SOT Operations Specialist, North Americas

In this position, you will play a crucial role in mitigating supply chain risk that could potentially impact Ford Motor Company's Manufacturing Operations. As a SOT Operations Specialist, North Americas, you will work with and resolve a caseload of operationally and financially distressed production suppliers that require onsite support to mitigate risk. Your primary goal will be to develop and deliver risk mitigation strategies aimed at protecting Ford's Vehicle and Powertrain production plants.

Key responsibilities include:

• Supplier Support & Recovery: Work directly with operationally and financially distressed suppliers, providing onsite support to stabilise production and reduce supply risk.
• Leading/Facilitating immediate establishment of Interim Containment & Permanent Corrective actions, also insert Zero Loss Units and Agility - Speed of Resolution as key measurables for this role.
• Corrective Action Implementation: Support and execute interim and permanent corrective actions to improve supplier performance and ensure consistent supply.
• Issue Diagnosis: Analyse production, capacity, and quality challenges to identify root causes using structured problem-solving methods (e.g., 8D).
• Capacity & Risk Mitigation: Help resolve bottlenecks and constraints to prevent disruptions to production and minimise premium freight.
• Onsite Assessments: Participate in supplier site evaluations to identify risks and opportunities across manufacturing and quality processes.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with internal teams and suppliers to implement practical, data-driven solutions.
• Communication: Summarise issues, actions, and progress clearly for team members and leadership.

To succeed in this role, you will need:

• A Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Supply Chain, Business, or related field.
• 5+ years of experience in Manufacturing, Supply Chain, or Operations, including troubleshooting and resolving manufacturing or supply chain issues.
• 5+ years applying analytical and critical thinking to identify root causes and implement solutions using structured problem-solving methods (e.g., 8D, root cause analysis).
• Experience navigating ambiguous or evolving operational problems in time-sensitive, high-pressure, high-visibility environments.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and drive urgent resolution.
• 5+ years collaborating across teams with strong communication and cross-functional teamwork skills.
• Proficiency in Excel and data analysis to support operational problem solving.
• Working knowledge of manufacturing processes and lean principles with practical experience applying continuous improvement practices.

Preferred qualifications include:

• MBA or Master's Degree in Industrial Engineering.
• Bilingual English and Spanish.
• Experience in automotive or supplier manufacturing environments.
• Exposure to APQP, PPAP, or supplier quality processes.
• Self-starter mindset with the ability to learn quickly in dynamic environments.