure training material readiness for training such as below:
- Power Point / Presentation materials
- Student information
- Practical activity worksheets
- Assessment questions and answer documents
- Prepare training room and working bay readiness before conducting classroom training, including teaching aids, tools, equipment, and training vehicles, including admin tasks.
- Provide in-depth instructions to technicians on Ford vehicle systems, components, and technologies, including engines, transmissions, electrical systems, brakes, suspension, and steering by following the IMG curriculum.
- Conduct hands-on demonstrations and practical exercises to reinforce technicians to apply their knowledge in Ford vehicles for FIRFT.
- Delivering and ensuring that training programs comply with relevant industry regulations and safety standards.
- Ensuring the maintenance of the training facility, tools & equipment for readiness and safety, including conducting Training Facility Safety audit.
- Update training attendance & student completion details to ensure the training history data and learner records in STARS are up-to-date and accurate.
- Improve trainer skill & knowledge via eLearning, TTT (Trainer the Trainer) or practical activities.
- Support to improve class fill rate via follow up with dealers/ technicians and guide them on their certification paths or learning steps that need to be completed for the certification of their technicians.
Support market activities
- Conduct technician skill contest in market such as design activities for contestants and their evaluation, etc.
- Support market activities such as Reward and Recognition program, School to Work program (Apprentice program), and Bridge program for technician from other OEMs.
- Support market SEO lead for ad-hoc assigned tasks and report to the training lead (supervisor).
- Technical Diploma or bachelor's degree in mechanical or automotive engineering, or
- Trade Certificate (Auto Industry Designated Trade) + N4, or
- Trade Certificate (Auto Industry Designated Trade) + N3, with Ford Technical Training Level 1 Qualification
- Extensive experience in the automotive industry, with a strong background in technical training, service in automotive systems, diagnostics, and repair procedures
- Good familiarity with automotive technical training processes