Executive Researcher Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Ford is in the middle of the most ambitious reinvention in its history — electrifying the lineup, scaling next-generation EV manufacturing, and rebuilding the workforce behind it. The executive talent function needs a market intelligence specialist who can map industries, identify leaders, and feed insight directly into senior hiring decisions across manufacturing, vehicle hardware, product development, and quality. We\'re hiring an Executive Market Intelligence Search Specialist to do exactly that.

This is not a traditional sourcing role. You\'ll operate as a strategic talent advisor; delivering market intelligence, building executive pipelines, and influencing hiring decisions across Ford\'s most complex industrial and product organizations. The role requires both domain fluency in industrial/manufacturing/automotive sectors and executive presence in front of senior Ford leadership.

Market Intelligence & Executive Research

• Lead deep market mapping, name generation, and competitive intelligence across industrial, automotive, and technical domains
• Deliver insight-driven talent landscapes to inform Ford\'s hiring strategy
• Conduct advanced desk research to identify and assess executive and niche talent

Full-Funnel Search Execution

• Own top-of-funnel through mid-funnel activity — outreach, engagement, early-stage assessment
• Build and maintain forward-looking talent pipelines
• Apply SHREK methodology to assess and present candidates

Client-Facing Partnership

• Partner directly with Ford senior leaders and hiring managers to shape search strategy
• Lead intake discussions, calibration sessions, and update calls
• Provide consultative pushback and market insights — not just execution

Data Storytelling & Executive Communication

• Translate research into executive-ready deliverables (PowerPoint, talent insights decks)
• Present data digestibly, actionably, with minimal guidance needed
• Bring strong instincts for data visualization and storytelling

Pipeline & Relationship Management

• Engage and nurture passive executive talent pools
• Build long-term relationships within industrial, manufacturing, and technical communities
• Maintain accurate pipeline tracking within ATS and sourcing tools

• 4+ years in executive search, talent intelligence, or strategic sourcing
• Background in a top-tier executive search firm strongly preferred
• Experience supporting industrial, manufacturing, automotive, or hardware organizations
• Demonstrated success in market mapping, competitive intelligence, and executive-level research
• Strong desk research, name generation, and talent mapping skills
• Ability to operate in a client-facing, consultative capacity with senior stakeholders
• Strong PowerPoint and executive presentation development skills
• Bachelor\'s degree required

• Industrial or manufacturing search environments (critical for this role)
• Market intelligence mindset, not just requisition execution
• Comfort with high-volume, complex organizations and ambiguity
• Energized by deep research, problem-solving, and influencing hiring strategy

Location: Remote, US
Engagement: Salaried full-time position with Sustainable Talent dedicated to Ford
Compensation: $135,000 – $175,000 per year, based on experience, education, and work location. This range reflects the good-faith annual compensation we expect to pay the successful candidate upon hire.
Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision insurance; 401(k) with employer match; paid time off; sick leave; holiday pay; and access to the Sustainable Talent employee assistance program.

This salaried position is offered through Sustainable Talent, Ford\'s strategic talent partner.

Sustainable Talent is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees regardless of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, pregnancy, disability, age, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.