Chief Product Officer (CPO) - Automotive

Ultiwise Consult; Dubai; On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Chief Product Officer specializing in automotive products and accessories. This pivotal role involves overseeing the product lifecycle, ensuring seamless communication between OEM clients and engineering teams across the Middle East. The ideal candidate will leverage their extensive experience in automotive engineering and product development to deliver innovative solutions that meet client specifications. With a focus on quality assurance and cross-functional collaboration, this position promises to be a key driver in shaping the future of automotive products. If you thrive in dynamic environments and possess a customer-centric mindset, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• 10-15 years in multinational OEMs or Tier 1 companies related to automotive product development.
• Strong technical expertise in automotive engineering principles and product specifications.

Responsibilities

• Liaise with OEM clients to comprehend product requirements and ensure clear communication.
• Collaborate closely with engineering teams to align with client specifications.

Skills

Automotive Engineering

Product Development

Project Management

Communication Skills

Problem-Solving

Education

Master's degree in Automobile Engineering

Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Job description

Job Profile: Chief Product Officer (CPO) Automotive Products and Accessories

Location: Based in Dubai, UAE (with coordination with engineering teams in the Middle East); Chinese or any European nationality preferred

Position Overview:

We are seeking an experienced Chief Product Officer (CPO) (Male/Female) specializing in automotive products and accessories, responsible for the entire product lifecycle. The role involves understanding OEM client requirements, ensuring seamless communication between clients and engineering teams in the Middle East, and delivering products that meet specifications. The ideal candidate should hold a Master's degree in Automobile Engineering or Mechanical Engineering, with technical and design expertise in automotive electronics, body, exterior, and interior. Experience connecting styling design to engineering and DV/PV validation is essential.

Candidates must have multinational experience with OEMs or Tier 1 suppliers, ranging from 10-15 years. Excellent communication skills, clear thinking, and a positive personality are required. A strong network within the automotive OEM industry in India and internationally is advantageous.

The CPO may or may not oversee the entire product development process but will act as a key liaison between product requirements and the styling, design, and engineering teams, ensuring all deliverables meet or surpass client expectations. Familiarity with OEM product development from proof of concept through Design and Process Validation to SOP is necessary.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Client Requirement Understanding: Liaise with OEM clients to comprehend product requirements, challenges, and expectations, ensuring clear communication to engineering teams.
2. Product Coordination: Collaborate closely with engineering teams in the Middle East to align with client specifications.
3. Technical Knowledge: Apply automotive engineering expertise to evaluate product specifications, ensuring feasibility within client expectations and engineering capabilities.
4. OEM Relationship Management: Maintain strong relationships with OEMs, facilitate open communication, resolve concerns, and manage feedback.
5. Project Management & Cross-Functional Collaboration: Coordinate with internal teams including product management, engineering, and R&D to ensure effective communication and problem-solving throughout the product development lifecycle.
6. Quality and Compliance Assurance: Ensure products adhere to technical specifications, regulatory standards, and quality benchmarks, acting as a bridge between clients and engineering teams.
7. Documentation and Reporting: Maintain proper documentation of product specifications, requirements, and progress reports for stakeholders, ensuring alignment throughout development.

Key Requirements:

• Educational Background: Master's degree in Automobile Engineering or Mechanical Engineering from a reputed institute in India or Europe. Basic understanding of Electronics is necessary.
• Experience: 10-15 years in multinational OEMs or Tier 1 companies related to automotive product development.
• Cross-border Coordination: Experience working with offshore or geographically dispersed engineering teams (e.g., in India, Middle East, or other regions).
• Technical Expertise: Deep understanding of automotive engineering principles, product specifications, electronic/electrical components, and translating client requirements into technical deliverables. Process-oriented approach is essential.
• Strong Communication Skills: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to manage expectations between OEM clients and engineering teams.
• Problem-Solving and Decision-Making: Ability to address and resolve product-related challenges promptly, focusing on client satisfaction and quality.
• Customer-Centric Mindset: Prioritize customer needs to ensure final products meet or exceed expectations.

Reporting Line:

• The CPO will report directly to the General Manager in Dubai and collaborate closely with the DGM Sales, Marketing, and Business Development teams in India.