Human Resources
Drive Change. Empower People. Build Tomorrow.
Human Resources at Ford
Lead the Way
Working in Human Resources at Ford means you'll be at the heart of a global company undergoing a monumental transformation. This isn't just about managing processes; it's about strategically shaping the future workforce that will drive innovation in electric vehicles, connected services, and new mobility solutions. You'll gain unparalleled opportunities to apply your expertise on a global scale, contribute to critical business decisions, and significantly impact the lives and careers of millions, all while growing your own career within a dynamic and supportive environment that values diversity and inclusion.
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Shape the Future
At Ford, HR is a proactive, strategic partner deeply integrated into every facet of our business. We are responsible for cultivating a high-performing culture by attracting, developing, and retaining world-class talent. This encompasses everything from pioneering talent acquisition strategies and fostering robust employee relations to designing competitive compensation and benefits programs, and driving organizational development initiatives. Our mission is to empower every Ford employee to thrive, ensuring we have the right people, with the right skills, in the right place, to build the future of mobility.
Opportunities: Become a Ford HR Professional
The Manager, HR Business Partner is accountable for the performance and results of the HR Business Partner team. The role is responsible for proactively resolving associate relations issues and serving as the main contact for the recruitment team. The role develops talent strategies aligned with the business objectives and ensures compliance with HR processes and procedures. Additionally, the role conducts new hire orientation, provides support in employee relations and talent selection, and focuses on policy interpretation and administration. The role has limited to full management authority for staffing, performance, discipline, pay decisions, team development, and other personnel actions.
This position is located in Palo Alto, California and has in office expectation of 4 days per week.
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As a key member of the HR leadership team, the Director, HR Business Partner, leads the people strategy and human resources delivery for a Ford business unit. This role is accountable for the performance and results of their direct team. They are responsible for aligning business strategy with HR strategy and operations, forging partnerships across the HR function to develop and drive scalable HR programs/talent initiatives, and delivering value-added services to management and employees that reflect the organization's business objectives. This position holds management authority over a high-performing human resources unit.
We currently have director-level HR Business Partner opportunities supporting our Industrial Systems Team.
If you are motivated by the challenges and opportunities that come with building scalable HR strategies and operations at a moment of historic transformation and dynamism at Ford, then this is the opportunity for you.
Join us as the Plant HR Director at VanDyke Electric Powertrain Center, where you'll lead a transformative HR organization in a dynamic and unionized manufacturing environment. This 1,800 person facility produces some of the highest quality electric vehicle components for the Ford Motor Company and is a critical element to out supply chain. You will align HR functions with strategic business objectives, working closely with Plant Leadership and central HR teams to deliver advanced HR solutions that enhance the employee experience and drive business success. Your expertise in labor relations and employee engagement will be crucial in developing a high performing workplace that enhances both employee satisfaction and operational success. You will work closely with plant and union leadership to drive transformational and strategic initiatives, ensuring our workforce is empowered and equipped to achieve our goals.
Areas of Impact
Whether your passion lies in navigating complex labor relations, crafting innovative global compensation strategies, fostering a thriving workplace culture, or building critical talent pipelines, you'll find a strategic role where your expertise directly fuels business effectiveness and leads impactful change. Join a collaborative community that champions your growth, values your unique contributions, and empowers you to make a tangible mark on a company that's truly building the future.
Human Resources Business Operations
Our Human Resources Business Operations (HRBO) team serves as strategic coaches for the organization, directly aligning people strategies with critical business objectives. As a Human Resources business partner, you’ll have a deep understanding of the objectives of the team you support, collaborating closely with people leaders and employees to build a high-performance organization. Your expertise will help our workforce achieve its goals and drive Ford+ forward. In a corporate staff role, you could work on teams that impact overarching HR policies, global compliance, technology infrastructure, or a wide variety of projects that enable the entire HR ecosystem to do their jobs more effectively.
Centers of Excellence (CoE)
Human Resources Centers of Excellence (CoEs) are specialized teams that provide expertise in specific areas of HR, such as talent acquisition, total rewards, negotiation support, learning and development, and HR technology. These teams design, implement, and sustain best practices, innovative strategies, and consistent frameworks that support the global organization. Roles in an HR CoE give you the chance to become a subject matter expert and use that knowledge to empower HR business partners and leaders across the company while enhancing employee experience.
Human Resource Manufacturing Business Operations
Fostering constructive relationships with our workforce is crucial to Ford’s strength. You’ll partner with Ford’s manufacturing facilities, plants and part distribution centers, ensure compliance with employment laws and policies, and cultivate a collaborative environment. Additionally, you'll serve as a strategic coach for the organization, directly aligning people strategies with critical business objectives. As a Human Resources Business Partner, you’ll have a deep understanding of the objectives of the team you support, collaborating closely with people leaders and employees to keep Ford’s iconic products rolling off the line and onto roads and highways around the world.
Inside the Oval with Ford HR
“This is an exciting place to work. You have the foundation and dynamic of working for a company that’s succeeded for 120+ years, but also the excitement and blank-slate-opportunity of a start-up as the industry undergoes a rapid transformation.”
“Even though it’s a huge company, the culture here has maintained a sense of heritage and a familial work environment. The benefits are very competitive with the Big Tech world I came from, too – things like family-building benefits and parent-baby bonding time are a huge draw for talent.”
“I’ve grown more in my first year at Ford than I have in multiple years anywhere else – both professionally and personally. Ford is a place that will stretch you, challenge you, and push you to think bigger than you thought possible.”
Our Leadership
Jennifer Waldo
Jennifer Waldo was named Ford’s chief people and employee experience officer in April 2022. She contributes to the global deployment and success of the Ford+ strategic plan for growth and value creation by leading development of a high-performance culture, recruiting people with additional and needed new kinds of talent, and boosting overall organizational capability, especially in technology and innovation.
Before joining Ford, Waldo led change in highly regarded companies, including for 10 years in the Silicon Valley, most recently as a vice president on the Apple People Team.
Prior to Apple, Waldo spent a combined 17 years with two GE business units. Waldo led organization and talent development, including inclusion and diversity, recruiting, and executive development for the entire enterprise.
Meet the Team: Profiles in HR Excellence
Ashley, HRBP
One of the best parts of my role is getting to see our work up close,” says Ashley, human resources director and business partner for Product Development. “There aren’t a lot of companies where I’d get to go on a test drive as part of my day.”
She joined Ford recently and says, “I expected a traditional corporate environment, but instead found a culture that really values collaboration, learning, and empowering its employees. One thing you can’t see in just the commercials and headlines is how deeply Ford invests in its people.
Hannah, HRPB
“I’m surrounded by colleagues who are collaborative, supportive, and genuinely committed to doing what’s best for our people and the business,” says Hannah. As a human resources manager and business partner for EV, Digital & Design, “I’ve also built strong relationships with my business partners. There’s a true sense of trust and mutual respect; when they see HR as an integral part of driving results, and they value the perspective we bring, that’s where the magic happens.”
That strong partnership between HR and the business “creates an environment where we’re proactively solving problems together, sharing ideas, and celebrating wins as a team. It’s energizing to work alongside people who are so committed to the mission and to each other, and it makes even the most challenging projects feel purposeful and rewarding.”