Craig Gericke

With a proven track record in globally-recognized product development and end-to-end design engineering programs, I have consistently made a significant impact throughout my career. Working at Ford, one of the world's most renowned automotive brands, I have successfully contributed to projects spanning North America (NA), Asia-Pacific (APAC), and South Africa (EMEA). Alongside my technical expertise, my leadership style is collaborative and informed by best practices, particularly the Strengths-Based Approach (SBA). This approach has allowed me to effectively unite internal business functions, uplift individuals, and drive departmental success. Furthermore, my extensive engagement with external parties has been cohesive and mission-driven, playing a pivotal role in propelling some of Ford Australia's largest projects to date.

• Coordinated and led the overall integration of Body Exterior systems for the Ford Ranger, managing tool readiness, cost control, and issue resolution for engineering builds in Ford Australia's largest-ever project with a total investment of over USD $2 billion.
• Recognised through a variety of industry-revered Awards both locally and overseas.
• Addressed major design challenges on critical and complex high-value projects.
• Led extensive international collaborations with multi-disciplinary teams to manufacture a vehicle that was built in parts in different locations around the world.
• Drove design and implementation of a 'systems integration' approach for new designs, achieving successful production launches for various Ford Ranger projects.
• Served as the New Model Program Manager for B car programs (a joint Ford & Mazda program) in India and South Africa, achieving on-budget and on-time delivery for the B376 Fiesta, the first major design, test, and launch project for the Australian team in APAC region.
• Led the People Development Committee for Body Engineering at Ford Motor Company, contributing to the professional development and capability uplift of 80 salaried staff.

• Top Achiever, Ford Motor Company
• Engineering Chief Award, Ford Motor Company
• On-Time PTC Target Delivery Award, Ford Asia Pacific
• Engineering Excellence Award, The Institute of Engineers
• Engineering Excellence Award, The Institute of Engineers (IEAust)

• Product Development Supervisor, Ford Motor Company, 01/01/2020, 12/31/2023, As a result of unforeseen changes within the company, hundreds of roles, including my own were made redundant (offered voluntary separation packages) from our site and across the business. Key Achievements: - Orchestrated a team of 6 engineers, steering the design initiatives for both upcoming and existing projects within the Ford Ranger/Everest portfolio. - Pioneered a business-leading systems integration approach for novel designs, encompassing conceptualisation, initial cost assessments, feasibility studies for production, design optimisation, CAD development, Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE) verification, and the issuance of drawings for supplier evaluation and costing. - Applied advanced problem-solving methodologies, including 8D for design concerns and 14D for field issues, as well as tools including 'Is/is not' analysis, boundary diagrams, DFMEA, PFMEA, among others. - Collaborated cross-functionally with diverse teams to successfully implement new designs aligning with program objectives in the pursuit of excellence. Achieved integration across various facets including timing, cost, weight, manufacturability, logistics for sourcing/procurement, and quality. - Engaged with key stakeholders such as Program Management, Finance, Purchasing, Manufacturing Supplier Technical Assistance, and Suppliers to ensure seamless execution. Scope of role: - Led design oversight for Ford Ranger Projects at Ford Australia, utilising a comprehensive systems-integrated approach. Addressed challenges from testing to production launch, collaborating with cross-functional teams and resolving issues during prototype builds. - Drive down costs for manufacturing Ranger through design changes, resourcing to achieve approx. USD $0.5 million annually in TVM projects completed across 4 global plants.
• Product Development Body Exterior PMT Leader, Ford Motor Company, 01/01/2016, 12/31/2020, Spearheaded the integration of Body Exterior systems for new product launches, notably the 2019 Model Year North American Ranger, overseeing team support from Melbourne (100+ engineers) and undertaking frequent trips to Michigan, North America for pre-Job 1 builds in the Michigan Plant. Resolved intricate engineering build issues, providing leadership, and reporting on major issue status and resolution during the launch phase. Assumed responsibility for key launch metrics related to Body Exterior, diligently managing issues, change management (Change Requests), part pedigree, tool readiness at suppliers, Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) etc. Recognised as a leader with the 2019 appraisal of 'Top Achiever', specifically acknowledged for outstanding leadership in addressing complex issues within the Body Team and providing crucial launch support at the Plant. Steered successful pre-Job 1 builds in the Michigan Plant, showcasing a hands-on approach and dedication to achieving high standards in engineering and manufacturing. Scope of role: Led a senior team overseeing system integration for new product launches, including the 2019MY (Model Year) North American Ranger. Managed Pre Job 1 builds at the Michigan Plant, addressing engineering build issues, reporting on major problems, and tracking launch metrics.
• Product Development Body Exterior Closures Supervisor, Ford Motor Company, 01/01/2012, 12/31/2016, Led a team of 10 overseeing the design of exterior stampings, structures, dynamic sealing, hinges, and latches for side doors, tailgates, and liftgates on Ranger and Everest Models. Led the People Development Committee for Body Engineering (80 people). Enhanced side door closing effort by implementing innovative solutions, including the reduction of cabin air pressure and improvements to the primary side seal. These improvements significantly contributed to a smoother and more efficient door-closing experience and addressed significant customer concern. Addressed and mitigated a liftgate shake concern in the Everest model, focusing on Noise, Vibration, and Harshness (NVH) issues. Implemented a tuned mass damper design, resolving the problem and earning the Engineering Chief Award for the exemplary resolution of the liftgate issue before Job 1 launch. Demonstrated leadership and technical expertise in the development and execution of design improvements, cost reductions, quality improvements demonstrating commitment to excellence. Scope of role: Led product development for exterior components (stampings, structures, sealing, hinges, latches) on Ranger and Everest Models. Achievements include optimizing side door closing effort and resolving liftgate shake through innovative design solutions, earning an Award for the successful resolution before launch.

• David Attard, CAE and Underbody/Frames Engineering Manager, Ford Motor Company
• Stephen Crosby, Body and CAE Chief Engineer, Ford Motor Company

• Calm and conciliatory, always seeks consensus & compromise to move the team forward; excellent communicator with all levels of the organisation; commitment and drive for results.
• Craig has shown a willingness to take on all assignments without hesitation. His involvement in projects was carried out diligently and efficiently.
• Craig and his team really did an outstanding job for Product Development in getting all issues quickly and efficiently resolved.
• Great leadership from Craig in getting issues resolved through design of tuned mass damper for Everest - no delays incurred for launch plan.

• Six Sigma Green Belt Certification
• Design Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (DFMEA)
• Anti bribery and antitrust laws
• Cultural awareness programs for diversity
• Workplace reforms for non-discrimination

• Salvation Army Camps
• Christmas Lunch for people who are homeless
• Assisting/umpiring Junior Football

Chartered Mechanical Engineer (Engineers Australia)

National Engineers Registration (Engineers Australia )

Institution of Engineers Australia - Member

Project Management Institute - Member