(Automotive) Business Product Manager (Digital Platform Solutions)

Job Purpose

Developing and executing product and business strategy in a world of rapid technological and social change requires a highly capable, highly knowledgeable, and highly engaged team. Join our mission to shape the future of mobility and sustainability at Honda.  This will be working with Sustainability & Business Development Business Unit which is tasked with navigating the path to achieve Honda's Triple Zero environmental goals: 100% Zero Emission Products, 100% Zero Carbon Energy, and 100% Zero Impact Materials for our products. The team focuses on building and sustaining Honda's core brand values and enhancing brand image and competitiveness in the marketplace by innovating, incubating, selecting, developing, applying, and operating new businesses, features, products, and services with responsibility for their profitability, competitiveness, and customer satisfaction for Honda in North America.

We are on a quest to find an innovative Go-To-Market Business Product Manager - Digital Platform Solutions who will be instrumental in conceptualizing, creating and testing new digital solutions for various automotive business areas. This strategic role involves not only understanding the intricacies of the automotive product life cycle but also the creativity to develop new digital products that cater to the unique needs of different automotive segments. 

As a key player in our Lifecycle Business Development team, you will shape cutting-edge products and create new revenue streams using digital solutions.  We're looking for visionary leaders to join us on this transformative journey.

Key Accountabilities

• 35% of Role: 

• Execute on development of digital solutions supporting Lifecycle Business including but not limited to following activities:
• Spearhead the launch of our cutting-edge digital platform solutions in the automotive sector. 
• Orchestrate the development and deployment of cutting-edge digital proof of concepts (PoCs) that address customer needs and clearly illustrate the potential for revenue generation.
• Develop and execute comprehensive go-to-market strategies that ensure product adoption and growth.
• Partner with business units and work globally and cross-functionally to create a cohesive vision and strategy for product development.
• Evangelize product and act as advocate to demo in front of customers and partners.
• Adapt product strategies in response to changing market dynamics and feedback.
• Oversee the product lifecycle from conception to launch, including managing timelines and deliverables.

• 30% of Role:

• Plan and research digital solutions supporting Lifecycle business including but not limited to following activities: 
• Identify opportunities and competitive advantages, develop business use cases, and ensure that product goals are aligned with the business.
• Assess competitor strategies and positioning to maintain new product competitive edge.
• Gather and utilize customer feedback to refine product offerings and market approach
• Leverage financial acumen to develop pricing strategies, budget management, and revenue forecasting to drive profitability.
• Conduct market research to validate ideas and ensure alignment with customer needs and market trends.
• Articulate value propositions and engage with stakeholders at all levels
• Define product requirements and specifications to guide teams in product development.
• Analyze product performance post-launch and iterate to enhance user experience and satisfaction.

• 35% of Role:

• Foster a culture of excellence and continuous improvement directly within the business development team and indirectly within the product development team.

• 10-20% of Role 

• Manage budget planning and spending of all IT projects for the Unit. Coordinate with management to understand the annual, mid-term plans to accurately forecast and plan budget requirements. Continue to track and maintain budget spending and forecast on a quarterly basis for accurate reporting
• Manage assigned staff - long term growth and development, including promotions, short term daily work schedule and work life balance, occasional accommodation of staff member's personal life management 
• issues, vacations, time off, assigning job tasks and schedules to appropriate staff, performance appraisals, relaying HR policy, management policy, etc.

Qualifications, Experience, and Skills

Education:

• B.A./B.S. in engineering, it, computer or equivalent work experience. 
• MBA preferred

Required Experience: 

• Minimum 7 years of experience as a business analyst or product owner. Software development experience, ideally in program or project management, product development, telematics, or engineering role 
• Experience with energy management policies related to v2x, v1g or related regulatory agencies in policy and/or technical regulation areas is preferred 
• 3 years of experience leading a project team 
• Experience building complex IT projects (app, server, partner) development. 
• Prefer strong experience with POC development and use cases.  

Desired skills:

• Excellent planning, negotiating, analytical, and presentation skills. 
• Basic understanding of business model development required (including basic revenue models).
• Technical orientation and understanding is preferred. 
• Knowledge of Honda or automotive operations – planning, R&D, manufacturing, sales, quality, service, and customer support is preferred. 
• PC proficiency with MS Office (PowerPoint, Excel, Word) 
• Function in an agile project team as a product owner / LPL, Scrum Master / ALPL, or person-in-charge of a functional area for a project. 

Working Conditions

• 30% desk work using laptop and phone, including conference calls, communicating, reading and responding to emails, reading contracts, etc.
• 35% meetings
• 20% preparing for and reporting to management    
• 10% Business travel
• 3-4 days on-site

Benefits and Total Rewards

What differentiates Honda and makes us an employer of choice? 

Total Rewards:

• Competitive Base Salary
• Annual Bonus
• Industry leading Benefit Plans (Medical, Dental, Vision, Rx)
• Paid time off, including vacation, paid holidays, sick time, personal days
• 401K Plan with company match + additional contribution
• Relocation assistance

Career Growth:

• Advancement opportunities
• Career mobility 
• Education reimbursement for continued learning
• Training and Development programs

Additional Offerings:

• Wellbeing program
• Community service and engagement programs
• Product programs
• Free drinks onsite