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Information Technology
At Ford Motor Company, Information Technology goes beyond the traditional IT or MIS departments at other companies to bring more efficient processes and systems in every area.
We focus on our vision, which states, "When asked, our customers, clients, suppliers, partners, employees, and stakeholders say, without hesitation, that Information Technology is a critical and competitive differentiator for Ford Motor Company." We hold ourselves to this high standard with pride.
Our work is about being a leader, a leader who applies information technology and process reengineering techniques to every part of the company, tracing the critical path through our complex business. It’s about being a consultant who understands the areas we support and helps them embrace change. Our work is with people, though our tool is the computer.
We’re looking for leaders and innovators—high-powered, team-oriented people to develop the next generation of business solutions and implement them with state-of-the-art technology.
Our Work
Systems that drive our success
We touch every part of Ford Motor Company, from concept to consumer. When a hot new vehicle is still an emerging idea, our systems allow engineers to design and test its performance. In the plant, our systems control the flow of parts and the machines. On the showroom floor, our systems track and support the sales. On the Internet, our systems provide the backbone for communications with both suppliers and consumers. We understand the business, we understand the systems, and we understand the underlying technology.
Integrating best practices
Ford Motor Company’s different brands bring their own strengths and systems to the company. We are the organization that binds them together with shared data and compatible systems. Our adjacent businesses—high-tech and consumer-focused—hold the promise of dramatic revenue growth, and it’s up to us to mine the synergies for maximum benefit. We have reason to be proud: our data center operations have won best-in-class awards, we've prevented over 1.2 million virus incidents per quarter, and our implementations of internally developed and packaged software are some of the largest in the world.
Re-engineering
Engineers design cars; we design the processes that drive the business. Senior management turns to us for process improvements that reach from Marketing to Manufacturing, from Finance to Product Development.
Building a virtual showroom
E-commerce means making technology more transparent than ever, and we’re out in front. Today, on-line consumers can get a loan and buy a vehicle. For suppliers, we provide more than a web site—it’s a preferred portal with the transactions, information and links they need. Strategic alliances with sites like iVillage bring the spirit of Ford Motor Company and the story of our brands to consumers around the world.
How We’re Organized
We prioritize projects centrally, based on their impact on business processes and achievement of business objectives. We work closely with Ford’s business organizations through three groups: our Process and Technology Group (PTG), Application Development Services (ADS) and our Information Technology Infrastructure Group (ITI). Working together, these groups are bringing reduced delivery time for new development and significant cost reductions for our business partners. IT is a dynamic and evolving organization, transforming itself into "One IT" with a sharpening focus on specialization and accountability.
We support Ford's strategies through- Solution Delivery: Delivering solutions to our business partners, on time, with high quality, at a competitive cost.
- Rigorous Execution: Bringing discipline and rigor to all we do.
- Utility Provisioning: Providing the right infrastructure, at the right time, at the right cost.
- Building Core Competencies & Intellectual Property: Valuing our people and technical capability, and ensuring we have the organizational capability to anticipate demand and exceed expectations.
Process and Technology Group (PTG)
The PTG works with each business unit to identify its IT and process needs and to ensure that appropriate solutions are developed and implemented. More than just an internal consulting organization, the PTG is responsible for knowing the business and the technology, and identifying opportunities to improve both. Our departments are Manufacturing & Supply Chain Systems, Product Development Systems, Global Consumer Systems, and Management Systems.
Our Role:
- Deliver IT value
- Provide strategic consulting through expertise in Ford information systems
- Manage customer relationships and co-locate with business partners
- Direct IT's strategy, cycle plan, portfolio management, and business processes
- Manage prioritization and funding, solution research and benchmarking, and performance objectives and metrics
Application Development Services (ADS)
ADS is the engine behind our support of Ford Motor Company. We are responsible for software architecture, delivery, maintenance, and support across the life cycle. From certification of delivery-related competencies to resource management, we are a hands-on part of the excitement at Ford.
