Creative Director, Global Brand

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Creative Director, Global Brand

🔹 Company: Ford Motor Company

🔹 Location: Dearborn, Michigan, United States

🔹 Job Type: Full time

🔹 Category: Motor Vehicle Manufacturing

🔹 Date Posted: July 15, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Overseeing a creative collective of design directors across various brand studios and digital design teams
• Driving shared cross-functional branding solutions to evolve the Ford brand design system
• Creating brand equity ladders between vehicles and the master brand, adapting a flexible system across the full portfolio
• Managing teams and influencing change, with a strong entrepreneurial mindset and problem-solving skills

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of creative leadership and strategic thinking to unify disconnected areas of the business under a cohesive brand vision.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Oversee a creative collective of design directors across brand studio, digital design, facilities, and other disconnected areas of the business

✅ Drive shared cross-functional branding solutions that evolve the brand design system for Ford to meet its future

✅ Create brand equity ladders between vehicles and the master brand, adapt a flexible system across the full portfolio from ICE to EV and other propulsions, to our commercial division, to our integrated services and experience ecosystem

✅ Manage teams and influence change, with a strong entrepreneurial mindset and problem-solving skills

✅ Proactively seek out opportunities and develop innovative solutions

ASSUMPTION: This role involves significant collaboration and coordination across multiple teams and disciplines, requiring strong leadership and communication skills.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Design, Marketing, or a related field

Experience: 5-10 years of experience in creative leadership roles, with a focus on brand strategy and design

Required Skills:

• Proven track record in creative leadership and brand strategy
• Experience managing teams and influencing change
• Strong business acumen and tech-savviness
• Excellent creative storytelling ability
• Master problem-solving skills with an entrepreneurial mindset

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in the automotive industry
• Fluency in multiple languages

ASSUMPTION: Given the global nature of the role, language proficiency in multiple languages may be beneficial but is not explicitly required.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $120,000 - $180,000 per year (based on industry standards for a Creative Director role in the automotive industry in Dearborn, MI)

Benefits:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Retirement savings plan with company match
• Paid time off (vacation, sick, and holidays)
• Employee discounts on Ford vehicles and services
• Tuition assistance and professional development opportunities

Working Hours: Full-time, typically Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, with flexibility for project needs

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards and may vary depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Ford Motor Company is a leading global automaker, with a strong presence in the automotive industry for over a century

Company Size: Ford is a large corporation with over 186,000 employees worldwide, offering a diverse and dynamic work environment

Founded: Ford was founded in 1903 by Henry Ford, with a rich history of innovation and iconic vehicles

Company Description:

• Ford is committed to providing the means for every person to move and pursue their dreams, serving as a bridge between personal freedom and the future of mobility
• The company is dedicated to serving its customers, communities, and the world, with a deep sense of family and shared ideals
• Ford is re-inventing icons and creating groundbreaking connected and electric vehicles for the next century

Company Specialties:

• Automotive
• Financial Services
• Mobility

Company Website: https://corporate.ford.com/careers

ASSUMPTION: Ford's commitment to innovation and sustainability makes it an attractive employer for creative professionals seeking to make a significant impact in the automotive industry.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is at the senior leadership level, reporting directly to the LL2 Director of Global Branding

Reporting Structure: The Global Brand Creative Director will oversee a creative collective of design directors across various brand studios and digital design teams

Work Arrangement: This is an on-site role, with the possibility of occasional remote work for meetings or specific projects

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential advancement to a more senior role within the global branding team
• Expansion of responsibilities to include additional aspects of Ford's brand ecosystem
• Opportunities to work on high-profile projects and collaborate with cross-functional teams

ASSUMPTION: Given the newly-forming nature of the team, there may be significant growth opportunities as the role evolves and expands.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Corporate headquarters with a modern, collaborative work environment

Office Location(s): Dearborn, Michigan, United States

Geographic Context:

• Dearborn is a suburb of Detroit, offering a mix of urban and suburban living
• The area is known for its rich automotive history and cultural attractions
• Dearborn has a diverse population and offers a variety of dining, entertainment, and recreational options

