Engineering Job Vacancies at Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa

JOB DESCRIPTION

The FSE is responsible for all technical concerns from the Rapid Hub he/she owns including all Technical Assistance Centre (TAC) escalations.  The role also contains a training element as we engage with dealer technicians to provide on-the-job training and guidance.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead & support dealer technicians to diagnose and resolve high ageing technical concerns which cannot be addressed through the TAC.
• Provide technical support to TAC engineer / Zone Manager / CRC agent on litigation.
• Summarize the cause of all concerns and submit a One-Pager within the agreed timelines after the dealer visit to flow information through to the relevant PVT engineering teams.
• Lead Technical Audits, Skill Inventory analysis and PDI audits. On-the-job training to technicians for TSB, FSA, SSM, SST usage and diagnostic concerns.
• Provide support and advice to Dealers with respect to, but not limited to, Ford technician training, Skill Mix, Technician competence, Special Service Tools and equipment requirements.
• Support central SEO / PCE / PD / PVT teams on technical concern or fix validations, TSB corrections, workshop manual corrections and training contents corrections.
• Support on Vehicle Off Road (VOR) / Rapid Hub / CRC initiatives on daily review of open/ageing concerns along with Cross-Functional Teams and address diagnostic related ageing concerns by guiding dealer technicians.
• Support Fix It Right First Time by assisting dealers with a good technical diagnosis and workshop practice to provide robust fixes to customers.
• Attend relevant PCE / PVT meetings for information sharing and emerging concern update.
• Support / conduct regular Service Manager and Service Foreman meetings. 
• Vehicle Off Road (VOR) Days Measured.
• Dealer Satisfaction Index.
• Quality of Information Reported to PVT/ CRC / TAC.
• Fix It Right First Time Measurable.

QUALIFICATIONS

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS and ABILITIES (KSA)

• Strong verbal communication and writing skills in English.
• Fully competent with vehicle diagnostics and technical repair of vehicles.
• Process orientated with a disciplined, enquiring, and empathetic approach to problem solving.
• Outgoing approach to engage with people with a view to resolving and teaching.
• Good time management and prioritisation skills.
• Self-motivated, responsible, and dependable with sound ethical values and a good grasp of business relationships.
• Proficiency in the use of Windows, MS Outlook, MS Word and MS Excel. 
• Prepared to travel locally and internationally at short notice and for multiple days at a time.

QUALIFICATIONS and EXPERIENCE

• Tertiary Engineering qualification (Minimum 3 year diploma) from a recognized university/college.
• Vehicle diagnostics and technical problem-solving experience a must. 
• PTS and FDRS Experience will be beneficial.
• Dealership operations and workshop experience an advantage.
• Must have a valid South African Driver’s license
• Must have a valid Passport

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JOB DESCRIPTION

Risk and Relationships

• Proactive Risk Management 
• Effective Supplier Account Management
• Financial Statement Analysis
• Industry and Market Trends
• Project Management

Soft Skills

• Focus, Excellence and Collaboration
• Time Management and Teamwork
• Well-developed written and verbal communication skills to effectively discharge job duties
• Full understanding of commodity fundamentals, which influence product cost, piece price, quality, performance and capacity
• Well-developed business acumen and finance knowledge to ensure that accurate sourcing decisions are made
• Ability to manage change and conflict. Resilience and Adaptability
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills including good communication skills
• Good Interpersonal Communication and Business Etiquette – Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Good presentation and computer skills

RESPONSIBILITIES

Quality

• Q1 Process and Key drivers for Q1 attainment
  • Supplier Site Assessment
  • Materials Management Operating Guidelines (MMOG)
  • Parts Per Million (PPM)
• Understanding of the Warranty Process, Recovery Mechanism
• Waste Elimination

Cost

• Financial Accounting and Management
• Cost Estimating
• Benchmarking
• Policies, Regional Incentives, EUFTA

