Okay, I've searched for Product Manager roles specializing in Supply Chain Planning and Optimization in Allen Park, MI. The positions are full-time, require 8+ years of experience, a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related fields, and skills including SQL and supply chain software tools. I found 27 relevant positions for you to review.

Sure. Here's the analysis:

Job Analysis:

This Product Manager role in Supply Chain Planning & Optimization is fundamentally about leading the transformation of Ford's supply chain capabilities by integrating advanced digital tools and optimizing planning processes. The core mission is to design, validate, and implement software and hardware solutions that enable faster, cost-effective delivery of quality automotive products. The candidate must bridge technical, business, and user-experience dimensions, conducting deep customer and stakeholder research to identify pain points and opportunities, then translating these insights into actionable product roadmaps. Because Ford is amid a major supply chain transformation, this role demands navigating ambiguity and complexity—balancing legacy systems with emerging digital technologies and cloud solutions. Success means delivering measurable improvements in supply chain efficiency, responsiveness, and integration across global teams and external vendors. Key responsibilities, such as facilitating business process workshops and maintaining an agile backlog, reveal that collaboration, prioritization, and iterative progress are critical. The role requires a blend of hard technical skills such as SQL/NoSQL querying, ETL, and optimization modeling, alongside soft skills like strong communication, ownership, and customer advocacy. Experience with supply chain planning tools and domain certifications (e.g., APICS) though not mandatory, significantly enhance strategic impact. Ultimately, the product manager must be a curious, proactive problem solver who can design customer-centric solutions and rally cross-functional teams in a fast-paced, evolving environment.

Company Analysis:

Ford Motor Company sits at the intersection of legacy automotive manufacturing and cutting-edge mobility innovation. As a storied global leader with over a century of impact, Ford combines a deep sense of family culture and community responsibility with a bold commitment to reinventing transportation—especially through connected and electric vehicle technologies. This unique blend shapes the working environment: one that values innovation driven by long-standing industry expertise and a mission-oriented mindset to serve customers and society. The company is large and multifaceted, meaning roles like this Product Manager often operate within complex global networks but retain opportunities for visibility and impact given the strategic priority on supply chain transformation. Ford’s emphasis on inclusivity, flexible work-life benefits, and employee growth signals a culture supportive of continuous learning and ownership, aligning well with the desire for candidates who demonstrate initiative and collaboration across diverse teams. Strategically, this role is integral to Ford's ambition to refine their supply chain as a competitive advantage—improving speed, cost, and quality delivery which directly supports the production and innovation of their next-generation vehicles. Thus, candidates should prepare to navigate a fast-evolving landscape with both technical rigor and adaptive interpersonal skills, leveraging the resources and scale Ford provides while driving meaningful technological and operational change.

Absolutely. Here are some mock interview questions that could come up:

• Behavioral: Tell me about a time when you had to gather and validate customer requirements for a complex product. How did you ensure that stakeholder insights translated into actionable product features?
• Behavioral: Describe an experience where you worked with cross-functional global teams. What challenges did you face and how did you maintain alignment?
• Behavioral: Share an example of a situation where you had to learn a new technology or tool quickly to help your team deliver value.
• Behavioral: How have you advocated for the end-user experience in a product development cycle? What methods did you use to communicate this to your team?
• Technical: How would you approach integrating a commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) supply chain planning tool with an existing legacy system?
• Technical: Explain your experience and approach with supply chain optimization models or demand forecasting software. How have you ensured data quality and accuracy in your analysis?
• Technical: Describe your hands-on experience with ETL processes and querying SQL/NoSQL databases in the context of supply chain data integration.
• Technical: What role does agile methodology play in product management for supply chain solutions, and how have you used tools like Jira or Rally to facilitate agile teams?
• Situational: Imagine you discover that a key data integration between an optimization tool and the ERP system is causing delays in product delivery schedules. How would you handle resolving this issue? Walk me through your process.
• Situational: If a stakeholder pushes for a feature that conflicts with your product roadmap priorities and available resources, how do you negotiate and communicate your position?
• Situational: During a business process mapping workshop, some participants are resistant to change and challenge the identified bottlenecks. How would you manage this dynamic to keep the session productive?
• Company Fit: Why are you interested in working at Ford Motor Company, especially within this supply chain transformation initiative?
• Company Fit: How do your personal and professional values align with Ford’s mission to serve communities and lead innovation in mobility?
• Company Fit: Given Ford’s legacy and current innovation-driven culture, how do you see yourself contributing to and growing within this environment?
• Questions for Interviewer: Can you describe the biggest current challenges Ford faces in supply chain planning and how this role is expected to address them?
• Questions for Interviewer: How does the Enterprise Technology Group collaborate with other departments such as manufacturing and product development to deliver supply chain solutions?
• Questions for Interviewer: What opportunities exist for professional development and continuous learning within this role and Ford at large?