This is an excellent opportunity for a candidate with 7+ years' experience in the Motor Industry to join Motor Distributors Limited in a senior position. MDL is iconic in the Irish motor sector; in the rear-view mirror we brought Volkswagen to Ireland and produced the first Beetle outside of Germany; in the front-view mirror we are the fastest growing distributor of EV brands in Ireland.
The Head of Product Planning is central to our strategy and gives the successful candidate an opportunity to gain senior experience in an expanding organization. A team of 5 reports into the HoPP.
This role delivers value to the organisation by aligning Product Strategy with Sales, by building strong relationships with Manufacturers and by enhancing the decision-making process at senior levels.
Role Profile
The Head of Product Planning (HoPP) drives three areas of focus for the Business:
Market Analysis
* Lead go to market product plans and define product positioning, messaging and launch strategy.
* Provide Management Updates and Insights into Performance, Risks and Opportunities
* Proactively make recommendations on the brand's competitive position and reporting findings to the Senior Leadership Team.
* Monitor product performance and lead corrective actions on pricing, sales and customer feedback and regular focus on our price index position and product specification.
* Conduct high-level benchmarking and market intelligence reporting for executive decision making.
* Drive the Data strategy for Product Planning
* Engage with dealer networks and key customers to gather insights and support commercial effectiveness.
* Attending dealer / training / customer / manufacturer events when required.
* Lead Cross-functional collaboration with sales, finance, marketing, and factory to deliver process and workflow improvements
* Work closely with the MDL finance department to ensure accurate and timely pricing data is available to the dealer network.
Product Strategy
* Align Product Planning with Sales Strategy via Business Planning tools, drive monthly Product Planning sessions for each brand.
* Collate monthly sales information received from National Sales Managers to identify product opportunities and evaluate measures.
* Manage projects which may include but are not limited to autonomous driving, E-mobility, AI and connected services and assisting in all new product launches and life cycle strategies.
* Work closely with marketing team & agencies for product launch events and promotional campaigns to ensure relevant product material is being communicated.
Product Lifecycle
* Provide product support and expertise for vehicles and other assigned product areas.
* Ensuring accuracy of car orders on the ordering systems and car configurators.
* Regular communication with the factory & dealer network to ensure production and pricing queries efficiencies.
* Overseeing dealer network product and systems training.
* Delivering new product PR launches and pricing updates and communication to our dealer partners and other departments in conjunction with the costings team and MDL Training Academy. Overseeing product guides, brochures and other communications.
Qualifications and Experience:
* Minimum of 7+ years' experience in a relevant senior position.
* Bachelor's degree/MBA in business or related field
* Strong commercial awareness and understanding of automotive product development, product planning, vehicle technology and regulatory frameworks.
* Experience with EV platforms, battery technology, ADAS and software defined vehicles.
* Track record of project management experience and ability to work to deadlines.
* Occasional travel may be required depending on the business needs to manufacturers events and motor shows.
* Experience using data to drive direction, through Power BI or other Data Management techniques
Skills:
* Strategic thinking, leadership, communication, experienced presenter to all levels
* Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with extensive cross-functional collaboration.
* Good management skills, ability to adapt quickly to deliver results. Lead, coach, and mentor the product planning team.
* Strong creative problem-solving skills.
* Adaptable and flexible to changing technologies, processes and environments.
* Strong numeracy/analytical capability, focused on factual accuracy and attention to detail.
Work Environment:
The Head of Product Planning has a team of 5 direct reports and the role reports into the Chief Operating Officer and supports a Hybrid WFH arrangement.
MDL is a recipient of the Great Place to Work award, alongside the IBEC Keepwell mark.
If you meet the above criteria and are interested in being considered for this position, please submit a cover letter outlining your availability and salary expectation, together with a comprehensive Curriculum Vitae.
Job Type: Specified-purpose
Contract length: 12-18 months
Work Location: In person