Job Description
Assistant Plant Manager (APM)
The Assistant Plant Manager (APM) is a senior manufacturing leader responsible for driving operational excellence and delivering world-class SQCPMET performance through the disciplined execution of the Ford Production System (FPS). This role partners closely with the Plant Manager to lead the plant’s strategic direction, transformation agenda, and people development, ensuring sustainable business results and long-term competitiveness.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead day-to-day plant operations to achieve Safety, Quality, Cost, People, Maintenance, Environment, and Throughput (SQCPMET) targets
- Ensure robust deployment and continuous improvement of the operating system across all dimensions, driving stability, standardization, and performance
- Co-develop and execute plant and regional strategies, aligning operational priorities with enterprise objectives
- Translate strategic vision into actionable plans that deliver measurable impact within the plant and the surrounding community
- Build a high-performing leadership team by developing Area Managers, Team Managers, and key talent, strengthening organizational capability and succession pipelines
- Foster a culture of accountability, inclusion, and continuous improvement, ensuring an exceptional workplace experience across facilities, operations, and behaviors
- Co-lead transformational initiatives with the Plant Manager, leveraging lean manufacturing principles and end-to-end FPS integration
- Drive data-based decision making and structured problem solving to close performance gaps and sustain results
- Ensure cross-functional alignment and effective communication at all levels of the organization and with regional/global stakeholders
- Represent the plant in regional and enterprise forums, contributing to broader manufacturing strategy and best practice sharing
- Travel approximately 5–10 times per year within Mexico and the United States to support operations and strategic initiatives
Leadership Expectations
- Act as a visible, values-driven leader, role modeling Ford’s expected behaviors and leadership standards
- Demonstrate strong systems thinking, balancing short-term results with long-term capability building
- Lead through influence and collaboration, fostering alignment across diverse and complex organizations
- Champion people development as a core responsibility, ensuring growth, engagement, and retention of top talent
- Drive cultural transformation through consistent leadership behaviors, clear communication, and disciplined execution.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering required; Master’s degree (MBA or equivalent) preferred
- 6-Sigma Black Belt certification (or actively pursuing)
- Proven experience leading manufacturing operations with accountability for SQCPMET results
- Strong systems thinking with the ability to connect strategy, operations, and people outcomes
- Deep knowledge and practical application of the Ford Production System (FPS) and lean manufacturing tools
- Demonstrated capability in structured problem solving and data-driven decision making
Leadership & Functional Capabilities
- Strong bias for action combined with disciplined process management
- Experience building and developing high-performing leadership teams (Area Managers, Team Managers)
- Ability to lead through influence across functions and drive alignment in complex organizations
- Effective communicator, capable of engaging technical, operational, and executive audiences
- Proven ability to lead transformation initiatives and sustain cultural change
- High learning agility and ability to operate effectively under ambiguity
Leadership Style
- Self-driven, resilient, and results-oriented
- Energizes and engages teams, creating a positive and high-performance culture
- Servant leadership mindset, with a strong focus on people development and empowerment
- Role model of Ford expected behaviors and values
Ford Motor Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer, as we are committed with a diverse workforce, and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant
for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, status as a veteran and basis of disability.
At Ford Motor Company, we believe freedom of movement drives human progress. With our incredible plans for the future of mobility, we have a wide variety of opportunities for you to accelerate your career and help us define tomorrow’s transportation.
