Network Dealer Standards Special Projects Manager at Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa

Job Description

• The Projects Specialist, Dealer Development, is responsible for leading, coordinating, and executing strategic initiatives and non-routine projects aimed at enhancing the effectiveness, efficiency, and expansion of our dealer network. 
• This role requires a blend of project management expertise, analytical acumen, and a deep understanding of dealer operations and relationships as well as Ford Motor Company business processes and operations. The specialist will work collaboratively across internal departments and with external dealer partners to ensure successful project delivery that aligns with the company's overall dealer development strategy.

Responsibilities
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Project Leadership & Management:

• Lead the planning, execution, and monitoring of assigned special projects from initiation to completion, ensuring they are delivered on time, within scope, and on budget.
• Develop comprehensive project plans, including timelines, milestones, resource allocation, and success metrics.
• Coordinate and facilitate project meetings, track progress, and proactively identify and address potential risks or issues.
• Prepare and deliver regular progress reports, proposals, and presentations to stakeholders and senior management.
• Key Projects will include, but not limited to, the launch of the V837 Electric City van, Ford Approved Strategy, Ford Pro.

Dealer Network Enhancement:

• Collaborate with the Dealer Development team to identify opportunities for new programs, processes, or technologies to improve dealer performance, satisfaction, and market penetration on the above projects.
• Conduct market research and analysis to support strategic decisions for dealer network expansion or optimization.

Cross-functional Collaboration & Communication:

• Act as a liaison and facilitate communication between the Dealer Development department, other internal departments (e.g., Sales, Marketing, IT, Aftersales), and dealer partners. This is a crucial part of the job and needs to be senior enough to carry sufficient weight in co-ordinating and driving the projects with the internal stake holders.
• Gather and distribute necessary assets and information between various teams to ensure project alignment and smooth execution.
• Establish and maintain strong working relationships with business units and key partner groups.

Process Improvement & Compliance:

• Contribute to the development and refinement of project management best practices and tools within the department

 
PERFORMANCE MEASURES/ SUCCESS CRITERIA

• Strategic operator: Sets a clear plan and measures impact
• Trusted champion: Partners confidently with line manager, senior leaders, regional stakeholders and suppliers; brings sound insights
• Crisis‑ready: Decisive, calm, and co-ordinated under pressure
• Cross‑functional collaborator: Works seamlessly with Marketing Sales & Service partners, regional (US, Thailand and Chennai) leads and Dealer network
• Attention to Detail: Focus on the detail and deliver with consistent excellence
• Prioritizes, sequences, and delivers events on time and on budget. Champions post-event reporting and reconciliation processes
• Champions modern tools, workflows, and ways of working
• Leverages artificial intelligence (AI) tools to increase productivity, whilst reducing complexity and waste. 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS and ABILITIES:

• Exceptional Communication Skills: Strong verbal and written communication abilities to convey clear expectations, prepare comprehensive reports, and present effectively to diverse audiences.
• Strong Project Management Acumen: Ability to define project scope, create detailed plans, manage timelines, and ensure successful delivery.
• Analytical & Problem-Solving Skills: Capability to assess market trends, evaluate dealer performance data, identify issues, and develop effective solutions.
• Interpersonal & Relationship Building: Demonstrated ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with internal teams and external partners.
• Adaptability & Resourcefulness: Flexible in handling multiple tasks of a different nature and able to adapt to evolving project requirements.
• Proficiency: Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word) and project management software.
• Travel: Willingness to travel as needed to dealerships or for project-related meetings 

Qualifications
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Minimum BCom in Business Administration or equivalent qualification Project Management, Marketing, or a related field. In addition:
• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in project management, business operations, or a dealer-facing role, preferably within the automotive or a related industry.
• Proven experience in managing multiple projects simultaneously, demonstrating strong organizational and prioritization skills.
• Experience with dealer networks, sales channels, or franchise operations is highly desirable.