Experience Design Manager

Join to apply for the Experience Design Manager role at Ford Motor Company Lead. Grow. Transform. Ford Motor Company is constantly evolving and innovating. As part of the International Markets Group (IMG) we are committed to delivering smarter, more connected vehicles for our Global customers. Looking ahead, Ford is excited about the future. With an expanding vehicle lineup, growing digital services, and a strong dealer network, we are well-positioned to support Australian businesses in new ways. At the heart of this innovation is our Human-Centered Design (HCD) Team. This team is responsible for the end-to-end experience, encompassing both digital and physical design for new businesses, innovative products, and compelling services. We are seeking creative and driven individuals to join us in advancing the HCD team’s vision and mission. Our commitment is to envision and craft simple, thoughtful, enjoyable, and compelling products and services for our customers, further driving Ford Australia’s future of mobility. About the Role As an Experience Design Manager, you will demonstrate expertise in creating industry-leading experiences, grounded in robust research insights and an understanding of future trends. You will also be responsible for creating experience design principles, journey mapping, service blueprinting, and experience road mapping that align with the needs of our end‑users and businesses. This position reports directly to the Chief Designer and is based at the Design Studio in Broadmeadows, operating on a hybrid schedule with four days in the office. Responsibilities Strategic Experience Definition: Define and lead strategic experience opportunities, aligning meaningful user needs and passion points with core business goals for maximum impact. Design Research Expertise: Serve as an expert for all aspects of design research methodologies and their practical application. Insight Translation Leadership: Translate complex customer and user insights into actionable design briefs and compelling opportunities for design innovation. Rapid Prototyping and Validation: Lead rapid, iterative prototyping efforts with a primary emphasis on digital tools and a "build‑to‑learn" approach to effectively test and validate concepts. Experience Requirements Definition: Define comprehensive experience requirements, capturing key enablers, user needs, and essential system requirements to ensure successful project outcomes. Product Concept and Ideation: Facilitate strategic application of brand‑based Experience Content Strategies within product concepting and design ideation processes. Program Collaboration and Strategic Alignment: Drive robust cross‑functional collaboration and process alignment with key programs to ensure consistent application of brand‑based Experience content strategies. Qualifications Education: Bachelor's degree in UX design, interaction design, industrial design, graphic design, or a related technical field. Experience: Minimum of 10 years of comprehensive experience in UX and service design, focusing on conception, user validation, and successful delivery of applications and services within multidisciplinary teams. Leadership and Product Launch: Proven track record of leading the strategy, design, development, and launch of innovative physical and/or digital products or services. Communication: Exceptional verbal, written, and visual presentation skills, capable of communicating complex ideas clearly and persuasively. Preferred Qualifications Advanced Education: Master’s degree in a relevant design or technical field. Design Research & Methodology: Extensive experience with user/design research, concepting, ideation, iterative prototyping, and human‑centered design methods (e.g., journey mapping, service blueprinting). Tool Proficiency: Proficiency with relevant design and prototyping tools (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, Sketch). Workshop Facilitation: Proven experience facilitating or assisting workshops to develop design solutions. Industry Knowledge: Current knowledge of relevant technologies, industry trends, and design techniques. Automotive Understanding: Excellent understanding of the automotive industry, design practices, and general product development processes. Portfolio A design portfolio (pdf) must be provided upon application to be considered. Equal Opportunity Ford Australia is an inclusive employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. If you require support or adjustments to the recruitment process, please contact our Talent and Inclusion Lead Sarah at Applications will close on Sunday 11 January 2026. Interviews will commence before this date. #J-18808-Ljbffr