Accessory Product Strategy Manager
Date: Dec 24, 2024
Location: Irvine, California, US, 92606
Company: Kia America, Inc.
At Kia, we’re creating award-winning products and redefining what value means in the automotive industry. It takes a special group of individuals to do what we do, and we do it together. Our culture is fast-paced, collaborative, and innovative. Our people thrive on thinking differently and challenging the status quo. We are creating something special here, a culture of learning and opportunity, where you can help Kia achieve big things and most importantly, feel passionate and connected to your work every day.
Kia provides team members with competitive benefits including premium paid medical, dental and vision coverage for you and your dependents, 401(k) plan matching of 100% up to 6% of the salary deferral, and paid time off. Kia also offers company lease and purchase programs, company-wide holiday shutdown, paid volunteer hours, and premium lifestyle amenities at our corporate campus in Irvine, California.
Status
Summary
The Accessory Product Strategy Manager represents the interests of Kia North America (Kia NA) in the relationship, interaction, and communication between NA subsidiaries (KUS, KCA, KMX) and affiliates of Mobis NA and Glovis to ensure efficient management of Kia NA accessories business. Oversees all aspects of Kia NA accessories from initial planning, accessory development, accessory price competitiveness, new model accessory inventory, delivery and sales (FIO/PIO/DIO). This includes, but is not limited to, collaboration on regional accessory launches, marketing, and oversight of the Mobis NA affiliate's accessory development process. They will pay close attention to Mobis NA’s management of development operations, inventory, planning, and timely delivery required for factory-installed, port-installed, and new dealer-installed accessories.
Additionally, the manager will monitor Mobis NA policies and procedures to ensure they match and support Kia NA regional policies and procedures. They will coordinate future and new model product accessory feasibility planning between Kia HQ, Kia NA, US Design Studio, Kia NA Product Planning (PPD), Mobis NA affiliates, and HATCI.
Major Responsibilities
1st Priority - 30%
Manage regional accessory product planning and development oversight for all new Kia NA accessories to ensure a consistent strategy for all affiliates. Ensure on-time launch availability, design, quality, functionality, installation, and training standards are achieved. Interface between Kia HQ (R&D / Customization teams) and planning and operational teams at Mobis NA affiliates, HATCI, NAQC, and Glovis for all accessory launch functions.
2nd Priority - 30%
Manage all aspects of the Kia NA and Mobis NA business relationship related to Kia Accessories Operations and provide support to Kia subsidiaries, dealers, and vehicle owners. Address Kia subsidiary concerns, examine industry trends in relation to accessory operations, and implement improvements internally and/or with Mobis NA, as necessary.
3rd Priority - 15%
Project management and establishment of best business practices (FIO/PIO/DIO) amongst all stakeholders, liaising pricing, planning, operations, and agreement contracts with Mobis partners, and developing growth opportunities and partnerships within the aftermarket accessories industry.
4th Priority - 15%
Oversee regional accessory sales/marketing and financial performance to ensure company objectives for parts revenue and profitability are met.
5th Priority - 10%
Monitor the marketplace to identify emerging accessory and personalization trends to help deliver on Kia vehicle brand positioning. Generating recommendations for future vehicle and accessories opportunities and presenting to management strategy and direction.
Education/Certification
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering or business administration, or similar work experience required.
- Master’s degree or MBA is a plus.
Overall Experience
- 8+ years of experience in hardware products and programs, preferably Automotive / Power Sports accessories, lifestyle accessories, engineering, or product development and planning preferred.
- 8+ years’ experience in automotive accessory development operations, with working knowledge of engineering, distribution, logistics, inventory management, and project management preferred.
Directly Related Experience
- Engineering, Product Planning, or Accessory development experience preferred
- Proven track record of taking products from concept to creation, with strong project management, analytical, and communication skills.
- Strong financial acumen with the ability to create business cases and line plans
- Knowledge of federal regulations specific to the automotive industry (FMVSS), and familiarity with testing methods such as ASTM and SAE.
- Understanding the requirements of PPAP and APQP
- Travel may be required: 5-10% domestic and international travel
Skills
Competencies
Pay Range
$92,768 - $128,882
Pay will be based on several variables that are unique to each candidate, including but not limited to, job-related skills, experience, relevant education or training, etc.
Equal Employment Opportunities
KUS provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, including pregnancy and childbirth and related medical conditions, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, legally protected physical disability or mental disability, legally protected medical condition, marital status, sexual orientation, family care or medical leave status, protected veteran or military status, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. KUS complies with applicable law governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which KUS has offices. The KUS EEO policy applies to all areas of employment, including recruitment, hiring, training, promotion, compensation, benefits, discipline, termination and all other privileges, terms and conditions of employment.
Disclaimer: The above information on this job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification and for this position. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.
Nearest Major Market: Irvine California
Nearest Secondary Market: Los Angeles
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