Commodity Costing

• Basic 8 bin analysis
• End to End Cost Attach, (BBB)  Bill of Process/Bill of Design/Bill of Material, Lean Manufacturing Process (GEMBA)
• Material Utilization Development (MUD Process)
• Running a Business Case (BC) - Time Adjusted Rate of Return (TARR), Return on Investment (ROI) Calculations

Delivery

• Negotiation, Leveraging (Scale, Scope)
• Tools and systems for Supply chain Management
• Value Stream Map
• Supplier manufacturing Process
• Supplier Profile (Sales split and technology)
• Waste Elimination (Six Sigma, Green Belt Projects)

QUALIFICATIONS

• National Diploma or Degree in Purchasing / Engineering / B. Com./ Commercial
• Minimum 5 years working experience in relevant disciplines and previous automotive purchasing experience would be a distinct advantage.

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POSITION DETAILS

• Receive, review, and respond to technical queries from the field through:
  • Technical Support Request (TSR),
  • Emails (when GTAC is down or not operational),
  • Handling inbound calls (after submitting TSR),
  • Utilizing SWIS calls (Call volume at 5%) and making outbound calls as needed.
• Regularly track all open/ageing concerns for timely resolution and update the vehicle status.
• Daily update the TSR status in the TSR tracking sheet on SharePoint until the Repair Order (RO) is invoiced.
• Aim to answer all incoming phone calls within three rings to minimize missed calls.
• Escalate issues to the TAC Supervisor within 24 hours if there is a delay in diagnostics by the dealer and TAC.
• Follow the escalation matrix to ensure that open concerns are resolved within the specified 1-day time limit.
• Provide justification for any Technical Support Requests (TSR) open beyond 2 days to the TAC Supervisor/Technical Service Operations Manager.
• Prepare alerts with relevant documents for thermal and safety-related events and forward them to the TAC Supervisor for validation.
• Assist dealer technicians with module programming through SWIS, phone, or WebEx when dealers face execution challenges.
• Update the TSR tracking sheet for repeat failure concerns.
• Inform the IMG TAC Supervisor about repeat repair TSRs from the first day for guidance.
• Report any abnormalities in PTS, TSR, SWIS, OWS (One Warranty System), Prior Approval Request (PAR), and Workshop Service Manual to the respective stakeholders for correction.
• Discuss warranty rejection repairs with the dealer and Zone Manager after consulting with the ZAF TAC Supervisor.
• Communicate technical issues with service parts to the PDC (Parts Distribution Centre)/PCA (Product Concern Analyst) team.
• Review and provide guidance on adjudication for PAR in OWS.
• Address low TAC survey scores by finding resolutions and enhancing skills through appropriate training.
• Analyze the "Not Fixed Right First Time" (Not FIRFT) customer verbatim and update the gap analysis on SharePoint for FSE review.

RESPONSIBILITIES

PERFORMANCE MEASURES/ SUCCESS CRITERIA

• Response Time: 60 Minutes. 
• Handle Time: 20 Minutes. 
• Dealer Sat: 96%. 
• Technical VOR: 9 Days

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS and ABILITIES (KSA)

• High automotive technical knowledge and competent in product and process concern diagnosis. 
• Ability to understand the critical concern and logical approach.
• Ford Information systems- PTS, GCQIS, GTAC, OWS, and Panda
• Computer literate – Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, IDS, FDRS, and WebEx 
• Ability to work under pressure in difficult environments and different time zone.
• Management, better communication skills, strategic thinking, adaptability, and attention to detail.

 QUALIFICATIONS and EXPERIENCE

• Diploma or bachelor’s degree or master’s degree in mechanical, automotive.
• Min 5 years of experience in Hot Line operations / FSE / Warranty.  Prior experience in automotive or related industries is desirable.
• Technical Hot Line OEM Experience is preferred.
• Should have worked as Service Technician, Dealer Shop Floor Experience is a must, Dealer Diagnostic Engineer, Ford Master Technician or equivalent certifications are important, and completion of New Model Training. Any Battery Electrical Vehicle (BEV) training and or experience will be beneficial.

