Manufacturing L&D Manager

Ford is seeking a strategic Manufacturing Learning Operations leader to strengthen and scale how we build capability across our global manufacturing network. This role provides enterprise leadership for the systems, governance, and data-driven processes that ensure learning investments translate into measurable readiness, performance, and compliance across Global Ford Manufacturing.

In this position ...

The primary deliverables for this role are to: (1) provide strategic leadership, management, and ongoing maintenance of the Manufacturing Capabilities Framework; (2) lead Global Manufacturing Governance through a Manufacturing Learning Council to align priorities and standards; (3) shape and lead the enterprise approach to Learning Needs Assessment and Learning Data/Evaluation strategy; and (4) define, implement, and sustain the structure, expectations, and operating cadence for Plant Training & Development Leads to drive consistent execution across plants.

What you'll do ...

• Set the enterprise strategy and multi-year roadmap for Manufacturing Learning Operations, aligning plant capability needs to business priorities while ensuring scalable, cost-effective execution.
• Own the Manufacturing Capabilities Framework: define standards, governance, version control, stakeholder input mechanisms, and an ongoing maintenance process to keep capabilities current as technologies and processes evolve.
• Lead the enterprise Learning Needs Assessment approach across plants (methods, cadence, stakeholder roles), assessing performance needs and translating findings into prioritized capability gaps and an actionable learning portfolio.
• Define and govern the Learning Data & Evaluation strategy (metrics, dashboards, measurement standards, and system requirements) to monitor workforce skills gaps, training needs, and program effectiveness, and to demonstrate impact, adoption, and readiness outcomes.
• Lead Global Manufacturing Governance through a Manufacturing Learning Council, engaging senior HR and business stakeholders to set priorities, approve standards, remove barriers, and communicate decisions and progress.
• Establish and sustain the operating model for Plant Training & Development Leads (role clarity, onboarding, and development, routines, community of practice, escalation paths, and shared artifacts) to drive consistent deployment and continuous improvement across regions.
• Lead the Ford Production System team’s monthly newsletter and website ensuring clear, consistent communication that engages global Manufacturing employees with current development information, learning resources, and upcoming events.
  
• Manage budgets and expenditures; negotiate contracts and agreements, ensuring timely delivery and quality of services 
• Actively role model and advocate a culture of learning to enhance employee knowledge, skills, and behaviors, supporting business needs 
• Manage and oversee LMS and LXP administration and governance, ensuring accurate, complete, and confidential learning records in accordance with established company wide policies.
• Develop relevant standards, procedures, and reporting templates to ensure efficient and effective learning experiences 
• Actively engage and partner with other Ford Learning and Development teams to share and leverage best practices. 
• Perform talent management responsibilities including staffing, performance, pay decisions, team development, and other personnel actions for the Learning and Development function 
• Lead, motivate, and mentor a team; foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment. Proven experience building and leading high-performing teams 

You'll have ...

• Bachelor's degree in a related field (e.g., Human Resources, Organizational Development, Business, Engineering, or similar) or equivalent experience
• Demonstrated or direct experience creating learning and/or training programs 
• Experience designing, implementing, and maintaining competency and/or skills frameworks, including governance, version control, and stakeholder alignment.
• Manufacturing experience, including experience working in and leading learning teams within a plant/manufacturing environment, with demonstrated understanding of plant operations, production systems, and frontline workforce development.
• Strong strategic thinking skills including the ability to impart or exchange information as a means of connecting people or places for the enhancement of business outcomes 
• Strong stakeholder management skills 
• Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills and proven record of accomplishment in effectively achieving results in a cross functional or matrix environment 
• Strong facilitation skills; able to plan and lead effective workshops, governance forums, and stakeholder working sessions.
• High-energy, engaging presence with the ability to influence and connect with employees at all levels; demonstrated servant leadership and a learner-first mindset.
• Outstanding written and presentation skills 

• Led team of at least 5+ employees 

Even better, you may have...

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Learning/Instructional Design, Human Resources, Organizational Development, or related field

• Automotive manufacturing experience (preferred/bonus).

• In-depth knowledge of Adult Learning Theory Principles and Learning Evaluation strategies
• Stays current on latest learning and development technologies 
• Experience in lean manufacturing principles

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.

This position is hybrid. Candidates who are in commuting distance to a Ford hub location may be required to be onsite four or more days per week. #LI-Hybrid   

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