Design for Service Commodity Manager

Ford Motor • Allen Park, MI

6d • $112,680 - $212,760 • Onsite

About The Position

We are the movers of the world and the makers of the future. We get up every day, roll up our sleeves and build a better world -- together. At Ford, we’re all a part of something bigger than ourselves. Are you ready to change the way the world moves? In this position... The DFS Commodity Manager – Body, Collision & Damageability is responsible for driving strategy and execution of serviceability within the Body Exterior, Interior, and Collision domains. You will lead a team of Commodity Specialists who function as the primary FCSD interface to Product Development (PD), influencing vehicle architecture/design to ensure competitive insurance ratings and efficient collision repair procedures.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Automotive Technology, Collision Repair Management, Automotive Management, or a related technical field
• Equivalent combination of education and significant industry experience (e.g., Body Shop Management, Insurance Estimating and Claims) will be considered
• 10+ years of relevant experience in the Automotive Industry. This could include: OEM Experience: Service Engineering, Body Engineering, or Product Development Retail / Dealership Experience: Hands-on experience in Fixed Operations (Body Shop Manager, Service Manager, etc.) with a strong grasp of Flat Rate labor, Warranty Administration, and the financial drivers of a dealership service department Collision Industry Experience: Collision Center Management, Technical Training, Insurance Claims/Strategy, or Repairability Research
• Body Construction: Deep understanding of modern vehicle architecture, materials (High-Strength Steel, Aluminum, Carbon Fiber), and joining technologies
• Repair Methodology: Strong knowledge of collision repair processes, including structural sectioning, anchoring, and refinishing
• ADAS Integration: Understanding of how sensor technologies (Radar, Lidar, Camera) impact collision repair and calibration requirements
• Familiarity with the collision insurance ecosystem, including rating factors, guidelines, and the interaction between OEM procedures and insurance estimating platforms
• Understanding Insurance Loss Data and how it can be leveraged to drive design change
• Understanding of the Auto Insurance Industry, particularly in Claims or Underwriting, and how designing for repairability can directly correlate to lower cost of ownership
• Blueprint/CAD Literacy: Ability to interpret technical drawings, 3D CAD models
• Project Management: Proven ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously, prioritizing high-impact issues
• Leadership: Experience leading technical teams or cross-functional working groups to a common goal
• Ability to translate technical repair data into financial business cases to drive decision-making with Engineering and Finance leadership
• Excellent executive presentation skills; able to distill complex technical issues into clear options for Senior Leadership

Nice To Haves

• Ability to look 3-5 years ahead and develop service strategies that prepare the dealer network for future technologies
• Comfortable leading teams through transformation, specifically the shift from mechanical repair to software/sensor-integrated serviceability

Responsibilities

• Lead, coach, and develop a team of Commodity Specialists responsible for serviceability of body structures, closures, ornamentation, glass, and related systems
• Execute FCSD strategy for Damageability and Repairability. Partner with insurance industry stakeholders to benchmark competition and drive design changes that lower insurance group ratings and Total Cost of Ownership.
• Support Collision Marketing initiatives to identify repair facility needs for improved repair quality and technical expertise, ensuring quality collision repairs
• Design Influence: Engage with Product Development early within the lifecycle to influence vehicle architecture. Ensure Service Requirements and Damageability Targets are met; introduce new service requirements, identify improvements, and manage revisions
• Lead Digital Pre-Assembly (DPA) serviceability test methods, introduce new assessments, identify improvements and manage revisions
• ADAS Center of Excellence: Lead the interaction between collision repair and ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) design teams through implementation of new and revised Service Requirements
• Manage the Paint & Body Technology Center, including management of sponsorships through contracts and collection of funds; own budget and supply order/equipment maintenance
• Deliver annual warranty cost avoidance and reduction targets by identifying and eliminating high-cost repair drivers
• Drive the strategy for serviceable sub-components vs. full assemblies to reduce repair costs
• Build coalitions with Quality, Safety, Manufacturing, and Total Ownership Lifecycle Management to align service goals with broader organizational KPIs

Benefits

• Immediate medical, dental, vision and prescription drug coverage
• Flexible family care days, paid parental leave, new parent ramp-up programs, subsidized back-up child care 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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level