Product Planning Manager - Automotive

Dubai, UAE

Ref: HP647-1779

Job description / Role

Employment: Full Time

Our client, a leading multinational automotive organization, is seeking to recruit a Product Planning Manager. You will be directly reporting to the Manager of Product Planning.

Purpose: To secure Product Competitiveness in the region based on Project-wise and Business-unit wise planning.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES:
- Support and coordinate the company in their efforts to collect and analyze market-information of the GCC/MED/TKY region by continuously encouraging product clinics, market research activities, product research and/or satisfaction surveys etc.
- Develop, formulate and establish a methodology to evaluate product competitiveness by conducting detailed competitors study, consumer behavior study etc.
- Define target customers’ profile and confirm the validity of the product concept hypothesis from the viewpoint of target customers in the GCC region.
- Play an active role in the process of translating product concepts into styling models, actual product hardware and support Chief Product Specialists in preparation of Project Contract for each specific product.
- Investigate product-related causes and propose action plans to Chief Product Specialists in case of short to the profit / volume target, and implement such action plans continuously.

Operating environment:
- GCC Market end users does not consist of a homogenous profile hence the models planned to be produced should be globally designed.
- Understanding and defining the expectations of the potential clients and translating these concepts to product teams in Japan & US to necessitate strong communication skills.

Communication & working relationship:
- Cross Functional teams in NMEF, especially sales, marketing, R&D, IBU and after sales teams in order to gather data for vehicle evaluation & product planning activities
- Company’s visit to collect feedback for product related issues.
- Cross Functional teams in NML, NE and IE for Advanced Planning & Product Planning related issues.

Requirements

- 5-7 years in Automotive Industry/ trading organization/ Research organization mainly in Product Planning or Marketing Planning.
- Experience in Strategic planning is crucial for the job, since main focus is on the future models of the vehicles.
- Should be aware of the market & competitors & exposure to the luxury market would be a plus.
- Should be experienced in Presentation Skills.

KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS:
- Automotive industry knowledge
- Vehicle hardware / product knowledge
- Competition knowledge
- Customer profiling
- Volume / value planning
- Risk Management
- Presenting

COMPETENCIES:
- Analytical thinking
- Attention to details
- Evaluative thinking
- Information seeking
- Negotiation skills
- Relationship building & management

About the Company

We lead in the creation and delivery of innovative workforce solutions and services that enable our clients to win in the changing world of work.

ManpowerGroup powers the success of many of the world's most dynamic organizations. We deliver innovative workforce solutions that enhance competitiveness, increase efficiency and spur productivity. Combining global reach with local expertise - 3600 offices in over 80 countries - we know the changing world of work and bring a deep understanding of the companies we work for and the industries we service.

ManpowerGroup entered the Middle East in December 2007 after acquiring local company Clarendon Parker, thus bringing 15 years in-depth local knowledge combined with a global footprint and industry shaping expertise and thought leadership. Manpower Middle East supports clients in the Middle East and North Africa regions. Our business is aligned to key skill specializations to ensure our clients requirements are met by expert and knowledgeable consultants that understand your industry and role requirement.

Our consultants are experts in finding the right talent across all industries in a broad-range of occupations including: