GM Product Planning (Automotive)

12-15 Years

Job Description

Key Responsibilities:

Product Planning Strategy

Develop and execute the overall product planning strategy in line with business objectives and long-term growth plans.
Lead portfolio planning across existing and future vehicle models, ensuring the right products are positioned for the Malaysian market.
Evaluate market trends, customer preferences, competitor activities and emerging automotive technologies to identify product opportunities.
Work closely with regional/global headquarters to align local product requirements with global product strategies.

Product Portfolio & Lifecycle Management

Manage the product lifecycle from initial concept and market evaluation through launch, growth, facelift and phase-out.
Identify portfolio gaps and recommend new models, variants, specifications and features to strengthen market competitiveness.
Develop product positioning, target customer profiles and key selling propositions for each model.
Continuously assess product performance and recommend corrective actions or portfolio adjustments.

Market & Competitor Intelligence

Lead market research and analysis covering customer behaviour, market segments, competitor products, pricing and sales trends.
Monitor developments in EVs, hybrid vehicles, connected technologies and other automotive trends.
Translate market intelligence into actionable product recommendations and business strategies.
Establish a strong understanding of consumer needs across passenger and commercial vehicle segments.

Product Pricing & Commercial Planning

Develop product pricing strategies based on market positioning, competitor benchmarks, customer value and profitability objectives.
Work closely with Sales, Marketing and Finance teams to establish volume, revenue and profitability targets.
Evaluate product business cases, including pricing, specifications, volume potential, investment requirements and expected returns.
Monitor product profitability and recommend pricing or specification adjustments where required.

New Product & Model Launches

Lead product planning activities for new model introductions, facelifts, variants and major product updates.
Coordinate cross-functional teams to ensure product specifications, positioning, pricing and launch strategies are aligned.
Work with regional/global product teams to localize product specifications based on market requirements.
Ensure all product launches are supported by clear commercial rationale and go-to-market objectives.

Cross-Functional & Regional Collaboration

Partner closely with Sales, Marketing, Aftersales, Finance, Technical, Engineering and Supply Chain teams to ensure effective product execution.
Represent the local market in discussions with regional and global product planning teams.
Provide market feedback and local customer insights to influence future product development.
Lead and mentor the Product Planning team, building strong commercial and analytical capabilities.

Performance Monitoring & Strategic Reporting

Track product sales, market share, segment performance, pricing, profitability and customer feedback.
Prepare regular product performance reviews and strategic recommendations for senior management.
Develop medium- and long-term product portfolio roadmaps based on market and business opportunities.
Drive continuous improvement in product planning processes, tools and decision-making frameworks.

Requirements

Job Requirements:

Education & Experience

Bachelor's Degree in Business, Marketing, Economics, Engineering, Automotive or a related discipline.
12–15+ years of relevant experience in product planning, product management, marketing, commercial strategy or business planning within the automotive industry.
Proven experience in a senior managerial or leadership position, preferably managing a Product Planning/Product Management function.
Strong experience in automotive OEM, distributor or automotive principal environments is highly preferred.
Strong understanding of the Malaysian automotive market, including vehicle segments, customer behaviour, competitive landscape and dealership channels.

Technical & Commercial Skills

Strong expertise in automotive product planning and portfolio management, including model lifecycle management and new product introduction.
Strong commercial understanding of vehicle pricing, product positioning, specifications, volume planning and profitability.
Ability to develop compelling business cases and make data-driven product recommendations.
Strong market research and competitor intelligence capabilities.
Good understanding of automotive retail, dealer networks, sales operations and go-to-market strategies.
Knowledge of EV, hybrid and emerging automotive technologies would be an advantage.
Strong analytical skills with the ability to translate complex market and commercial data into actionable strategies.
Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint and other business/data analysis tools.

Leadership & Personal Attributes

Strategic thinker with strong commercial acumen and the ability to balance customer needs with business profitability.
Strong leadership and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence senior management and regional/global stakeholders.
Excellent communication, presentation and negotiation skills.
Strong decision-making and problem-solving capabilities.
Highly analytical, market-driven and commercially oriented.
Able to operate effectively in a matrix and multinational environment and manage stakeholders across different countries and functions.
Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple product initiatives simultaneously.
Willingness to travel regionally/internationally when required.