Manager, Hydrogen Business

What Makes a Honda, is Who makes a Honda
Honda has a clear vision for the future, and it’s a joyful one.  We are looking for individuals with the skills, courage, persistence, and dreams that will help us reach our future-focused goals. At our core is innovation. Honda is constantly innovating and developing solutions to drive our business with record success.  We strive to be a company that serves as a source of “power” that supports people around the world who are trying to do things based on their own initiative and that helps people expand their own potential. To this end, Honda strives to realize “the joy and freedom of mobility” by developing new technologies and an innovative approach to achieve a “zero environmental footprint.”

We are looking for qualified individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences, continuous improvement values, and a strong work ethic to join our team.

If your goals and values align with Honda’s, we want you to join our team to Bring the Future!

Job Purpose

Honda is at the forefront of shaping the future of energy products and services, driving the transition towards a carbon-neutral, circular resource economy. Our Energy Solution Division plays a pivotal role in Honda’s mission to achieve its Triple Zero goals: 100% carbon-neutral products, 100% resource circularity, and 100% clean energy use across our entire value chain. Hydrogen and fuel cells are key technologies that enable this vision, and the Hydrogen Solutions Department will push the boundaries of innovation, positioning Honda as a key enabler of global decarbonization. This team with you as the leader will define, develop, and implement Honda’s product and business strategy for decarbonizing hard-to-abate sectors across multiple domains, including heavy-duty vehicles, construction machinery, and stationary power systems. As a key decision maker, you will oversee the scaling up of Honda’s hydrogen initiatives, driving resource allocation, investment decisions, partnerships strategies, and high-level project execution.
You will work collaboratively with senior leadership, cross-functional teams, and strategic partners, aligning business objectives with technical capabilities to meet your customers needs. Your decisions will shape Honda's product offerings, influence the development of new technologies, and ensure the operational success of key hydrogen projects from conceptualization through to commercial operations.
As a trusted leader, you will serve as a primary point of contact for key customers, stakeholders, and external partners, cultivating relationships that reinforce Honda’s reputation for innovation, reliability, and sustainability. By leveraging your technical expertise, market insights, and leadership skills, you will drive Honda’s growth in the hydrogen economy, helping to ensure the successful deployment of fuel cell solutions at scale and the realization of Honda’s ambitious decarbonization targets.
This role offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of clean energy and be a key driver in Honda’s transition to a carbon-neutral world.     
 

