Product Planning Manager (Automotive)

SAIC Motor Malaysia Sdn Bhd; Kuala Lumpur; On-site; MYR 180,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

SAIC Motor Malaysia Sdn. Bhd.

is responsible for developing and managing the vehicle product strategy and model line-up for the Malaysian market. The role analyzes market trends, customer needs and competitor activities to recommend product specifications, positioning, pricing and lifecycle strategies, while coordinating with HQ and internal teams to support successful product launches and ongoing product competitiveness.

Qualifications

• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret market, sales and financial data.
• Good project management and cross-functional coordination skills.
• Excellent presentation and communication abilities.

Responsibilities

• Develop product plans and model line-up strategies based on business objectives, market trends and customer requirements.
• Recommend vehicle positioning, target customer segments, specifications, equipment levels, variants and value propositions.
• Develop product proposals for new models, model updates and product enhancements.
• Manage the product lifecycle from initial planning to phase-out.
• Coordinate with HQ or product development teams on vehicle specs for the Malaysian market.

Skills

Analytical skills

Cross-functional coordination

Presentation & communication

Project management

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration/Marketing/Engineering

Tools

Microsoft Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

The Product Planning Manager is responsible for developing and managing the vehicle product strategy and model line-up for the Malaysian market. The role analyses market trends, customer needs and competitor activities to recommend product specifications, positioning, pricing and lifecycle strategies, while coordinating with HQ and internal teams to support successful product launches and ongoing product competitiveness.

Key Responsibilities

Develop product plans and model line-up strategies based on business objectives, market trends and customer requirements.

Recommend vehicle positioning, target customer segments, specifications, equipment levels, variants and value propositions.

Develop product proposals for new models, model updates, special editions and product enhancements.

Manage the product lifecycle from initial planning and launch through model updates and phase-out.

Coordinate with HQ or product development teams on vehicle specifications, features and product requirements for the Malaysian market.

Market & Competitive Analysis

Conduct market research, competitor benchmarking and customer analysis to identify market opportunities and product gaps.

Monitor competitor models, specifications, pricing, promotions and new product launches.

Analyze customer feedback, market trends, technology developments and industry changes that may affect product strategy.

Translate market insights into product recommendations and management proposals.

Pricing & Business Case

Develop product pricing and positioning proposals based on product cost, competitor pricing, market conditions and target profitability.

Prepare business cases for new models, variants and product enhancement initiatives.

Monitor product performance, including sales volume, model mix, market share and profitability.

Recommend product or pricing actions to maintain market competitiveness.

New Model Launch & Product Lifecycle

Coordinate product planning activities and timelines for new model launches and model updates.

Work with Sales, Marketing, Aftersales, Finance, Supply Chain and other relevant teams to ensure launch readiness.

Ensure product information, specifications, pricing and related materials are accurate and communicated to relevant stakeholders.

Identify product-related issues and coordinate with HQ, manufacturing or relevant internal teams on solutions and improvements.

Regulatory & Product Compliance

Keep updated on Malaysian automotive regulations and industry requirements that may affect vehicle specifications and product planning.

Coordinate with relevant internal teams to ensure products meet applicable regulatory and homologation requirements before market introduction.

Performance Monitoring & Management Reporting

Track product performance against approved business plans and targets.

Prepare product reports, market analysis, forecasts and recommendations for management review.

Provide data-driven recommendations to support product and business decisions.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Engineering, Automotive Engineering, Economics or a related field.

Minimum 5 years of relevant experience in automotive product planning, product management, product marketing or related automotive functions, preferably with an automotive OEM, distributor or principal.

Strong understanding of the Malaysian automotive market, vehicle segments, competitor landscape and customer trends.

Experience in vehicle product planning, including product specifications, positioning, pricing and new model launches.

Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret market, sales and financial data and translate findings into practical recommendations.

Good project management and cross-functional coordination skills.

Strong presentation and communication skills, with the ability to prepare and present product proposals to management and stakeholders.

Proficient in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint for analysis, reporting and management presentations.

Good command of written and spoken English and Bahasa Malaysia.

Ability to communicate in Mandarin would be an added advantage where regular coordination with China HQ is required.

Knowledge of Malaysian automotive regulatory and homologation requirements would be an added advantage.

Possess a valid driving licence and be comfortable evaluating or driving vehicles when required.

SAIC Motor Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. is an international subsidiary company of SAIC Motor and the official distributor of MG cars in Malaysia.

SAIC Motor Malaysia plays a key role in handling distribution, sales and marketing, and after sales services.

SAIC Motor Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. is an international subsidiary company of SAIC Motor and the official distributor of MG cars in Malaysia.

SAIC Motor Malaysia plays a key role in handling distribution, sales and marketing, and after sales services.