Product Concepting Lead

We are seeking a highly creative and experienced Product Concepts Lead to join our innovative team within Ford's Advanced Product Concepting team.

In this role, you will work within the product ideation space, assessing customer, market research, and other critical inputs with a cross-functional team to develop value and differentiation.

Your work will directly influence the future of Ford's passenger and commercial vehicle portfolio in Europe.

Responsibilities

• Lead brainstorming sessions, utilizing various ideation techniques to generate innovative and commercially viable product concepts aligned with Ford's strategic goals.
• Study and understand the market research to understand the unmet customer needs within the segment, analyze competitive landscapes, and utilize emerging trends relevant to potential product concepts.
• Develop detailed concept documents, including translating the concept into product actions, functionality, and defining the concept emotional and attitudinal.
• Continuously evaluate and refine the product concepting process based on lessons learned from past projects, industry best practices, and emerging technologies.
• Effectively communicate product concepts to senior leadership, stakeholders, and cross-functional teams through compelling presentations and clear, concise written communication.
• Provide guidance and mentorship to junior team members, fostering a collaborative and innovative team environment within Ford's Vehicle Programs.
• Maintain a deep understanding of industry trends, technologies, and best practices in product development and concepting.

Qualifications

• Several years of experience in strategy, marketing, product concepting, product management, or a related field within the automotive industry.
• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g., engineering, design, marketing, business).
• Proven ability to generate innovative and commercially viable product concepts.
• Deep understanding of the automotive market, including competitive landscape, customer needs, and technological advancements.
• Ability to interpret data to identify opportunities that deliver market value and differentiation.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in creating compelling concept documents and presentations.
• Experience working with global cross-functional teams in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong understanding of the product development lifecycle, specifically within the automotive industry.
• Proficiency in design thinking methodologies.
• Strong leadership and mentorship skills.