Key Accountabilities

1. Hydrogen Business Strategy & Market Expansion (15%)
•    Develop and execute the company’s global hydrogen business strategy, ensuring alignment with corporate decarbonization goals.
•    Define growth plans for PEM fuel cell module sales, focusing on key applications:
•         (a) Power Generation (backup for data centers, warehouses, critical infrastructure, peaker plants, EV charging).
•         (b) Mobility Applications (heavy and medium-duty trucks, buses, yard dogs, top picks, off-road vehicles).
•         (c) Construction Equipment (hydrogen-powered excavators, loaders, cranes, and other heavy machinery).
•         (d) Emerging Markets (maritime, airports, eVTOLs, rail, aerospace, peaker plants, other).
•    Identify and prioritize new customer segments, market entry strategies, and commercialization pathways, ensuring scalability and profitability.
•    Monitor competitor activity and industry trends to refine business positioning and ensure a competitive edge.
2. Hydrogen Infrastructure & Green Hydrogen Strategy (15%)
•    Develop a comprehensive green hydrogen generation and supply strategy, ensuring long-term viability and competitiveness.
•    Oversee infrastructure development related to hydrogen production, distribution, and fueling, including:
•    Hydrogen generation projects (electrolysis, SMR with CCUS, biohydrogen, nuclear, etc).
•    Hydrogen logistics & supply chain partnerships (pipelines, liquid hydrogen, trucking, refueling stations).
•    Drive Investment and financing strategies for hydrogen infrastructure projects.
•    Coordinate with Honda's Green Energy Procurement teams so to reduce curtailment and improve overal project efficiency.
•    Collaborate with policymakers, regulators, and industry bodies to influence market conditions and accelerate hydrogen adoption.
3. Strategic Partnerships & OEM Engagement (15%)
•    Develop and execute a partnership and OEM engagement strategy to integrate the company’s fuel cells into external applications.
•    Negotiate and structure joint ventures, licensing agreements, and supplier relationships to scale adoption.
•    Work with internal corporate divisions (e.g., Partnership & Alliance, R&D, Product Management) to align business development with corporate objectives.
•    Act as the primary point of contact for strategic partners, ensuring long-term relationship management and value creation.
4. Financial & Business Model Development (10%)
•    Lead financial modeling, business case development, and revenue strategies for hydrogen-related product lines.
•    Develop and oversee pricing strategies, go-to-market plans, and monetization frameworks for hardware (fuel cell modules, balance of plant, system integration components) and services (hydrogen refueling, infrastructure access, O&M contracts).
•    Define and track key financial performance indicators (KPIs), return-on-investment (ROI) metrics, and budget allocations to ensure sustainable growth.
•    Identify funding opportunities (grants, tax credits, subsidies) and manage financial risks associated with hydrogen deployment.
5. Project Implementation & Execution (10%)
•    Ensure seamless project execution, coordinating across internal teams (engineering, supply chain, project management, R&D) and external partners.
•    Oversee hydrogen system deployments, ensuring alignment with technical specifications, regulatory compliance, and customer expectations.
•    Work closely with the Project Management Team to monitor timelines, resolve bottlenecks, and drive on-time project completion.
•    Develop and implement risk mitigation strategies for hydrogen projects, ensuring smooth execution and operational efficiency.
6. R&D Integration & Product Development Alignment (5%)
•    Align business strategy with product development roadmaps, ensuring market-driven innovations.
•    Collaborate with engineering, testing, and manufacturing teams to refine fuel cell system designs and optimize for real-world applications.
•    Guide customer-driven product innovations, ensuring regulatory compliance and product-market fit.
7. Operations, Maintenance & Service Strategy (5%)
•    Define and implement a comprehensive O&M strategy for fuel cell deployments, ensuring long-term reliability and customer satisfaction. Help to stand up an After-Sales team for successful cusomter partnerships.
•    Coordinate with Project Management and After-Sales Teams to ensure successful execution, commissioning, and servicing of deployed systems.
•    Establish maintenance partnerships and monetization models, including:
•    Service contracts (preventive & corrective maintenance).
•    Performance-based agreements (uptime guarantees, reliability metrics).
•    Remote monitoring solutions for predictive maintenance.
•    Develop frameworks for lifecycle cost management, ensuring competitive total cost of ownership (TCO) for customers.
8. Regulatory Compliance, Industry Engagement & Government Affairs (5%)
•    Interacting with Honda's Product Regulatory and Government Affairs teams, oversee global regulatory compliance efforts, ensuring hydrogen products meet industry standards and certification requirements (SAE, ISO, UL, EPA, CARB, IEEE, NFPA, etc.).
•    Engage in industry advocacy, working groups, and trade associations to influence policy and market development.
•    Coordinate with government affairs teams to secure grants, incentives, and policy support for hydrogen projects.
9. Department Leadership, Budget Management and Oversight & Team Growth (20%)
•    Lead and mentor a cross-functional team, including Assistant Managers, Technical Specialists, and Project Managers.
•    Define and implement team structure, hiring plans, and talent development initiatives to support business expansion.
•    Foster a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement, ensuring the team operates efficiently and collaboratively.
•    Provide regular coaching and performance feedback, ensuring team members develop expertise in hydrogen business development.
•    Work closely with senior leadership to align department goals with corporate strategy and report key performance metrics.

•    Note: The time allocation percentages provided are approximate and can vary based on project demands, organizational priorities, and specific project phases. The percentages are intended to give a general idea of the key areas of responsibility and the relative time commitment associated with each category.
 

