Flow Optimization Manager
- Job ID
- 62773
- Location
- Chicago, Illinois
- Category
- Manufacturing
Overview
At Ford, you’ll work on ideas that matter, alongside passionate people who want to make a global impact. Together, we’re shaping the next era of transportation—grounded in purpose, driven by progress. Make your move.
- Job Type: Full time
- Work Type: On-site
The Flow Manager is a high-impact leadership role responsible for the end-to-end optimization of vehicle assembly operations. Unlike a traditional Area Manager focused on daily output, the Flow Manager is the architect of efficiency. This individual drives the integration of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma methodologies, and Industrial Engineering principles to eliminate waste, maximize labor value-added (VA) time, and ensure the seamless movement of material and product through the plant.
What you’ll do…
- Value Stream Mapping implementation and waste stream optimization
- LMM implementation and workgroup engagement ownership
- Standard work / Spider diagram analysis and value/non-value movement improvement
- GAP to Engineer Running Capacity analysis and improvement implementation
- Vehicle inventory management with First Run Capability vs MTTR analysis
- Primary focus is on waste elimination at the workstation level
- Lead and oversee all functions of the Plant's Maintenance Control Center (MCC).
You'll have...
Education & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Operations Management, or related field
- 5+ years of experience in manufacturing operations, production engineering, or industrial/process improvement roles
- Proven experience leading flow optimization initiatives in a high-volume Final Assembly environment is preferred
- Demonstrated expertise applying Lean manufacturing principles, including waste identification, standard work optimization, and takt-based flow
Technical Skills
- Strong data analytics capabilities, including the use of dashboards and tools such as Power BI, Tableau, SQL, or advanced Excel for process performance monitoring
- Solid understanding of Final Assembly production processes, material flow, line balance, and station design
- In-depth knowledge of the Quality Operating System (QOS), including layered audits, control plans, and defect tracking systems
- Working knowledge of End-of-Line (EOL) testing procedures, test systems performance tracking, and test failure analysis
- Experience conducting time studies, and bottleneck analysis
- Familiarity with process control methodologies (SPC)
- Lead and oversee all functions of the Plant's Maintenance Control Center (MCC).
Leadership & Collaboration
- Strong ability to collaborate with cross-functional partners, including Quality, Production Engineering, Maintenance, and Operations
- Demonstrated success driving continuous improvement and change management initiatives
- Excellent project management skills with the ability to lead multiple priorities simultaneously
Strong communication skills with the ability to present performance insights and recommended actions to leadership
Behavioral Competencies
- Data-driven decision-maker with strong root cause problem-solving skills (e.g., 5-Why, A3, fishbone analysis)
- Bias for action and a continuous improvement mindset
Even better, you may have...
- Master’s degree
- Validated ability to resolve diverse issues and conflict situations
- Strong ability to lead a large organization; interface/manage plant hourly personnel, salaried personnel, and contract personnel
- Lean Manufacturing/Six Sigma Black Belt experience
- Proven ability to communicate and present to diverse audiences
- Strong analytical skills and quick decision-making capability
- Competent in the use of data for decision-making
- Aspiration for continued growth and new challenges
- Demonstrated leadership with outstanding interpersonal, team building, and communication skills
You may not check every box, or your experience may look a little different from what we've outlined, but if you think you can bring value to Ford Motor Company, we encourage you to apply!
As an established global company, we offer the benefit of choice. You can choose what your Ford future will look like: will your story span the globe, or keep you close to home? Will your career be a deep dive into what you love, or a series of new teams and new skills? Will you be a leader, a changemaker, a technical expert, a culture builder…or all the above? No matter what you choose, we offer a work life that works for you, including:
· Immediate medical, dental, and prescription drug coverage
· Flexible family care, parental leave, new parent ramp-up programs, subsidized back-up childcare and more
· Family building benefits including adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, fertility treatments, and more
· Vehicle discount program for employees and family members, and management leases
· Tuition assistance
· Established and active employee resource groups
· Paid time off for individual and team community service
· A generous schedule of paid holidays, including the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day
· Paid time off and the option to purchase additional vacation time.
This position is leadership level 5 and ranges from $138,240-$261,720. ,
For more information on salary and benefits, click here: https://fordcareers.co/LL5
Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
Candidates for positions with Ford Motor Company must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status or protected veteran status. In the United States, if you need a reasonable accommodation for the online application process due to a disability, please call 1-888-336-0660.
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Support designed to go the distance.
From day one, Ford invests in you with medical benefits built to help you plan for what’s next. You’ll also get support for you and your family that meets you at every step, so you can move forward with confidence.
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Health and Wellness
Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, mental health, and unique wellness perks keep you and your family supported every step of the way.
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Financial and Retirement Programs
Build a strong financial future with robust retirement contributions, savings programs, and free personalized financial planning tools.
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Flexible Vacation and Holidays
Enjoy your time away from work with generous vacation, holidays, and flexible family leave designed to help you balance life and work with ease.
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Vehicle Discount Program
The best thing about building great products is driving them! The second-best thing: sharing your discount with family and friends so they can drive them, too.
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Family Growth and Support
Grow your family confidently with fertility, surrogacy, and adoption assistance, paid parental leave, and a supportive new-parent ramp-up program.
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Additional Programs
Enjoy unexpected extras like pet insurance, legal services, identity protection, and access to convenient health and wellness services.
Testimonial
Ford gives me the space to innovate, to lead, and to serve — all while staying true to who I am as an engineer, educator, and parent. It’s not just a career; it’s a community that drives change.
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