SOT Operations Specialist, North Americas (up to 100% travel)

SOT Operations Specialist, North Americas The purpose of this role is to mitigate supply chain risk that could potentially impact Ford Motor Company's Manufacturing Operations. You will be responsible for working with and resolving a caseload of operationally and financially distressed production suppliers that requires onsite support to mitigate risk, developing and delivering risk mitigation strategies aimed at protecting Ford's Vehicle and Powertrain production plants. What You’ll Do Nationwide/North America Travel Required: Travel frequently (up to 75%) to support supplier operations, including occasional weekends and off‑shifts. Supplier Support & Recovery: Work directly with operationally and financially distressed suppliers, providing onsite support to stabilize 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: Analyze 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 minimize 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: Summarize issues, actions, and progress clearly for team members and leadership. You'll Have 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. Willingness to travel up to 100% and support weekends/off‑shifts as needed. Even Better, You May Have MBA or Master’s Degree in Industrial Engineering. 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. 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. This position is a salary grade 8 and ranges from $99,100 to $166,200. Final determination of salary grade will be based on candidate's skills and experience, and base salary will be set within the applicable range according to job scope, responsibility and competitive market value. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Candidates for positions with Ford Motor Company must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status or protected veteran status. In the United States, if you need a reasonable accommodation for the online application process due to a disability, please call View phone number on click.appcast.io. #J-18808-Ljbffr