Qualifications, Experience, and Skills

• Advanced degree in Engineering (Chemical, Mechanical, Electrical, Energy Systems), Business Administration (MBA), or a related field with a focus on energy systems, sustainability, or technology management OR Equivalent Experience: 12+ years of progressive leadership experience in the energy sector, demonstrating expertise comparable to an advanced degree.
• 6+ years of successful leadership of people, including setting goals and objectives, providing growth and development plans, conducting performance appraisals against established business objectives and performance competencies, aligning job functions with strategic initiatives, and supporting associates to achieve their performance objectives.
• 10+ years of experience in the energy industry, preferably with a focus on hydrogen, fuel cells, renewable energy, power generation, energy infrastructure, or related advanced energy technologies.
• Proven leadership in developing and executing strategic business or product initiatives for emerging technologies, especially business development and market expansion.
• Extensive experience in project management, overseeing the implementation of large-scale energy solutions, including hydrogen infrastructure, virtual power plants, and alternative energy systems.
• Demonstrated ability to manage cross-functional teams, aligning engineering, R&D, finance, policy, and commercial strategy to achieve corporate objectives.
• Expertise in regulatory engagement, including experience working with government agencies, industry associations, and policymakers to shape energy-related initiatives and compliance strategies.
• Proficiency in contract negotiation, including structuring complex agreements such as power purchase agreements (PPAs), energy service agreements (ESAs), joint development agreements (JDAs), and investment partnerships.
• Track record of securing funding and investment, including experience with grant applications, subsidies, and private financing mechanisms to support energy transition projects.
• Leadership and Strategic Execution:
  • Proven ability to mentor and lead teams, fostering professional development and driving high-performance culture.
  • Experience in executive decision-making, with the ability to balance technical, financial, and operational priorities.
  • Capable of managing large-scale, multi-stakeholder collaborations, including partnerships with OEMs, suppliers, utilities, and government entities.
• Industry and business acumen:
  • Deep knowledge of hydrogen technologies, including fuel cells, production methods, storage, and transportation.
  • Understanding of market dynamics, customer segmentation, and commercialization strategies for hydrogen and clean energy solutions.
  • Expertise in business model development, particularly recurring revenue models, energy-as-a-service (eaas), and generator-grid integration.
• Technical & Analytical Proficiency:
  • Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to navigate ambiguous and evolving market conditions.
  • Financial modeling and risk assessment expertise, particularly in evaluating energy investments and infrastructure deployment.
  • Proficiency in business intelligence tools, data analytics, and software for strategic planning.
• Communication & Negotiation:
  • Excellent communication skills, capable of articulating technical and business concepts to executives, investors, regulators, and technical teams.
  • Experience in high-stakes negotiations, contract development, and stakeholder engagement.
• Project & Program Management:
  • Ability to oversee multiple concurrent projects, ensuring alignment with strategic goals and budget constraints.
• Familiarity with Agile, Lean, and Stage-Gate methodologies for technology development and commercialization.
• Additional Preferred Experience:
  • Familiarity with Honda’s operational structure, including its approach to R&D, manufacturing, and corporate strategy.
  • Knowledge of incentive programs, grants, and funding mechanisms supporting clean energy and hydrogen adoption.     
     

What differentiates Honda and make us an employer of choice?

Total Rewards: 

• Competitive Base Salary (pay will be based on several variables that include, but not limited to geographic location, work experience, etc.)
• Regional Bonus (when applicable)
• Manager Lease Car Program (No Cost - Car, Maintenance, and Insurance included)
• Industry-leading Benefit Plans (Medical, Dental, Vision, Rx)
• Paid time off, including vacation, holidays, shutdown
• Company Paid Short-Term and Long-Term Disability 
• 401K Plan with company match + additional contribution
• Relocation assistance (if eligible)

Career Growth:

• Advancement Opportunities
• Career Mobility
• Education Reimbursement for Continued Learning
• Training and Development Programs 

Additional Offerings:

• Lifestyle Account
• Childcare Reimbursement Account
• Elder Care Support
• Tuition Assistance & Student Loan Repayment
• Wellbeing Program
• Community Service and Engagement Programs
• Product Programs
• Free Drinks Onsite

Honda is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected factor.