Senior Automotive Product Lead - Hybrid, Strategy & Launch

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

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.