Lead Automotive Product Development Manager

Placements24; LegKraal Gate; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive salary package

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Retirement plan with employer matching

Professional development and industry‑

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Automotive Product Development Manager in Mahikeng, North West. The role leads cross-functional teams from concept to market launch, guiding strategic direction and execution of new automotive products.

Strong PLM acumen and a proven automotive product-launch track record are essential. The ideal candidate has 8+ years in product development/management, excellent leadership and communication skills, and the ability to drive innovation in a hybrid work environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Business Administration; MBA is a plus.
• Minimum 8 years in product development/management in automotive.
• Proven track record of launching automotive products.
• Strong PLM knowledge and methodologies.
• Excellent communication and leadership across functions.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end product development lifecycle from ideation to market launch.
• Develop and execute product roadmaps aligned with objectives.
• Manage timelines, budgets and resources for successful delivery.
• Collaborate with engineering, design, marketing, sales and manufacturing.
• Conduct market research and customer needs assessments to identify opportunities.
• Define product specs, features, and requirements based on insights.
• Oversee prototype development, testing and validation.
• Lead product launches with go-to-market coordination.
• Mentor a team of developers and engineers.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Cross-functional leadership

Strategic thinking

Market analysis

Product lifecycle management

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor's degree (Engineering or Business)

MBA

Tools

Project management software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a forward-thinking automotive solutions provider based in Mahikeng, North West , is seeking an experienced and dynamic Lead Automotive Product Development Manager to oversee the strategic direction and execution of new product initiatives. This leadership role is critical in guiding cross-functional teams from concept ideation through to market launch, ensuring timely delivery of innovative and high-quality automotive products. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of the automotive industry, strong project management skills, and a proven ability to lead diverse teams. You will be responsible for market analysis, defining product roadmaps, managing development cycles, and ensuring alignment with business objectives. This is a senior position offering significant responsibility and the opportunity to make a substantial impact on the company's growth and technological advancement. We are looking for a visionary leader who can drive innovation and foster a culture of excellence within the product development domain.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end product development lifecycle for new automotive products, from ideation to market launch.
• Develop and execute comprehensive product roadmaps and strategies aligned with company objectives.
• Manage project timelines, budgets, and resources effectively to ensure successful product delivery.
• Collaborate closely with engineering, design, marketing, sales, and manufacturing teams to ensure seamless product development.
• Conduct market research, competitor analysis, and customer needs assessments to identify new product opportunities.
• Define product specifications, features, and requirements based on market insights and technical feasibility.
• Oversee prototype development, testing, and validation processes to ensure product quality and performance.
• Manage product launches, including go-to-market strategies and cross-functional coordination.
• Mentor and guide a team of product developers and engineers, fostering a high-performance culture.
• Present product strategies, plans, and progress updates to senior management and stakeholders.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field; an MBA or advanced degree is a plus.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in product development or product management within the automotive industry.
• Proven track record of successfully launching new automotive products.
• Strong understanding of product lifecycle management (PLM) principles and methodologies.
• Excellent project management skills, with experience using project management software.
• Demonstrated leadership abilities with experience managing cross-functional teams.
• In-depth knowledge of the automotive market, trends, and technologies.
• Strong analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving capabilities.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Experience with hybrid or electric vehicle technologies is advantageous.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive executive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including annual performance bonuses and long-term incentive plans.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance are provided.
• A generous retirement savings plan with employer matching is available.
• Opportunities for professional development, leadership training, and attending industry conferences are supported.
• Our client fosters a collaborative and innovative work environment with a strong emphasis on teamwork and professional growth.
• This hybrid role offers flexibility, allowing you to balance office-based strategic planning with remote work.
• The position is based in Mahikeng, North West , offering a strategic location within the region.