In this position...
This role owns the end-to-end product lifecycle—from trend-spotting and ideation to hardware/software integration, supplier management, and global market launch.
The successful candidate will navigate the friction between agile consumer tech lifecycles and traditional automotive development, delivering high-margin, highly desired electronic accessories (e.g., dash cams, rear-seat entertainment, smart storage, connected IoT devices).
This leader will ensure that all products not only delight the customer but also meet Ford’s rigorous standards for safety, durability, and software integration.
What you'll do...
• Trend Forecasting: Monitor global consumer electronics trends (e.g., CES innovations, mobile tech, gaming, smart devices) and translate them into a compelling automotive accessory roadmap.
• Business Case Development: Own the P&L for the CE accessories portfolio. Develop robust business cases, pricing strategies, and take-rate forecasts for both Factory-Installed Options (FIO) and Dealer-Installed Options (DIO).
• Lifecycle Synchronization: Develop strategies to decouple fast-moving consumer electronics lifecycles (6–12 months) from traditional vehicle development cycles (3–4 years), ensuring Ford vehicles always offer fresh, relevant tech.
• Requirements Definition: Write comprehensive Product Requirements Documents (PRDs) that bridge consumer tech features with automotive-grade requirements (e.g., extreme temperatures, vibration, crash safety).
• Ecosystem Integration: Champion the software integration of accessories with the vehicle’s infotainment system (SYNC/Android Automotive) and the FordPass mobile app, ensuring a seamless, single-ecosystem user experience.
• Cross-Functional Leadership: Lead matrixed teams across Electrical Engineering, Software Development, Vehicle Integration, UI/UX, and Automotive Safety to deliver products on time and on budget.
• Strategic Partnerships: Identify, negotiate, and collaborate with leading consumer electronics brands, Tier 1/Tier 2 suppliers, and Contract Manufacturers (CMs) to co-develop or white-label innovative hardware and software.
• Licensing & IP: Work with legal and business development teams to manage software licensing, data privacy compliance, and intellectual property integration for third-party tech.
• Launch Strategy: Develop GTM plans in partnership with Vehicle Program Management, Marketing, and Sales to bundle CE accessories into high-value vehicle packages or standalone retail offerings.
• Over-the-Air (OTA) Updates: Define the OTA roadmap for connected accessories, ensuring hardware can receive feature enhancements, bug fixes, and security patches post-purchase.
• Performance Analytics: Monitor customer telemetry, app store reviews, and warranty data to drive continuous product improvement and inform next-generation accessory designs.