Work Schedule: Full-time, with flexibility for project needs and occasional remote work

ASSUMPTION: The Dearborn location offers a vibrant and dynamic work environment, with easy access to the amenities and attractions of the greater Detroit area.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application and resume submission
• Phone or video screen with the hiring manager
• In-person or virtual interview with the global branding team
• Final interview with senior leadership

Key Assessment Areas:

• Creative problem-solving skills
• Leadership and team management abilities
• Strategic thinking and brand strategy expertise
• Adaptability and entrepreneurial mindset

Application Tips:

• Highlight relevant experience in creative leadership and brand strategy
• Demonstrate a strong portfolio showcasing your creative vision and ability to drive brand evolution
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to emphasize your fit with Ford's mission and values
• Prepare thoughtful questions about the role, team, and company to ask during the interview

ATS Keywords: Creative Leadership, Brand Strategy, Design Systems, Brand Equity, Innovation, Change Management, Stakeholder Communication, Creative Complexity

ASSUMPTION: Ford's application process may involve assessments or case studies to evaluate candidates' problem-solving skills and strategic thinking.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)
• Sketch or Figma for UI/UX design
• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel)
• Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Jira, Trello)

ASSUMPTION: The specific tools and technologies required for this role may evolve as the team and its projects grow and change.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Putting People First
• Innovation
• Quality
• Collaboration
• Accountability

Work Style:

• Collaborative and team-oriented
• Adaptable and entrepreneurial
• Results-driven and accountable

Self-Assessment Questions:

• How do you embody Ford's commitment to putting people first in your creative leadership approach?
• Can you provide an example of a time when you drove innovation and change within a creative team or organization?
• How do you balance the need for creative freedom with the requirement to deliver results and meet project deadlines?

ASSUMPTION: Ford's company culture emphasizes collaboration, innovation, and accountability, with a strong focus on putting people first.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• The role may require managing teams with varying levels of experience and expertise, necessitating strong leadership and communication skills
• Ford's global brand ecosystem is complex and diverse, presenting unique challenges in creating cohesive and consistent branding solutions
• The role may involve navigating organizational politics and competing priorities, requiring diplomatic and strategic decision-making
• The automotive industry is rapidly evolving, with new technologies and market trends emerging constantly, presenting both opportunities and challenges

ASSUMPTION: The Global Brand Creative Director must be adaptable, resilient, and capable of navigating the complexities of a large, global organization to succeed in this role.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Unlike traditional creative director roles, this position focuses on global branding and requires a strong strategic mindset, in addition to creative leadership skills
• In the automotive industry, this role is unique in its scope and responsibility, requiring a deep understanding of both the creative and business aspects of branding
• Career progression in this role may involve expanding responsibilities to include additional aspects of Ford's brand ecosystem or advancing to a more senior leadership position within the global branding team

ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique opportunity for creative professionals seeking to make a significant impact in the global branding landscape of a major automotive manufacturer.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing a comprehensive brand design system that unifies Ford's diverse portfolio of vehicles and services
• Creating brand equity ladders between Ford's master brand and its sub-brands, such as Lincoln and Ford Performance
• Designing and implementing a cohesive visual identity for Ford's integrated services and experience ecosystem

ASSUMPTION: The specific projects undertaken by the Global Brand Creative Director will evolve as the team and its priorities grow and change.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• How does this role fit into the broader strategic vision for Ford's global brand ecosystem?
• What are the key priorities for the global branding team in the first 90 days, and how can I contribute to their successful execution?
• How does Ford support the professional development and growth of its creative leadership team members?
• What are the most significant challenges facing the global branding team, and how can this role help address them?
• How does Ford foster a culture of innovation and creativity within its global branding efforts?

ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful and insightful questions during the interview process demonstrates your interest in the role and commitment to driving Ford's global branding efforts.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application and resume through the Ford Careers website
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience in creative leadership and brand strategy
• Prepare a portfolio showcasing your creative vision and ability to drive brand evolution
• Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submission to express your continued interest in the role

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.