Are you a strategic leader with a passion for transforming complex supply chains? As the Chief of Staff for Material Planning & Logistics (MP&L) in Mexico, you will be the right hand to the MP&L Director, playing an instrumental role in shaping the future of Ford's supply chain operations. This is a unique opportunity to drive critical modernization projects, develop long-term strategic action plans (X-Matrices, Balanced Scorecards), and ensure operational excellence across a dynamic, multinational environment. You will gain unparalleled exposure to diverse facets of our MP&L organization, collaborating closely with key functions like Forward Model, Material Logistics, Automation, Supplier Readiness, Safety, and Customs. If you thrive in a highly collaborative, fast-paced setting and are eager to make a tangible impact on Ford's global manufacturing footprint, this role is for you
What you'll do…
- Strategic Planning & Execution: Directly support the MP&L Director in defining and executing the long-term MP&L strategy, translating vision into actionable plans, including the development and tracking of X-Matrices and other strategic frameworks.
- Project Leadership & Modernization: Coordinate and drive the progression of high-impact MP&L modernization projects, ensuring timely completion and alignment with strategic objectives across cross-functional teams.
- Operational Excellence & Process Optimization:
- Serve as the MP&L Business Lead for critical initiatives, such as Ford's Carte Porte requirements, ensuring compliance and seamless integration with new carrier setups and Ford IT.
- Champion change management for new system launches (e.g., Ford’s New Model Planning (MMP) system) and process improvements, particularly concerning cross-border operations and customs.
- Lead on-site GEMBAs (Go and See activities), including rack inspections for transportation optimization, to identify and eliminate process waste, driving significant efficiency gains.
- Data Digitalization & Visibility: Lead the transformation of North American cross-border milestone data digitalization, integrating feeds from third-party customs providers (e.g., EXL) into Ford's systems (Blue Yonder) to establish end-to-end supply chain visibility and enhance border tracking capabilities.
- Executive Support & Communication: Coordinate and prepare for critical weekly executive meetings (e.g., Strategic Approval Reviews, Modernization updates) for the North American MP&L Director, ensuring all materials are precise and impactful. Manage executive approvals for travel, purchase orders, and business cases with meticulous attention to detail.
- Ad-hoc Strategic Initiatives: Proactively assist with various ad-hoc strategic initiatives and special projects that arise throughout the year, demonstrating adaptability and a results-oriented approach.
You'll have...
- Bachelor’s Degree in Supply Chain Management, Industrial Engineering, Economics, Computer Engineering, International Affairs, or a related field.
- 5+ years of progressive experience in Material Planning & Logistics (MP&L), with at least 11 years in a demonstrated leadership or project management role.
- Proven ability to lead and deliver continuous improvement projects, with a track record of identifying and eliminating process waste.
- Strong project management skills and a results-oriented mindset, capable of driving initiatives to completion with diligent follow-up.
- Demonstrated ability to analyze complex issues, identify root causes, and implement effective corrective actions.
- Experience leveraging data analytical tools such as Alteryx, PowerBI, and other related data visualization or process automation tools.
- Exceptional written and oral communication skills, with a proven ability to effectively report project status and strategic recommendations to executive leadership.
- Flexibility to travel as required (up to 10% of the time).
Even better, you may have...
- Deep understanding and practical application of Lean Manufacturing principles, including Kaizen methodologies, X-Matrices, and Control Centers.
- A track record of implementing significant cost savings (e.g., >5% reduction in a key area) and/or quality improvement initiatives.
- Experience in SharePoint Development or similar collaborative platform administration.
- Ability to set long-term goals and effectively implement complex manufacturing strategies across multiple sites.