Senior Business Development and Relationship Manager

As Senior Business Development and Relationship Manager, you will act as the primary liaison between Ford Credit Europe (FCE) and Ford in Europe (FiE), representing FCE in key governance meetings for Passenger Vehicles (PV). This pivotal role supports the delivery of Ford’s vision under the Ford+ Plan, driving customer-centric innovation, premium service experiences, and flawless execution via the provision of financing solutions.

You will influence vehicle line financing strategies across pricing, cycle planning, residual value management, and electrification initiatives, ensuring Ford Credit’s offerings align with the evolving automotive landscape. By championing the voice of the customer, you’ll help shape finance products that support Ford’s transition to electric vehicles (EVs), while maintaining the strength of our traditional portfolio.

Qualifications

• Proven leader with Relationship Management / Key Account experience at strategic and operational levels.
• Strong understanding of the automotive captive financing and regulated banking products.
• Ability to influence without authority and deliver results in a highly matrixed environment.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Demonstrated ability to integrate customer insights into decision-making.

• Experience inspiring innovation and disruptive thinking.
• Previous people leadership experience.
• Skilled in simplifying complex scenarios into actionable strategies.
• Strong change management capabilities.
• Degree or equivalent experience.

The Company is committed to diversity and equal opportunities for all and is opposed any form of discrimination or harassment based on gender, marital status, civil partnership, parental status, ethnic origin, skin color, nationality, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, religion/belief, gender reassignment and gender identity, age, and persons with care responsibilities.

Note: Banking and Compliance training including fair treatment of customers is mandatory for all FCE employees. Necessary training will be given to any successful candidates that require it.

This position is based in Cologne and is not suitable for telecommuting.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Alignment:
  • Ensure FiE vehicle line strategies (pricing, cycle planning, RV/yield management) are understood and executed.
  • Support governance meetings and follow-up on action items.
• Electrification & Renewal:
  • Contribute to strategic workstreams, including electrification initiatives.
  • Drive targeted PV renewal activities and support production planning changes.
• Go-to-Market Leadership:
  • Support Residual Value (RV) setting processes and Go-to-Market activities with PV Finance.
  • Collaborate with General Manager Mobility and Partnerships to deliver PV brand priorities.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration:
  • Build strong relationships with Risk, Operations, IT, Legal, Compliance, Finance, and Consumer Insights.
  • Act as the Voice of the PV Customer, ensuring their interests shape decisions.
• Continuous Improvement:
  • Identify gaps in Ford Credit’s product offering and propose solutions.
  • Promote simplification, harmonization, and automation across processes.