Senior Program Manager

About Us

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, we 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. 

Why Ford?

For a century, we've been a driving force across Australia, building a legacy that truly speaks for itself. Leading the way, the Ranger continues its rein as Australia's No. 1 Selling Vehicle and our iconic Mustang proudly holds its position as Australia’s No. 1 Sports Car. 

These remarkable achievements are a testament to our unwavering commitment to innovation and a customer-focused approach that has delivered success across our entire lineup, giving us so much to be excited about! But we believe we do more than just build award-winning vehicles—we build careers. 

• Complementary vehicle (including fuel card) and Discounted lease car options. 
• Multiple Employee Resource Groups – Ford Pride, Women of Ford and Ford Empowering Diverse Abilities. 
• Flexible Work Arrangements.            
• Growth and development opportunities via internal and external training. 
• Paid parental leave from day 1.  
• Comprehensive Employee Assist Program.   
• Wellness Programs including Free Flu Vaccinations and Health Checks. 

• Paid Volunteer Days.

About The Role

We are seeking a visionary Senior Program Manager to lead delivery of a significant new global vehicle program led by Ford International Market Group, from its early concept stages. This is a pivotal role responsible for the end-to-end delivery from concept definition to industrialization and successful manufacturing launch. The ideal candidate will be a transformational leader with a strong technical background, exceptional program management skills, and a proven ability to drive results and thrive in uncertainty within a complex, global automotive environment.

This position reports directly to the Ford Chief Program Engineer and is based in Australia at our International Market Group Product Development Centre in Broadmeadows, Melbourne. The role operates under a hybrid work arrangement, requiring four days in the office.  

• Program Leadership & Delivery: Lead the overall program management of the global program, ensuring on-time delivery of all program milestones in accordance with the Vehicle Program Plan (VPP) and detailed timing plans developed under your leadership. This includes overseeing all phases from concept development, design, engineering, validation, industrialization, and launch.
• Cost Optimization: Drive significant material cost optimization through the co-creation and implementation of breakthrough processes and approaches. Benchmark best practices from automotive start-ups and leading Chinese OEMs to achieve best-in-industry cost competitiveness without compromising quality or performance.
• Quality Excellence: Ensure the delivery of Best-In-Class (BIC) quality for the product program. This will involve deep customer data research and understanding, coupled with the disciplined application of Ford's quality tools and methodologies throughout the product development lifecycle.
• Strategic Contribution: Develop and articulate a clear strategic Point of View (POV) for the P/U838 program, contributing significantly to both high-level corporate strategy and operational strategy development. Anticipate challenges and opportunities, guiding the program towards optimal outcomes through first principles thinking across all aspects of the business.
• Team Leadership & Culture: Serve as a strong, empathetic, and inspiring transformational leader within a dynamic "hub room" environment. Foster the development of a breakthrough, high-performance culture within the program team, promoting collaboration, innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Cross-Functional & Stakeholder Management: Effectively coordinate and influence diverse cross-functional teams (including Engineering, Manufacturing, Purchasing, Marketing, Finance, and Supply Chain) across global regions to achieve program objectives. Manage complex stakeholder relationships, ensuring clear communication and alignment.
• Risk Management: Proactively identify, assess, and mitigate program risks (technical, financial, timing, quality, etc.), developing contingency plans and ensuring timely resolution of issues, demonstrating an ability to thrive and lead in uncertain and ambiguous situations.
• A Bachelor's degree in Engineering is a minimum requirement. 
• A Master's degree (e.g., MBA or relevant advanced engineering degree) is highly preferred. 
• Must be a Registered Professional Engineer of Victoria (RPEV) or demonstrate a clear willingness and eligibility to obtain RPEV registration within a specified timeframe (6-12 months) of commencing employment.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in Ford program management or equivalent experience in the automotive industry, with a strong focus on global vehicle development programs.
• Proven experience managing large-scale, complex global programs from concept to launch.
• Experience with EV startups and/or other OEMs is highly valued.
• Proven capability in leading and developing high-performing teams, with demonstrated transformational leadership skills.
• Demonstrated ability to thrive and lead effectively in uncertain, ambiguous, and rapidly changing environments.
• Exceptional analytical skills, with a proven ability to apply first principles thinking to solve complex business and technical challenges across all facets of program delivery.
• Demonstrated in-depth knowledge and practical application of Ford's Global Product Development System (GPDS) – desirable 
• Strong business acumen with a fluent understanding of project financials and profitability drivers.
• Exceptional communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate diverse teams.
• Proven ability in collaboration, active listening, and effective negotiation.
• Demonstrated capability for senior-level communication and presenting complex information to executive stakeholders.
• Proficiency in relevant program management software and tools.
• Ability to travel internationally as required.

If you want to be a part of this challenging and rewarding transformation – Apply Now. 

Equal Opportunity

Ford Australia is committed to building an inclusive work environment and welcome applications from First Nations, LGBTQI+, 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 Talent and Inclusion Lead Sarah at scastr34@ford.com.

Applicants must be legally authorised to work in Australia. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire. 

---Applications will close on Friday 24 October 2025, however, please do not delay your application as interviews may 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