Product Strategist (Engine & Sealing)

SUMMARY:

Responsible for supporting the Product Manager in driving product portfolio growth, market competitiveness, and successful execution of strategic product initiatives across assigned product lines.
The Product Strategist acts as a junior product manager and is responsible for identifying product opportunities, supporting business case development, driving smaller product projects, and coordinating the execution of strategic product initiatives. The role works closely with Sales, Pricing, Supply Chain, Engineering, Purchasing, Marketing, and Data teams to ensure timely delivery of business priorities and portfolio development activities.
The Product Strategist maintains ownership for assigned projects and selected product categories while supporting broader portfolio strategy and execution.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Support the development and execution of product line strategies aligned with regional business objectives.
• Identify market opportunities through analysis of customer requirements, vehicle parc data, market trends, competitive activity, and portfolio gaps.
• Perform research of the OE and aftermarket competitor ranges, interchanges, pricing, and component information to support gap analysis and new part additions
• Drive assigned NPI and range expansion initiatives from concept through launch readiness.
• Own and manage smaller strategic product projects under the direction of the Product Manager.
• Build and maintain business cases for new product introductions and portfolio expansion opportunities.
• Support NPI classification, prioritization and supply strategy activities.
• Monitor and develop products throughout all stages of product life cycle: Gap analysis, NPI development, SAP implementation, and post-release activities including database updates, stock category changes and range deletions
• Manage the loading and maintenance of all Sales Material Master data in SAP across all key Sales Organisations and ensure alignment of key material criteria.
• Overall responsibility for product and application data held in the master database (XChecker) which outputs to Tecdoc and third party electronic catalogues
• Coordinate cross-functional execution of product projects involving Purchasing, Supply Chain, Pricing, Engineering, Marketing and Catalogue teams.
• Monitor product line performance and recommend corrective actions where required.
• Support development of product roadmaps and portfolio strategies.
• Analyze competitive positioning and recommend actions to strengthen market share and profitability.
• Support pricing strategy discussions through market intelligence and product expertise.
• Partner with Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, Purchasing to manage product sourcing activities, to ensure competitive cost base and consistent supply.  
• Prepare product reviews, portfolio analyses and management presentations.
• Participate in customer visits, industry events and market research activities to gather market insights.
• Act as a key liaison between Product Management and operational support functions.
• Support post-launch reviews and continuous improvement activities. 

QUALIFICATIONS OR FUNCTIONAL EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Marketing, Engineering or related discipline.
• 3-5 years experience in Product Management, Product Planning, Business Analysis, Marketing or related commercial functions.
• Experience analyzing market data and translating insights into business recommendations.
• Familiarity with New Product Introduction (NPI) processes.
• Strong project management and stakeholder management capabilities.
• Good understanding of financial and commercial business drivers.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Knowledge of SAP, TecDoc, Power BI or related systems is an advantage.
• Fluent English required.
• Willingness to travel occasionally within EMEA.
• Strong understanding of automotive aftermarket, with an emphasis on engine products preferred.

COMPETENCIES:

• Technical Acumen 
• Strategic Thinking
• Market Analysis
• Commercial Awareness
• Project Management
• Business Acumen
• Problem Solving
• Process Management
• Communication Skills
• Stakeholder Management
• Initiative and Ownership
• Analytical Thinking
• Collaboration and Teamwork

WE OFFER:

• Hybrid work schedule
• 13th salary (paid in 3 installments)
• Additional 5 paid leave days per year (calculated proportionally to the period worked)
• Monthly budget to spend on Flexible Benefits Platform
• Well-being bonus (1-time bonus after probation period)
• A medical subscription (Medicover)
• Access to the Bookster platform
• Access to the Employee Assistance Program

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