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JOB DESCRIPTION

• Ensure compliance to the Quality Operating System and coach team members as required.  
• Confirm proper tools are being utilized to ensure product and process quality.
• Confirm work areas adhere to 5S standards of workplace organization, and workstations are free of debris and contamination.
• Ensure EOS standards are adhered to and identify additional opportunities.
• Coach and support Team Leaders to achieve SQDCPME objectives through standardized work.
• Coach, teach, and feedback on resolution of abnormalities (ANDON), and confirm closure of concerns.
• Assist Work Groups as required to maintain production flow consistent with cycle time requirements.
• Adhere to and modify Time & Data Management to promote, support, and coach a continuous improvement mindset and activities in the team.
• Verify and maintain documentation (OJT, Versatility, and Mandatory Training).
• Create a Zero Tolerance environment and reaffirm team member’s respect each other.
• Ensure Work Group members are appropriately recognized for the accomplishments.
• Monitor and confirm that manufacturing operating system standards are being applied and adhered to throughout the area.
• Facilitate Results Process through utilization of standard processes and tools.
• Drive continuous improvement on systemic abnormalities to prevent reoccurrence.
• Provide necessary resources to maintain production flow and confirm critical inputs are being performed to the acceptable standard(s).
• Plan and implement revisions and improvements to meet the new standards as the manufacturing operating systems mature.
• Enable a culture of learning through demonstration of effective communication skills.
• Mentor, nurture, develop teams to own working together, modeling the Ford values and expected behaviors.
• Create a proactive performance driven culture that listens, reacts and supports (effective communication, education, listening, and trust) to capture the hearts and minds of the people.
• Proactively recognize the team’s accomplishments and improve morale.
• Ensure basic administrative activities are completed, as required

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Improve Framing Line equipment uptime using data analysis and CMM trend monitoring
• Develop and implement short-, medium- and long-term improvement plans for implementation within the assembly process.
• Take responsibility for investigating and introducing new engineering technologies and strategies an ongoing model introduction.
• Undertake root cause analysis and ensure Permanent Corrective Actions (PCA’s) are implemented while ensuring part and product quality.
• Optimization of processes to meet objectives of lowering cost and/or improving productivity. 
• Providing assistance in the assembly and maintenance of engineering and other technical files.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Good Behavioral And Leadership Skills
• Excellent English Oral and Written communication
• Ability To Analyze And Interpret Data Analysis
• Good Team Work Ability
• Self-Motivated And Results Driven Individual
• Read mechanical and assembly schematics to ensure specifications, adherence to standards are met
•  Troubleshoot equipment and processes and manage calibration of equipment and tooling.
• Extensive knowledge of a variety of assembly processes including welding processes
• Fault Finding And Continuous Improvement Execution And Implementation
• National Diploma or degree: Mechanical/ Industrial Engineering 
• 3-4 Years  Part / Product Assembly Experience

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JOB DESCRIPTION

PERFORMANCE MEASURES/ SUCCESS CRITERIA

The mean to measure the accomplishment of the position responsibilities.

• BSAQ Quality data, R/1000 CPU
• Count of days to concern approval and release.
• Count of days to close out Alerts.
• Count of days to close out EQN’s.
• Plant Interior FTT/FRC related to Design or Supplier Processes

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and ABILITIES (KSA)

• Good interpersonal skills.
• Ability to conduct evaluations independently according to requested procedure.
• Understand Manufacturing environment. 
• Ability to lead investigations into product quality and plant process issues, then apply proper engineering reasoning in order to achieve sound resolution of issues.
• Good interpretation of technical information and good writing skills.
• Ability to create (and deliver presentations of) 6-Panels and G8D’s. 
• Problem Solving Using 6 Sigma Principles

