Translations Supervisor

Digital Product Design at Ford is committed to envisioning and creating simple, thoughtful, enjoyable, and compelling product experiences that our customers need and love. We work in close partnership with product, design, and engineering to deliver best-in-class experiences that meet the needs of people today, and in the future.

The text presented in various languages across vehicle screens and mobile applications is a key enabler of Ford's ability to sell in different countries around the globe. We are looking for a driven, results-oriented leader to run and grow our Translations organization — someone who combines strong technical expertise with the confidence and communication skills to champion the team's value across the business, win new stakeholders, and expand our scope of influence.

The Translations Supervisor owns the localization of in-vehicle digital display content, leads the delivery of translations for automotive digital components across all vehicles and projects, and drives the modernization of our workflows through AI-powered tools and automation. This role also acts as the primary advocate and "face" of the team — pitching our capabilities to new internal customers (mobile apps, marketing, web, and beyond), building the business case for expanded services, and growing the team to meet rising demand.

Specific Tasks / Responsibilities:

• Execute the strategy and performance of the Translations function — set the direction, make fast, confident decisions, and hold the team and vendors accountable to results.
• Champion AI adoption across the translation workflow: evaluate, pilot, and scale AI/machine translation tools and quality-check automation to increase speed, accuracy, and cost efficiency.
• Actively promote and "sell" the team's services to new internal audiences (mobile applications, marketing, web, and other digital touchpoints) — build compelling pitches, present business cases, and win new stakeholders to grow the scope and headcount of the team.
• Manage the development of translations for texts in digital display vehicle components that best fit local market requirements.
• Lead procurement and negotiation of external Language Service Providers, driving competitive terms and high-performance vendor relationships.
• Define requirements and rules for the translation of texts across display catalogs, meeting clarity, consistency, and quality standards.
• Partner with Digital Design, feature owners, and developers to shape new features, resolve terminology trade-offs, and push local-language considerations into prototypes early.
• Drive process discipline globally while continuously challenging the status quo — identify inefficiencies and lead the redesign of processes using automation and AI.
• Support Hardware and Software Prototyping of HMI concepts with translations, and support associated customer clinics.
• Take ownership of program and project translation activities, ensuring on-time, high-quality delivery.
• Review, approve, and be the final quality gate for translations.
• Use AI translation tools and CAT tools proficiently, applying strong judgment to validate and elevate AI-generated output.
• Read and interpret XML files as part of the translation pipeline.
• Maintain and continuously improve the internal translation databases and systems.
• Represent the team in cross-regional forums (Mexico, U.S., Europe, and occasionally China, Thailand, Dubai, etc.), influencing alignment and decisions with confidence and clarity.

Skills Required for the Position:

Degree in Translation, Linguistics, Localization, International Relations, International Business, or similar.
Language Proficiency: C1-C2 English level. A2-B1 in one additional language besides Spanish and English

Master's degree in related discipline or Project Management desired.

AI & Technical Skills:

• Hands-on experience applying AI/machine translation tools and automation to real production workflows (not just familiarity — proven use to drive measurable efficiency or quality gains).
• Technologically savvy with a good understanding of XML.
• Proficient in CAT tools and other translation-related software.
• Experience in content management systems.
• Data analysis and process automation mindset — comfortable using data to make the case for change.
• Knowledge of Jira (or similar) for tracking and managing project tasks and issues.
• Experience working with UI specifications and UI/HMI teams is a plus.
• Knowledge of electrical and HMI subsystems (cluster, center stack/Sync, rear displays, physical controls) and driver assistance features preferred.
• Curiosity and drive to continuously learn and adopt new automotive HMI and AI technologies.
• Working knowledge of GPDS, Ford Deliverables, and Design Studio delivery milestones is a plus.

Communication & Influence Skills (High Priority):

• Outstanding, persuasive communicator — able to pitch, present, and "sell" the team's capabilities to leadership and new internal customers with confidence and impact.
• Bold and direct communication style; comfortable challenging ideas, negotiating firmly, and driving conversations toward decisions and outcomes.
• Strong executive presence — able to command a room and influence senior stakeholders.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English and Spanish.
• A natural networker who proactively builds relationships that expand the team's reach and reputation.

Leadership & Organizational Skills:

• Results-driven leadership style: decisive, competitive, and comfortable taking ownership of bold goals (a strong "D" profile in DISC terms is ideal).
• Proven ability to grow and scale a team — recruiting, building the case for headcount, and developing talent.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to juggle multiple priorities under pressure.
• Project/product management experience, preferably Agile.
• Skilled negotiator who can propose and defend new solutions while keeping the team's experience in mind.
• Comfortable operating with autonomy and driving initiatives independently as well as leading a team.

Additional Skills:

• Strong problem-solving abilities and a bias for action.
• Attention to detail balanced with a big-picture, growth-oriented mindset.
• Proactive, strategic thinker who looks for opportunities to expand the team's impact.
• Customer-focused mindset across different markets and countries.

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