Manager Product Planning (All genders welcome)

Manager Product Planning (all genders welcome)

Responsible for two to three production/upcoming models while supporting additional projects and market tracking activities within the Product Planning Pricing Department at the Kia Europe Headquarters in Frankfurt/Main, Germany.

Job Mission

Shape the future of Kia’s vehicle lineup by developing new car lines and product enhancements that will reach the market within the next two to six years. Drive product proposals and negotiate with Global HQ, Finance, RD and European engineering teams to align future models with European customer preferences, sales targets and brand positioning. Monitor market trends to provide data‑driven insights to Management and internal teams.

Main Responsibilities

• Strategic planning and up‑stream development of new car lines and product enhancements.
• Identify and capitalize on market opportunities to expand brand equity and profitability.
• Define target customers and positioning strategies in line with brand direction.
• Represent the European customer’s voice in discussions with Global HQ, advocating for features that meet consumer needs.
• Collaborate with Product Marketing, Pricing and other cross‑carline teams to ensure consistency across the product lineup.
• Develop pricing strategy for future models and coordinate research activities such as concept and product positioning clinics.
• Evaluate design proposals to align with vehicle concept, brand identity and European expectations.
• Ensure technical specifications meet market needs through collaboration with RD and engineering teams.
• Monitor industry trends, competitor activity, demand shifts and regulatory changes.
• Prepare reports and tools to keep Management and internal teams informed on key market developments.

Your Talents

Education Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business or Economics (Master’s degree is a plus).
• Minimum five years of relevant experience, preferably in the automotive industry with exposure to product‑related roles or product planning at a Pan‑European level.

Technical Analytical Skills

• Strong data analysis and market research abilities to support decision‑making.
• Experience with automotive market analysis tools (e.g., Jato, New Car Buyer Survey, IHS) is a plus.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel (data analysis) and PowerPoint (presentation development).

Industry Market Knowledge

• Passion for the automotive industry, including cars, motorsports and emerging mobility trends.
• Strong awareness of European market dynamics and consumer preferences.

Communication Interpersonal Skills

• Fluent in English (written and spoken). Additional European languages are a plus.
• Experience presenting to internal or external stakeholders is a plus.
• Strong interpersonal skills with experience working in cross‑cultural environments.
• Familiarity with Asian business cultures is a plus.

Work Style Flexibility

• Organized and detail‑oriented, able to take initiative and work independently while collaborating with a team.
• Willingness to travel internationally (e.g., business trips to South Korea, major auto shows and key stakeholder meetings).