ADS is made up of four areas:- Practice: Practice groups are comprised of IT professionals with deep personal application knowledge who deliver IT solutions supporting a specific business function. Most of the Practice groups are cross-functional teams assigned to a business process such as Product Development, Ford Customer Service Division, or Purchasing. They are responsible for software optimization, project and software change management, maintenance of systems integration, and production management and support.
- Competency Centers: The Competency Centers are places of learning, career guidance, and resource management organized around specific job families. For instance, there are competency centers for developers, project managers, and business analysts. They may be assigned as needed to a Practice team or to Architecture Management, or may work as part of a resource pool between projects. There is also a core staff to perform the management and operations of the Competency Center. The Competency Center allows flexible staffing, effective resource management, and the development of core IT professional competencies.
- Enterprise Architecture Management: This is an execution-focused group of IT professionals who introduce cutting-edge technologies into IT and manage business processes. This group is both cross-functional and cross-competency in nature. They are responsible for forward-looking research and development, solution architecture, and competitive intelligence. They are valuable consulting resources for Practice teams in all areas of the company, for example.
- Technical Program Management: This cross-functional group is process-metrics focused. Some of their areas of expertise and responsibility include system development methodologies, process quality assurance, and support for Six Sigma projects. Program management disciplines, program health assessment, and manager certification are also handled by this group.
Information Technology Infrastructure (ITI)
Information Technology Infrastructure is the framework that holds it all together.
There are five groups in ITI:- Hosting Services: Hosting Services provides 7 X 24 X 365 server, mainframe, and network operations. They manage service problem resolution, infrastructure applications, and data center capacity and performance. They also provide the crucial plans for business continuity and disaster recovery capability.
- Deskside Services: This group provides program and product management of major initiatives as well as company-wide helpdesk operations. They also manage the daunting task of keeping hundreds of thousands of Ford Motor Company employees' computers up-to-date and in working order.
- Security Services
- Telecommunications Services: They design, develop, implement and support global voice, data, satellite, internet, intranet, and extranet networks – a huge task for a company with Ford's global span.
- Strategic Infrastructure Engineering: These IT professionals create and communicate technology strategy, manage vendor relationships, and provide architecture management. They are also responsible for the R&D of new technologies – they evaluate, prototype, and develop the business case, impact analysis and migration plans. They also serve as a valuable infrastructure architect support for major ADS projects.
Student Programs -- Summer Intern Program
This program introduces you to Ford Motor Company's top-rated computer systems and how they are used throughout the company. You see first-hand how systems are developed and strategically implemented at Ford Motor Company. Challenging assignments not only broaden your work experience, but also help you understand the issues facing a global corporation. The program also gives you the opportunity to:- apply academic knowledge to real-world business situations
- learn more about information technology and process re-engineering
- make an informed decision on whether Ford Motor Company is the right place for you to start your career
Preferred Background
The program is designed for students who have completed their sophomore year and are majoring in computer science, management information systems or other technical areas. We look for strong academic credentials and a keen interest in applying information technology and process re-engineering in the automotive products and services industry. Strong communications skills and the ability to work on a team in a fast-past, ever-changing environment are a plus.
Intern Assignments
As a summer intern, you'll take on assignments that build your skills in areas such as process re-engineering, systems design and development, Web development, systems maintenance and support, and hardware and infrastructure support. In addition, you will gain experience working in a dynamic team environment with deliverables and deadlines. You will be given the opportunity to demonstrate innovation and creativity, oral and written communication skills, and negotiation skills.
Your work will be measurable, so that you can track your progress and see if you have accomplished your objectives. You will have the opportunity to learn and contribute to the organization, and you will feel a real sense of ownership in your project. You will improve your understanding of Ford Motor Company, its products, people, and vision. The knowledge you take with you will help you in whatever career path you choose.
Members of our Ford College Graduate program will be available to help you during your three-month assignment, to familiarize you with the company, our culture, and life in Southeast Michigan.
