Transportation Systems Lead

The Transportation Systems Lead is the primary architect and manager of the FCSD PSL (Ford Customer Service Department Part Supply Logistics) transportation technology ecosystem. The lead will be responsible for defining a multi-year strategy to modernize our transportation capabilities, selecting and implementing cutting-edge systems (such as Real time visibility tool , TMS etc), and ensuring these systems deliver measurable ROI and operational efficiency

1. Strategic Planning Vision

• Technology Roadmap: Develop and maintain a 35 year transportation systems strategy that aligns with corporate growth and sustainability goals.
• Market Intelligence: Stay abreast of emerging trends in the logistics industry , including autonomous logistics, AI-driven routing, and IoT-enabled visibility.
• Business Case Development: Conduct cost-benefit analyses and ROI projections for new system investments to secure executive buy-in.

1. Implementation Integration

• System Selection: Lead RFP (Request for Proposal) processes, vendor evaluations, and pilot programs for new software and hardware solutions in close engagement with IT , finance andPurchasing
• Project Leadership: Act as the Project Manager for large-scale implementations, ensuring milestones are met on time and within budget.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with IT, Procurement, and Legal to ensure seamless data integration with existing ERP/WMS systems and compliance with security standards.
• Change Management: Develop training programs and documentation to ensure high adoption rates

1. Operational Management Optimization

• System Ownership: Serve as the primary point of contact for system performance, troubleshooting, and vendor relationship management.
• Data Analytics: Leverage system data to create dashboards and KPIs (e.g., cost per mile, on-time delivery, fuel efficiency, carbon footprint).
• Continuous Improvement: Regularly audit system usage to identify "feature gaps" and implement process improvements or system upgrades.

Compliance Safety: Ensure all systems support regulatory compliance

Education Experience

• Education: Bachelors degree in Engineering , Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Industrial Engineering, Information Systems, or a related field. An MBA or Masters in a technical field is preferred.
• Experience: 710 years of experience in transportation or logistics( preferred automotive), with at least 4 years specifically focused on implementing and managing transportation technology (TMS, YMS, Real time visibility etc).
• Proven Track Record: Experience leading at least one enterprise-wide system implementation from inception to "go-live."

Technical Skills

• System Expertise: Knowledge of Tier 1 TMS (e.g., Oracle, SAP, Blue Yonder etc).
• Data Proficiency: Strong ability to work with data visualization tools (PowerBI, Tableau) and a solid understanding of EDI/API integrations.
• Project Management: Proficiency in PM software and methodologies (Agile, PMP certification etc).

Soft Skills

• Strategic Thinking: Ability to see the "big picture" while maintaining an eye for technical detail.
• Influence: Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and influence stakeholders at the executive level.
• Problem Solving: A proactive approach to identifying system bottlenecks and developing creative technical solutions.