Sr. / Manager, Product

At FordDirect, our emphasis on diversity is much more than words. We encourage you to be yourself. We open our minds and doors to all walks of life, respecting and celebrating the uniqueness within each of us. We value the voice and contributions of all team members.

The diversity of our team drives us, inspires us, and makes us proud to call FordDirect home.

FordDirect is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, disability status or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations, and ordinances. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements.

If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please email [email protected].  

This position is a hybrid role which requires the employee to work in the office Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.

Sr./Manager, Product

This role will be filled at either the Product Manager or Sr. Product Manager level, with the final title and compensation determined based on the selected candidates qualifications and experience.

The Sr./Manager, Product is responsible for the product planning and execution throughout the product lifecycle. The Sr./Manager, Product gathers and prioritizes product and customer requirements, defines the product vision, and works closely with technology, sales, and marketing to ensure revenue and customer satisfaction goals are met. This role requires a strong operational mindset, with the ability to infuse innovation and critical thinking into efficient work streams.

Our Product, FordDirect 1:1 Messaging, is a marketing platform/product that enables OEM and Regional clients to execute personalized Tier 1 and Tier 2 campaigns across direct mail and email, with room to grow into additional channels over time. This role will help shape and grow the team supporting this business. It's an ideal fit for a marketing/product professional who enjoys building and scaling a function while partnering closely with national and regional client stakeholders.

Essential Functions   

1. Serve as the subject matter expert, by defining, managing, and executing strategy and performance metrics of assigned product and related processes.


2. Continually manage and enhance product performance to achieve core success measures.


3. Constantly strive for the highest level of dealer/customer satisfaction.


4. Prioritize feature roadmaps for existing products and run pilot programs for early-stage products.


5. Work with Marketing to develop core positioning and messaging.


6. Create and deliver presentations to communicate product roadmap and performance.


7. Maintain awareness of competitive landscape to stay current on emerging technologies and dealer needs.


8. Participate in the selection, evaluation, and management of third-party vendors.


9. Assist in development of pricing strategy to meet revenue and profitability goals.


10. Assist in development of product budget, P&L, and report on forecast versus actual expenditures.


11. Provide product content for the training team and product updates to sales team on a consistent basis.


12. Own the collaboration across all internal and external teams to ensure alignment.


13. Develop, optimize, and implement product-related processes to ensure operating efficiency.


14. Regularly review product or platform performance and metrics to identify any anomalies or issues.


15. Leverage AI-based tools and technologies to improve efficiency, accuracy, and quality of work within scope of responsibilities.


16. Manage and coach team members for role performance, career progression and skill development as needed (i.e., set goals, provide performance feedback and conduct performance reviews).

% Travel Required (Approximate): Minimal

Qualifications  At FordDirect, we believe in diversity as a strength. You are encouraged to apply even if your experience or background does not precisely match the job description. Candidates who do not meet all listed qualifications may be considered based on the combination of relevant work experience and depth of expertise in job-related skills.  This role will be filed at either the Product Manager or Sr. Product Manager level, with the final title and compensation determined based on the selected candidates qualifications and experience.

Experience    

• Digital product definition and product management experience (7+ years).


• Proven experience in planning, executing, tracking, and monitoring product plans and performance.


• Managing the roadmap, change management and overall performance for digital marketing products (5+ years).


• Management of product vendors/partners.


• Automotive OEM or dealer-related product experience.


• Experience managing 1-5 direct reports.

Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities  

• Advanced knowledge of digital media systems and tools (i.e. ad servers, attribution, tagging, etc.)


• Comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge of the digital marketplace.


• Demonstrated fluency with AI-enabled tools and a working understanding of their appropriate use, limitations and application to job-related tasks.


• Proactively problem-solve and multitask while maintaining composure and attention to detail.


• Follow-through mindset to uphold a ‘close the loop’ culture. 


• A positive approach to serving customers and providing exceptional customer service.


• Ability to demonstrate good judgment, high ethics and project a professional image. 


• Ability to work independently and as a collaborative team member with a positive ‘can do’ attitude.


• The drive to identify and seize opportunities for continuous improvement as business needs change.


• Excellent organization, flexibility and time management skills and the ability to work in a dynamic, deadline-driven environment.


• Exceptional interpersonal and business communication skills (written, verbal, listening).


• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint).


• Solid people management skills and the ability to create a motivational environment for team members.


• Knowledge of HR-related principles such as goal setting, discrete communication, and performance management and feedback.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, or equivalent combination of work experience and education

Note to Third-Party Agencies  FordDirect accepts resumes only from employment businesses/agencies with which we formally engage their services. Please do not forward resumes to our applicant tracking system, FordDirect employees or hiring managers. FordDirect will not be liable for any fees arising from such actions or any fees arising from any referrals by employment businesses/agencies for vacancies posted on this site.

FordDirect is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position. Only candidates permanently authorized to work in the United States will be considered