RESPONSIBILITIES

• To assist New Vehicle launches as part of the Interior team.
• Identify and diagnose vehicle issues, raise AIMS concerns, and resolve them.
• Liaise with approved vendors to ensure that component designs and performance characteristics necessary to meet functional and quality requirements are achieved.
• Liaise with Interior teams elsewhere in the One Ford organisation to drive quality solutions on issues experienced in-plant and externally.
• Attend LEA Functional Quality Reviews 
• VFG Engineer for the Connectivity engineering section.
• Core VRT (Variability Reduction Team) member responsible for the creating and maintenance of BSAQ projects.
• Establish root cause of Customer complaint data and resolution plan for improvement through external and internal company quality metrics.
• Report issues at FMCSA, IMG quality review meetings, Variability Reduction Team and teams as required and appropriate departments to improve manufacturing quality and processes. 
• Establish possible resolutions to Interior related problems for vehicles after launch through design and manufacturing improvements.
• Establish root cause and resolutions of specific customer complaints by assisting CSO and Dealers through CMT/QSF.
• Liaise with and support relevant AP Engineering functions.
• Utilise regional Vehicle Functional Group Engineers (VFG's) as resource for hard to fix issues.
• Brief MTC (Manage The Change) Teams on Design Changes that will have impact on production and facilitate problem free implementations of Design Changes

QUALIFICATIONS

• B-Eng, or B-Tech degree Mechanical Engineering
• Six Sigma Green Belt/Black Belt advantagous
• BSAQ System Knowlage
• CAD experience 
• Injection Moulding / Trim part Manufacturing experience 
• Min 3 years' experience in the Automotive Industry

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JOB DESCRIPTION

Lead and enhance Ford’s social media presence, targeting brand favourability and sales lead generation. Develop and implement a strategic social media plan to meet key marketing goals. Create engaging content, oversee campaigns, and analyze data to ensure Ford SA’s vibrant online image. Work with internal teams and external agencies for cohesive social media content. Use creative, analytical, and communication skills, fueled by a passion for social media, to engage Ford enthusiasts and potential customers, building a community of brand advocates and steering discussions about our products. 

RESPONSIBILITIES

Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement a social media strategy aligned with Ford South Africa’s marketing goals. 
• Create engaging content for various social media platforms to foster audience engagement and community growth. 
• Monitor social media channels for industry trends, customer feedback, and direct mentions of the Ford brand. 
• Collaborate within Marketing and with other internal skill teams to create cohesive messaging across all platforms. 
• Manage social media campaigns, budgeting, and analytics to maximize ROI. 
• Devise agile tactical executions based on trending topics that would positively influence brand favourable opinion and consideration. 
• Identify threats and opportunities in user generated content on social platforms relevant to Ford, including audience profiling, topical conversations, or questions. 
• Support all product launches, marketing events, and sponsorships by creating awareness and engagement content on our social channels.

Accountabilities:

• Ensure brand consistency in voice, messaging, and aesthetics across all digital content and social media posts. 
• Provide regular reports on social media performance, insights, and growth opportunities. 
• Manage the agency-based community managers, customer relations centre (CRC) agents, and public relations (PR) team to respond promptly and diplomatically to customer inquiries and comments on social media platforms.

Communication and Working Relationships:

• Work closely within the Marketing team to align social media strategies with overall marketing campaigns and objectives. 
• Liaise with external agencies and partners as required, to develop and implement social media initiatives. 

QUALIFICATIONS

Qualifications and Experience:

• Qualification in Marketing Communications or related field
• 3+ years of experience in social media management, preferably in the automotive or a related industry.
• Proven track record of creating and implementing social media campaigns across multiple platforms 
• Familarity with CRM software and customer service platforms would be advantageousValid South African driver’s licence and willingness to travel to after-hours marketing events to represent the brand. 

Technical Skills:

• Proficiency in social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, TikTok)
• Strong understanding of digital marketing principles and SEO strategies. 
• Ability to analyze data and provide insights using analytics tools.
• Solid understanding of how each social media platform works and how to optimize content for engagement on each of the respective platforms.

