In this position, you will own the end-to-end product lifecycle,from trend-spotting and ideation to hardware/software integration, supplier management, and global market launch. This role navigates the friction between agile consumer tech lifecycles and traditional automotive development, delivering high-margin, highly desired electronic accessories. The successful candidate will ensure that all products not only delight the customer but also meet Ford’s rigorous standards for safety, durability, and software integration.
\nResponsibilities:
\nTrend Forecasting: Monitor global consumer electronics trends and translate them into a compelling automotive accessory roadmap.
\nBusiness Case Development: Own the P&L for the CE accessories portfolio. Develop robust business cases, pricing strategies, and take-rate forecasts for both Factory-Installed Options (FIO) and Dealer-Installed Options (DIO).
\nLifecycle Synchronization: Develop strategies to decouple fast-moving consumer electronics lifecycles from traditional vehicle development cycles, ensuring Ford vehicles always offer fresh, relevant tech.
\nRequirements Definition: Write comprehensive Product Requirements Documents (PRDs) that bridge consumer tech features with automotive-grade requirements.
\nEcosystem Integration: Champion the software integration of accessories with the vehicle’s infotainment system and the FordPass mobile app, ensuring a seamless, single-ecosystem user experience.
\nCross-Functional Leadership: Lead matrixed teams across Electrical Engineering, Software Development, Vehicle Integration, UI/UX, and Automotive Safety to deliver products on time and on budget.
\nStrategic Partnerships: Identify, negotiate, and collaborate with leading consumer electronics brands, Tier 1/Tier 2 suppliers, and Contract Manufacturers to co-develop or white-label innovative hardware and software.
\nLicensing & IP: Work with legal and business development teams to manage software licensing, data privacy compliance, and intellectual property integration for third-party tech.
\nLaunch Strategy: Develop GTM plans in partnership with Vehicle Program Management, Marketing, and Sales to bundle CE accessories into high-value vehicle packages or standalone retail offerings.
\nOver-the-Air (OTA) Updates: Define the OTA roadmap for connected accessories, ensuring hardware can receive feature enhancements, bug fixes, and security patches post-purchase.
\nPerformance Analytics: Monitor customer telemetry, app store reviews, and warranty data to drive continuous product improvement and inform next-generation accessory designs.
\nQualifications:
\nBachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, computer science, product design, or business. Master’s degree or MBA preferred or equivalent combination of relevant education and experience.
\nExperience managing products that require companion mobile apps, cloud connectivity, and physical hardware integration.
\nFamiliarity with automotive electrical architectures and automotive-grade testing standards.
\nDeep understanding of hardware development lifecycles and modern Agile software development methodologies.
\nStrong intuition for user experience, specifically regarding driver distraction guidelines and seamless human-machine interfaces.
\nProven ability to manage complex relationships with external tech companies and contract manufacturers.
\nRelentless drive to challenge the automotive status quo and bring 'Silicon Valley' speed and innovation to vehicle accessories.
\nComfort operating in a highly matrixed environment, successfully bridging the cultural and operational gaps between software developers, hardware engineers, and commercial teams.
\nDedication to creating 'surprise and delight' moments for the customer through flawless tech integration.
\nBenefits:
\nImmediate medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage.
\nFlexible family care days, paid parental leave, new parent ramp-up programs, subsidized back-up child care, and more.
\nFamily building benefits including adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, fertility treatments, and more.
\nVehicle discount program for employees and family members and management leases.
\nTuition assistance.
\nEstablished and active employee resource groups.
\nPaid time off for individual and team community service.
\nA generous schedule of paid holidays, including the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day.
\nPaid time off and the option to purchase additional vacation time.
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