Director, Global Parts Category Management

You will be responsible for the global parts catalog to include all aspects of lifecycle parts category management. This leader will define the products and brand strategies, coordinate efforts across the Enterprise with partners in FCSD, Ford Pro, Finance, Field Operations as well as Dealers and Authorized Distributor (FAD) to deliver the optimal catalog to grow the Parts business. This director owns the end-to-end global strategy, partners with purchasing in supplier negotiations, and delivers financial performance for the automotive parts portfolio. This role leads a diverse team of Product Category Managers, Product Specialists and Service Engineers to drive category growth, optimize inventory turn rates, and align product assortment with global market demand and the unique needs of individual markets. 

Reports to Executive Director Global Parts Operations and Business Development.

Key Responsibilities 

• Strategic Category Planning: Build and execute long-term category cycle plans, brand strategies, and product assortment plans to maximize sales and gross margins. Conduct thorough market research and analysis to identify emerging trends, competitive landscape customer preferences and provide actionable plans. 

• Service Engineering Management: Responsible for a team of service engineers who engineer, test, validate and oversee the portfolio of mechanical service parts as well as innovative advanced manufacturing solutions.

• Vendor & Supplier Management: Works in conjunction with purchasing to identify optimal global suppliers, rebates, and lead times while building relationships. 

• Inventory & Supply Chain Optimization: Monitor inventory health and minimize slow-moving or obsolete stock. 

• Cross-Functional Leadership: Partner with marketing, sales, yield management and supply chain teams to launch products, ensure product availability and promotional tactics.

• Product Positioning: Partner with Yield Management Director to create pricing strategies aligned to product lifecycle, brand, and market dynamics. Optimize volume and profitability.

• Management System: Maintain robust category management tools and processes, ensuring seamless strategy execution across the organization. Utilize PDCA competencies for continuous improvement. 

Required Qualifications & Skills 

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, business administration, marketing, or a related technical field (Master's degree preferred). 

• 10+ years of experience in category management, strategic sourcing, or product lifecycle management within the automotive parts or manufacturing industry. Global product strategy preferred.

• 5+ years of supervisory experience in a leadership role.

• Strategic financial analysis, cross-functional leadership, and deep knowledge of automotive aftermarket or OEM parts. 

• Excellent communication skills with strong ability to collaborate with executive leadership, team members, cross-functional teams, and external stakeholders. 

• Strong command of Microsoft, AI, and data analytics tools.

• Detail-oriented with a commitment to accuracy and quality.

• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced and dynamic work environment. 

• Bi-lingual preferred but not required