Competencies:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including ability to work cross-functionally and with regional social team. 
• Creative thinking and problem-solving abilities
• Strong organizational and project management skills

General Attributes: 

• Adaptability to rapidly changing environments and trends. 
• Passion for the automotive industry and the Ford brand.
• Team player with the ability to work independently. 
• Curious and meticulously detail-oriented

Linguistic skills:

• Proficiency in English. 
• Additional South African languages (e.g., Zulu, Afrikaans) would be a benefit. 

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JOB DESCRIPTION

• Knowledge of AutoCAD/Autodesk Inventor, CATIA V5 and Team Centre.
• Capable to handle project independently and handle cross functional team across FMCSA/Global forums.
• Strong knowledge of the automotive systems.
• Knowledge of the FMEA, DFMEA.
• Strong knowledge of CATIA V5 and Team Centre.
• Strong knowledge of Paint equipment technology, performance, and design principles.
• Excellent client-facing and internal communication skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Solid organizational skills including attention to detail and multitasking skills.
• Resilience, flexibility, teamwork, cost awareness. 

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Leading contractors projects in terms of all new installations VME Paint department has to deliver from scope of work creation to installation, buy-off & debugging.
• To deliver project work as per customers’ requirements, timing and applicable standards.
• Prepare the Scope of Works for the facility projects, raise in the system Requisition Requests, conduct suppliers technical evaluation, work with buyer to ensure purchase order is raised on-time.
• New colour plan development and execution working cross-functionally with Paint supplier, Paint process engineers to adjust and develop paint appearance to achieve and exceed Ford paint appearance standards as per control plan.
• Work with global team to create and maintain processes in the system for new process and new model launch. 
• Prepare project planning, status review and reporting.
• Liaise with contractors and internal customers to clarify and define project requirements, scope and objectives.
• Prepare project proposals, timeframes, schedule and budgets.
• Monitor and track project’s progress and handle any issues that arise but following Buy off book process.
• Use project management tools to monitor working hours, budget, plans and money spend Act as the point of contact and communicate project status adequately to all participants.
• Issue all appropriate legal paperwork.
• Report and escalate to management as needed.
• Create and maintain comprehensive project documentation, plans and reports.
• Optimization of preventive maintenance jobs based on break down analysis and findings.
• Coordination of the design approvals, pre-acceptance, final inspection and buy off.
• All new facilities and process comply to manufacturing and safety regulations and Standards.
• Manufacturing systems delivered to schedule.
• New model vehicle quality targets are achieved. 
• Program costs are closely monitored, and budgets met.

QUALIFICATIONS

• National diploma or degree in Mechanical engineering or equivalent project professional experience.
• Professional Engineer, Professional Certified Engineer, or Professional Technologist certification with professional body will be a plus.

Experience:

• 5 Years working experience in Paint Engineering or similar is advantageous. 
• Experience in design and commissioning (e.g., performance tuning, loop checkout, etc.).
• Experience in troubleshooting (e.g., root cause failure analysis and correction).
• Strong knowledge of Paint equipment technology, performance, and design principles.
• Strong knowledge of the automotive systems previous experience in developing similar systems, modernization of the systems, cooperating with project managers for the delivery of projects.
• Project management experience and MS Project are must.
• Proven history of developing novel concepts for paint systems.
• Experience in Preparation of SOW, conducting safety analysis, FMEA requirements, lead design reviews/buyoff at supplier site and support implementation of facilities.
• Project Management experience and MS project is a must.

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ROLE SUMMARY

The Process Coach is responsible for:

• Supporting Production with well-maintained facilities adhering to World Class Standards. 
• Driving SQCDPME by understanding and consistently applying MOS standards and strategies.
• Validate and bridge operational needs to ensure Production line is running safely and smooth.
• Supervise, Coach and be responsible for Maintenance team.
• Analyze breakdown reports and implement corrective measures.
• Adhere to all safety rules and regulations.

