Design Studio Analyst

About Us Ford Motor Company is constantly evolving and innovating. As part of the International Markets Group 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. As Australia’s largest automotive OEM employer, we proudly have around 1,500 talented engineers, designers, and specialists working across five Victorian sites. Crucially, Australia is a key global development hub for Ford, and our local design and engineering team lead the creation of vehicles including the Ranger, Ranger Raptor, and Everest – models sold in around 180 markets worldwide. Why Ford? For a century, we\'ve been a driving force across Australia, building a legacy that truly speaks for itself. Leading the way, the Ranger continues its reign as Australia\'s No. 1 Selling Vehicle and our iconic Mustang proudly holds its position as Australia’s No. 1 Sports Car. These remarkable achievements are a testament to our unwavering commitment to innovation and a customer-focused approach that has delivered success across our entire lineup, giving us so much to be excited about But we believe we do more than just build award-winning vehicles—we build careers. Discounted lease car options. Multiple Employee Resource Groups – Ford Pride, Women of Ford and Ford Empowering Diverse Abilities. Flexible Work Arrangements. Growth and development opportunities via internal and external training. Paid parental leave from day 1. Comprehensive Employee Assist Program. Wellness Programs including Free Flu Vaccinations and Health Checks. Paid volunteer days. About The Role As a Design Studio Analyst, you will be a critical member of the team, responsible for leveraging data to optimise business operations and financial performance. You will be at the forefront of identifying opportunities for improvement, gathering and interpreting complex data, and translating your findings into insightful reports and strategic recommendations that directly influence key decision-making. This pivotal role also involves diligently monitoring budget and headcount performance to support robust planning and forecasting, as well as tracking project feasibility through crucial Design milestones. Your analytical acumen, exceptional communication skills, and collaborative spirit will be essential to working effectively across the organisation and shaping the future of our design initiatives. Reporting directly to the Business Office Manager, this role is based at our cutting-edge Design Studio in Broadmeadows, operating on a hybrid schedule with four days in the office. Headcount Management and Strategic Planning: Oversee and strategically manage the IMG Design headcount, serving as the primary liaison between the Design Team and HR shared services for all talent movement initiatives including hires, departures, transfers, and data updates. You will be responsible for providing critical reports and insightful analysis to inform key staffing decisions and accurately forecast future headcount requirements. Financial Analysis and Budgeting: Analyse and reconcile financial data to identify trends and potential cost savings. Develop and manage annual departmental budgets in collaboration with the leadership team, ensuring clear visibility of planned versus target spending with finance. Ensure invoices are detailed and actioned promptly. Reporting and Compliance: Prepare and update headcount and budget reports and presentations for senior management. Work with Internal Control to ensure the department is informed and compliant with all internal policies. Studio Program and Feasibility Support: Successfully lead Design programs through studio feasibility development and the Quality Operating System (QOS) process from initial concept to final approval. Work Plan and Documentation: Create, maintain, and update studio work plans, property plans, surface release plans, program summaries, and trackers. Lead the development of program market research, feasibility, and verification properties. Operational Support: Provide support to the leadership team on budget and headcount management. Assist the Studio Design Manager with agenda and topic planning for Product Development, Program, and Design Forums. Process Improvement: Develop and implement processes to ensure accurate and timely financial and headcount data. Experience: Minimum of 5 years in budgeting, financial analysis, and headcount management with knowledge of accounting principles and financial reporting requirements. Technical and Analytical Acumen: Possess advanced Excel proficiency and extensive experience with financial and budgeting processes. Demonstrate a strong analytical and problem-solving mindset, with a proven ability to interpret complex data and translate it into actionable insights. Communication and Collaboration: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, capable of presenting findings and collaborating effectively. Personal Attributes: A proactive, self-motivated individual. Preferred Qualifications: Education: Bachelor’s degree in industrial design or engineering or finance, Business or related field. Global Perspective: Experience in a global design context. Broader Industry Knowledge: Experience in engineering, manufacturing, quality and/or familiarity with HR systems and processes. Creative Environment Experience: Prior experience working with designers and/or in a creative environment. Adaptability: Ability to multi-task and thrive in a fast-paced environment, adapting quickly to shifting priorities. Equal Opportunity Ford Australia is inclusive employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. If you require any support or adjustments to the recruitment process, please contact our Talent and Inclusion Lead Sarah at Applicants must be legally authorised to work in Australia. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire. Applications will close Sunday 11 January 2026; interviews will commence before this date. Note due to the high numbers of applications we will only contact shortlisted candidates. Ford may collect personal information as part of the recruitment process including referees and recruitment agencies for this purpose. Ford\'s privacy policy (available at states how you can access or correct any personal information Ford holds about you, how to complain about a privacy breach by Ford and how Ford will deal with a privacy complaint. For privacy inquiries, you can contact Ford at 13 FORD ) or via the contact details set out in Ford\'s privacy policy. #J-18808-Ljbffr