Sr. Product Technology Manager
Date: Apr 13, 2025
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 Sr. Product Technology Manager influences the roadmap for Technology, Infotainment, and ADAS planning and collaborates with the product planners to develop Cross Carline (CCL) consistency for feature application and vehicle trim line-up. This position will participate in benchmarking activities and be familiar with technologies from other global automakers. Additionally, the individual will educate the product planners on future technology trends, key customer priorities / unmet needs, and ADAS functionality.
The Sr. Manager supports product coordination and the needs of Kia NA internal departments along with relevant affiliates including Kia HQ, HATCI, Kia Mexico (KMX).
In addition, the Sr. Manager assists with MECA (Mobility, Electrification, Connectivity and Autonomous) projects for electrified vehicle programs.
Major Responsibilities
1st Priority - 35%
New Feature / Technology / Infotainment / ADAS Planning
- Manage and update the New Feature / Technology / Infotainment / ADAS lifecycle plan by monitoring competitor / market activities, industry trends, dealer and customer feedback. Achieve one-voice with executive management when key decisions, modifications are required.
- Assess new feature mandates from KHQ and determine in consultation with PPD and executive management the appropriate course of action. Prepare KNA consensus position to be communicated to KHQ. Negotiate as necessary.
2nd Priority - 35%
CCL Specification Management
- Develop a cross carline trim strategy for key features with consideration to vehicle price position, powertrain (ICE, BEV), and competitor actions
- Review market-based pricing of key features and technologies and recommend to the Pricing team revisions to the KHQ Value Table (e.g. market value is higher / lower than the value table)
- Communicate future specification requirements from external agencies such as NHTSA, IIHS, Consumer Reports to the product planners
3rd Priority - 20%
New Technology Education / Liaison
- As a Subject Matter Expert conduct, at a minimum, quarterly educational sessions on new technologies, infotainment, ADAS features, and future specification requirements to department staff and internal depts
- Be the primary KNA point of contact on New Feature, Technology, Infotainment, and ADAS with KHQ, HATCI, and internal depts
- Create, manage and publish the CCL Product Resource Guide (PRG) and ensure timely updates
4th Priority - 10%
Lead / Support Ad Hoc Projects
- Lead the Executive Product Committee (EPC) meetings by determining the agenda, serving as the host, and summarizing the top-line decisions
- Develop an auto show report (LA, NYC) prior to the event and a CES wrap up summary and present to the EPC highlighting key observations, industry trends, and market opportunities
- Support, lead other CCL and executive management projects as required
Education/Certification
- Bachelor’s degree required
- Master’s degree preferred in Business Administration, Engineering, or Analytical field
Overall Experience
- 8+ years’ experience in automotive product / cross carline planning, marketing research, engineering or related field required
- 5+ years developing strategic and tactical roadmap for future technology /ADAS
- 5+ years’ experience with electric vehicle planning
- Consulting experience a plus
Directly Related Experience
- Automotive enthusiast with industry, consumer, and technical knowledge and abilities
- Experience with Advanced Technologies, ADAS, and BEVs is strongly preferred
- Extensive experience in presenting to executive management, developing presentations
Other Requirements:
- Occasional travel may be required domestically, internationally
- May need to work additional hours outside of normal business hours as required by the job, including weekends or holidays
- Perform other duties as assigned
- Must have a valid driver’s license. Position requires driving Kia and competitor vehicles to evaluate vehicles.
Skills
Competencies
Pay Range
$101,964 - $141,748
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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