RESPONSIBILITIES

POSITION DETAILS

Safety: 

• Continuously monitor the processes within Maintenance department with a view towards proactively solving potential problems that could have negative impact on the safety well-being of the team. Attend to the concerns raised by any department timeously and with urgency. Track and monitor all safety concern including, CCAR’s, PTA’S, near-misses etc.

Quality:

•  Ensure all quality standards are adhered to. Monitor the quality performance of Maintenance department on an hourly basis by reviewing the defect status with a view towards conducting deep-dive investigations and implementing ICA’s / PCA. Review GTR reports and QLS reports to monitor Quality and partake in Quality meetings to give feedback on Equipment Quality concerns. Utilize all the available tools and documentation in order to resolve problems and eliminate defects e.g. 8D’s, 6 Panel and PJO’s.

Delivery: 

• Coordinate the resources and activities required to ensure MOS strategy is implemented.

Cost: 

• Monitor, control, and improve Maintenance Cost Per Unit (MCPU) based on the MOS strategy. Manage based on MOS strategy and support material control (spare part inventory), repair and rebuild programs, Reliability and Maintainability reviews. Drive cost improvement initiatives in order to improve the overall cost efficiency and effectiveness of Maintenance department by finding ways to reduce usage of consumables and material.

People: 

• Clear communication to the team. Administration of supervisory responsibilities and documents Leading, coaching, training and development of the team. Conduct PJO’s to verify that the line is running safely and consistently, PM/CM/EM are done with integrity and quality and Facilities are maintained to the standard by the team. Manage absenteeism levels, employee versatility & manning assignments in area of responsibility. Develop the weekend planning work and participate in weekend planning meetings with VOME/Launch. Support, Coach and drive Team’s Continuous Improvement mindset through Kaizens, 6 Panels, Proactive actions. Hold team Accountable.

Maintenance: 

• MOS strategy to maximize equipment effectiveness through a detailed, standardized, prioritized preventive and predictive maintenance plan designed to improve productivity. Use Maximo to analyze data and evaluate the effectiveness of the preventive maintenance plan. Regularly monitor and assess the condition of back-up equipment to ensure readiness for use when needed. Know and understand the Maintenance Operating Systems and its objectives. Ensure robust PM’s with Visual Job Plans. Continuously do PJO’s and improve facility uptime.

Environment: 

• Ensure department complies with government, industry and corporate standards

PERFORMANCE MEASURES

•  Ensure PM strategy is implemented and followed, PM's are done with integrity.
•  Install / repair equipment within the timing plan.
• Analyze the work performed by team to ensure good performance.
• Ensure efficient utilization of the team.
• Produce well defined reports when requested for future planning or to substantiate the progress of a task or project.
• Ensure the adherence to the Company Code of Conduct and Safety rules.
• Train subordinates to maximize productivity.
• Ensure the availability of the required spares for emergency and planned repairs
• +95% Equipment Availability
• Reduce breakdown Mean Time To Repair (MTTR) to < 9min
• Increase Equipment MTBF to > 450min.
• PM completion ratio of > 97%
• No Open Work Orders > Three months
• Unplanned absentee management of < 3%

QUALIFICATIONS

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS and ABILITIES 

• 3 years National Diploma in Mechanical/ Electrical or N6 with Trade certificate.
• Proficient in Kawasaki, Fanuc Robotics.
• Electrical and mechanical skills.
• Programming skills.
• Microsoft office knowledge (Word/PowerPoint/Excel/Outlook).
• Fault-finding ability.
• 6 Sigma problem solving Methodology.
• Proper communication and escalation
• Knowledge of MOS Implementation.
• Knowledge of constraint management principles.
• Proficient in Siemens TIA Portal, Mitsubishi PLCs
• SEW, Simotion Controls and drives
• Basic knowledge in Vision systems and scanners e.g. Cognex, Sick
• 3-years’ Experience in Automotive industry
• 3-years’ Experience in Maintenance background
• Must have displayed proven capability of leading a team in current or previous roles.