Transformation Go-live Manager

Ford Ford · Auto · Dearborn, MI +1 · Finance

This role is a Transformation Go-Live Manager at Ford Credit Company, responsible for leading end-to-end launch readiness and execution for a core modernization program (Program Everest / Alfa Receivables implementation). The manager will coordinate all aspects of the go-live process, including planning, cutover, command center operations, and stabilization, partnering with various business, technical, and operational teams. The role requires experience in complex implementations, auto finance, and regulated environments.

What you'd actually do

  1. Lead the integrated planning and coordination of go-live activities across multiple workstreams, ensuring launch milestones, dependencies, readiness tasks, and execution timelines are clearly defined and tracked.
  2. Drive the planning and execution of minute-by-minute cutover activities, dress rehearsals, launch sequences, and rollback preparation. Support the development and refinement of playbooks and contingency plans based on rehearsal outcomes and lessons learned.
  3. Prepare and coordinate command center / war room readiness, including staffing, communication protocols, escalation paths, and launch-day support coverage.
  4. Maintain readiness dashboards, RAID logs, milestone trackers, and action-item follow-up to provide visibility into status, blockers, risks, and decisions. Support readiness reviews, go/no-go forums, and leadership updates with clear, concise materials.
  5. Coordinate with COE, training, technical liaison, UAT, OCM, Compliance, Legal, and operational SMEs to ensure go-live deliverables are complete, approved, and aligned to implementation timing.

Skills

Required

  • 5+ years of experience in project, program, or transformation roles supporting complex implementations or launch activities.
  • 2+ years of experience supporting go-live readiness, cutover planning, dress rehearsals, command center preparation, or launch execution.
  • 2+ years of experience in auto finance or a closely related financial services environment.
  • 2+ years of experience working in a regulated environment with exposure to compliance, data security, or audit-sensitive processes.
  • Experience coordinating across business, technology, operations, training, compliance, legal, and change management teams.
  • Experience managing readiness trackers, RAID logs, milestone reporting, and launch governance materials.
  • Proficiency with Jira, Confluence, Microsoft Office Suite, or similar project coordination tools.
  • Strong organizational, facilitation, and communication skills with the ability to drive follow-through across multiple workstreams.
  • Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field, or equivalent experience.

Nice to have

  • Experience with Receivables or comparable loan/receivables platforms.
  • Experience in Agile/Scrum or transformation delivery environments.
  • Experience supporting command center operations, hyper care, or operational stabilization activities.
  • Experience coordinating procedures, training design, or technical workstreams.
  • Experience developing launch dashboards and executive readiness reporting.
  • Demonstrated people leader experience (e.g., hiring, coaching, performance management).
  • Certifications such as PMP, Certified Scrum Master (CSM), SAFe Agilist, or similar.

What the JD emphasized

  • 2+ years of experience supporting go-live readiness, cutover planning, dress rehearsals, command center preparation, or launch execution.
  • 2+ years of experience in auto finance or a closely related financial services environment.
  • 2+ years of experience working in a regulated environment with exposure to compliance, data security, or audit-sensitive processes.