Global Director of NPD and Product Services

Description

Looking to make a global impact in product management? We’re seeking a strategic leader to build and optimize a Center of Excellence for NPD and product services. If you have a passion for driving efficiency, standardizing processes, and leading global product launches in the automotive aftermarket industry, apply today!

Position Summary

The Global Director of NPD and Product Services will be instrumental in developing a Center of Excellence for centralizing and optimizing the product management function to drive value through global product consistency, efficiency, and speed-to-market. This role will oversee the launch and execution of global product lines tailored for regional applications, content requirements, and international product expansion. This leader will develop product tools, KPIs, master product data structure, and standardize processes while fostering alignment and collaboration with regional product teams. This role will build and manage a product team to provide centralized NPD and product support.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Create a Product Management Center of Excellence - Centralize elements of Product Management and the NPD process
• Create, manage, and streamline global product development processes.
• Drive global product line launches with regional alignment and market-specific cataloging.
• Standardize processes across the product lifecycle, from ideation to market launch.
• Own product strategy and road mapping
• Lead and support the product line review process
• Partner on image project optimization and transition ownership of the overall image process.
• New Product Development (NPD)
• Spearhead global product line expansion, ensuring alignment with regional teams.
• Identify and prioritize international product opportunities.
• Increase speed-to-market by optimizing workflows, timelines, and approvals.
• Product Data and Support
• Develop and manage tools, systems, and KPIs to measure product performance.
• Organize and maintain product data structure, including product hierarchy and development of attribute templates for consistent data.
• Oversee data and product content standards for local and global applications.
• Document and optimize product-related processes (ie product analysis, lifecycle management).
• Alignment across Product Function
• Collaborate closely with regional product teams to ensure unified strategies.
• Align global product initiatives with WAI’s organizational goals, vision, and market demands.
• Performance and Metrics
• Define KPIs to evaluate product success, efficiency, and speed-to-market.
• Deliver reports and analysis for executive leadership to inform decision-making.
• Team Leadership
• Hire and manage centralized product roles.
• Mentor and develop talent while fostering cross-functional collaboration.
  
  

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, or related field; MBA preferred.
• 15 years of experience in NPD, product management, process optimization, and/or content management.
• Proven leadership in product development, centralizing processes, developing KPIs, and leading global teams.
• Automotive aftermarket industry experience required.
• Proficient in tools/systems for product lifecycle management, data structure, and product analysis.
• Exceptional collaboration, communication, and leadership skills.