If you are graduating in the 12 months after your internship, you will be considered for full-time employment as a Ford College Graduates (FCG).
Full Time Employment -- Ford College Graduate Program
This two-year developmental program gives you a solid foundation for your career with experience in different areas. You plan your program with your advisor and executive sponsor. You can expect three to five assignments in information technology either at Ford Motor Company or Ford Financial. You'll also plan one or two cross-functional assignments in a business operation such as Product Development, Manufacturing, Marketing or Purchasing. As you gain experience, your primary responsibilities are to contribute to the company and learn as much as possible about our business, leadership behaviors, and technology.
Preferred Background
To qualify, you should be in the top 25 percent of your class and have an interest in applying information technology and process reengineering techniques in the automotive industry. We prefer a degree in Computer Science, Information Systems or other technical area, or an M.B.A. with a technical undergraduate degree.
Your Advisor
During your program, your advisor will coach and counsel you, and help to plan your career development to satisfy your interests and the business needs of the company. As your mentor, the advisor not only enhances your learning and broadens your professional and leadership experiences but also has a unique opportunity to secure our future success by developing our new employees.
Your Executive Sponsor
Your executive sponsor is a member of the Information Technology operating committee who helps you with overall career planning and identifying areas for development. With a focus on long-term career planning, your sponsor counsels you for the first seven years of your career. Together, you and your sponsor develop a five-year development plan, identifying career opportunities and technologies that interest you.
Your Rotations
Together with your advisor, you will develop a preliminary rotation plan. Rotational assignments provide an understanding of how Information Technology supports Ford Motor Company's business processes, a greater understanding of Ford Motor Company, enhancement of your business and technical skills, and a basis for future career choices.
Assignment Supervisors
For each rotation, a supervisor will be responsible for establishing your work objectives, developing training plans, conducting performance reviews, and providing ongoing coaching and counseling. Your supervisor clarifies your responsibilities and provides day-to-day guidance to help you learn from and contribute to your department.
Training
Ford College Graduates participate in a seven-week hands-on New Hire Orientation program designed to give you a proper introduction to Information Technology and Ford Motor Company. You are also eligible to take certain courses designed as recommended core training, regardless of your primary area of specialty.
FCG Council
Our Information Technology FCG Council organizes forums that meet on a regular basis to promote networking and communication among FCGs in the various IT components. The group also assists with such activities as recruiting, new hire orientation, and ongoing support of the FCG Program.
Full Time Employment -- Experienced Hire Program
Need a new challenge? Consider Ford Motor Company. If you think of Ford as part of the old economy, a Rust Belt behemoth drowning in its own bureaucracy, it’s time to think again! We are evolving into one of the world's leading consumer companies for automotive products and services, and advanced technology is vital to our success.
Do you think you can master Ford Motor Company's top-rated information systems? We have overwhelming computing power, with one of the world’s largest numerically intensive computing centers. Do you think you can understand how it is used throughout the company? We need you to define and implement strategic solutions that leverage technology and deliver significant business value. Challenging assignments are the norm, and you gain an understanding of the issues facing one of the largest global corporations. A position with Ford will require you to deliver information technology solutions that transform the business.
Preferred Background
We are looking for people experienced in computer science, management information systems and other technical areas. You need to have a keen interest in applying information technology and process re-engineering to transform the company into the premier consumer company for automotive products and services. In addition to applying your technical and process skills, you will work in a dynamic team environment. Strong communication skills and the ability to work on a global team in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment are also part of Information Technology jobs.
We need you to use your skills in areas such as consulting, process re-engineering, systems design and development, web development, systems maintenance and support, and hardware and infrastructure support. You will be expected to demonstrate innovation and creativity, superior oral and written communication skills, and negotiation skills.
Assignments
Experienced hire assignments are available in all areas and at all levels of the organization. Visit "View Today's Jobs" to see what types of IT professional openings we're looking for right now.
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