I was canned in 2022. At that time I dont think I had ever seen the title 'associate director'.
Now I've seen, on LinkedIn, two former colleagues recently promoted into roles with that title. I'd guess it's an LL5~4-ish rank.
It looks like Ford has been continuing to trim the GSR ranks and add to middle management. Same as always...
a bunch of made up titles.
Yes gosh darn the ranks
I agree with @ag+1jvsejd6b that this is title inflation.
It's misleading. An LL6 is 'supposed' to be entry level leadership experience. In my opinion, Ford let the number of LL6s get out of hand and there were way too many. But it was always supposed to be entry level leadership - and their responsibilities should reflect that.
Calling it an 'associate director' makes it sound significantly higher ranked that the old 'supervisor' title.
I think it will look bad.... Fors Associate Directors are going to be the least experienced leaders and make the most mistakes. Which is how 'learning' works. But if you look at Director titles at other OEMs, they are far more experienced and capable leaders and contributors.
@cw+1jvsejd6b and what knowledge do you bring to the table? And what level are you in? How does your level of knowledge equate to the level of contribution to your team? Do you think because they are GSR, they are incompetent? Way to underpin people under the incompetency as the ones who were the root cause. In reality you had me in the first half until you started speaking nonsense. Some of those subject matter experts were gs5 due to age which later causes friction because ford leans into reverse age bias instead of being practical and setting an example to prevent said friction. Didn’t grammar check or read this, hopefully message doesn’t fall apart
In reality, LL6–LL5-LL4 levels often do not contribute directly to any engineering work and even lack the technical depth required to propose modern solutions or introduce new technologies (Ai and architecture, to name a few) and follow program timing (the most importrant). They are big out-load BS-talkers but nothing substernal when one digs into background. Their knowledge is static and heavily reliant on 1:1 feedback from GSRs and input from technical experts. They don't research; they don't investigate anything. The current state of affairs is a dysfunctional structure that will lead to bankruptcy with their bodies that they protect.
That does make sense for LDP graduates. They are put into LL6 roles.
It's funny how things change. When I was at Ford, LL6 was called a Supervisor and LL5 was called a Manager. LL4 may have been a Director or Chief Engineer..
I have a neighbor in IT. LL5s now have the title of Director. LL4s are now Senior Director.
I have not heard anything about Associate Director. It could very well be a LL6...
Can confirm that one of the Associate Directors that I know was in the LDP...
I wonder what LL that title aligns with... But not enough to actually ask them.
There's also some "title inflation" happening. I suspect it's to soothe some egos.
Yes those people promoted are on the LDP (Leadership Development Program). Positions were created for them and they are immune to layoffs.
"Same as it's ever been. Same as it's ever been".
Correct.