X-Portfolio Product Definition Manager

As an early-stage start-up, Forseven’s business model is still under wraps - but the business has declared its ambition to streamline the way premium, dynamically engaging vehicles are made, and offer them via an ecosystem that captures the imagination. The UK based business has its sights set on the global automotive industry and has assembled a leadership team to do just that.

1. The opportunity

We are looking for a Cross-Portfolio Product Definition Manager to join the rapidly growing Product team at Forseven. Reporting to the Head of Product Management, you will be responsible for the governance, curation and delivery of Product Definition systems, tools and processes. This will include establishing some systems from a clean sheet, together with the integration of other systems from our corporate partners.

You will lead the strategy and execution for Product Configuration Lifecycle Management; prioritising a single-source-of-truth mindset for product data across all stakeholders. You will have a strong influence on the Forseven Enterprise Architecture development to deliver world-leading automotive Products.

You will manage and lead a small team responsible for Product configuration, libraries and product definition operations. You will support and nurture a culture of innovation which can challenge convention, powered by diverse experiences, a critical thinking approach and strong inter-personal relationships.

Success in this role requires:
A deep understanding and experience of automotive industry digital systems
A passion for developing outstanding automotive products.
The ability to manage and balance financial and project priorities to meet cost, timing and stakeholder requirements delivering best overall value for the business.
The ability to develop strong working relationships across the business.
The ability to lead and develop a small team of direct reports.

2. What you’ll do

Specific responsibilities include:

Digital CLM tools and systems
Lead the creation and development of the digital toolset to support Product Definition and Configuration Lifecycle Management for business-wide use, working closely with the CTO/CIO, Manufacturing and Engineering teams.

Lead the integration of Product Strategy, Definition and Management systems from FORSEVEN partner organisations, including processes and governance, working closely with the CTO/CIO, Manufacturing and Engineering teams.

Design, establish and maintain the Product Definition data schema, including feature coding library, x-portfolio naming conventions and product dictionaries, for consistent cross business and Product usage.

Integrate digital product twins within the system design to support the delivery of enhanced customer experience and understanding via fleet analytics and insights.

Design interfaces and system outputs to ensure all stakeholders can use live single source of truth status wherever possible throughout the Product lifecycle.

Work closely with other stakeholders to support the development of critical system up-time, redundancy and archiving functionality to support business continuity and future technical investigations.

Product Definition Processes and Operations
Develop standardised outputs and user interfaces to support Product Team activities.

Support the different requirements of stakeholders through the CLM lifecycle including the use of parallel systems for efficient concept development and in-cycle or Model Year activities.

Create and lead the governance for ongoing evolution of the product definition feature library, including naming conventions and coding.

Support Product data requests and modifications from all external functional stakeholders, including Engineering, Manufacturing, Procurement, Finance and Sales.

Develop and communicate insights into product configuration and business level impacts to support cross-functional teams in striving to optimise total business benefits.

Work closely with Sales and Market leads to ensure that market specific Product and legal requirements and changes are accurately integrated in the CLM systems.

Governance
Set up the governance and change control forums for all product definition matters.

3. Who you are

Level of education & Experience in general:
Qualification (degree or higher) ideally in Engineering, IT, Business or Marketing

Experience in working in a startup or fast paced and adaptable environment.

8+ years post qualification experience in Product, Strategy, Design, Engineering or Marketing, ideally vehicle digital product development within an automotive OEM.

Global product experience essential.

Cross-functional experience as part of an OEM product development programme.

Technical skills:
Deep understanding and experience of automotive industry digital systems

Language – fluent in English, additional language skills may be advantage.

A clear understanding of software defined features, digital twins and product and configuration lifecycles.

A highly analytical mindset able to bring order to complex and ambiguous datasets and information systems.

Strong commercial acumen.

Ability to articulate complex technical subjects simply with strong presentation skills.

Up-to-date automotive legislative and regulatory environment knowledge desirable.

Must be able to define and execute business processes and understand the importance of formal process to reduce risk and variance.

PC literate – highly competent in Excel (able to construct and manage complex spreadsheets) and PowerPoint (able to independently produce powerful presentations).