Title: Product Line Director
Location: Auburn Hills, MI
Hybrid: On-Site 4 Days/ Week
Job Summary: Seeking an experienced Product Director to lead the strategy, development, and commercial performance of its Motion / Power Access product portfolio.
This individual will be responsible for defining long-term product direction, identifying growth opportunities, guiding new product development, and translating customer and market needs into scalable product strategies. Working at the intersection of engineering, commercial strategy, and customer engagement, the Product Director will help shape the future of vehicle access technologies while supporting profitable growth across the portfolio.
This is a highly visible leadership role that partners closely with Engineering, Sales, Operations, Purchasing, and Executive Leadership to influence product direction and support key OEM relationships.
Leadership Profile: The ideal candidate is a strategic product leader who combines technical understanding with commercial and market insight. They possess the ability to translate customer needs, emerging technologies, and industry trends into scalable product strategies that create long-term business value.
This individual will partner closely with engineering teams, OEM customers, and cross-functional stakeholders to guide product direction, identify differentiation opportunities, and support growth across the Motion / Power Access product portfolio.
Successful candidates are comfortable moving between detailed technical discussions and broader business strategy, helping organizations determine not only what products should be built, but where future investment and growth opportunities exist.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
Product Strategy & Portfolio Leadership
- Develop and execute long-term product strategy for portfolio.
- Own product roadmaps aligned with OEM platform cycles, customer requirements, and market trends.
- Monitor competitive activity, emerging technologies, and customer needs to identify new growth opportunities.
- Drive product lifecycle decisions, including investment, expansion, repositioning, and sunset strategies.
- Support software and hardware platform strategies that promote scalability and long-term differentiation.
Innovation & New Product Development
- Lead product planning and prioritization efforts across the portfolio.
- Identify opportunities to expand position within existing and emerging vehicle access markets.
- Champion innovative technologies and solutions that strengthen market position and customer value.
- Support future product development efforts related to electrification, autonomy, connected vehicles, and software-enabled access systems.
Commercial & Financial Leadership
- Develop pricing strategies that support profitability and market competitiveness.
- Build and maintain long-range product and margin roadmaps.
- Support customer pursuits, business case development, and strategic growth initiatives.
- Contribute to annual budgeting and long-range planning activities.
Cross-Functional Leadership
- Partner with Engineering to guide integrated hardware, software, controls, and mechatronic product development.
- Collaborate with Sales and Business Development teams on growth opportunities and customer engagement.
- Work with Purchasing, Operations, and Supply Chain teams to align sourcing, manufacturing, and product strategy.
- Support Program Management throughout the product lifecycle from concept through launch.
An individual in this position must be able to successfully perform the essential duties and responsibilities listed above. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.
The above list reflects the general details necessary to describe the principle and essential functions of the position and shall not be construed as the only duties that may be assigned for the position.
Education & Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, or related field.
- 10+ years of product management, systems engineering, product development, program management, technical sales, or related experience.
- Demonstrated success leading complex products through the full lifecycle from concept through launch.
- Strong financial acumen, including pricing strategy, forecasting, business case development, and margin management.
- Experience working directly with OEM customers and cross-functional product development teams.
- Excellent communication and influence skills across technical and commercial audiences.
Preferred Qualifications
- MBA or Master's degree.
- Experience with automotive closure systems, power access systems, or mechatronic products.
- Familiarity with motors, actuators, sensors, embedded software, and vehicle electrical architecture.
- Experience with APQP, DVP&R, IATF 16949, or related automotive development processes.
- Experience supporting EV, autonomous vehicle, or software-defined vehicle initiatives.
Benefits:
- Competitive compensation, regular salary reviews, short-term incentive opportunities.
- Health coverage including medical, dental, and vision with eligibility starting day one.
- PTO, holidays, sick time, and bereavement for eligible employees.
- 401(k) with company match up to 5% and immediate vesting.
- Company-paid life insurance coverage.
- Wellness programs.
Success Metrics
- Growth in revenue, profitability, and market share across the Motion / Power Access portfolio.
- Successful development and launch of new products aligned with strategic objectives.
- Expansion of customer adoption of core technologies and product platforms.
- Improved portfolio profitability through pricing strategy and product lifecycle management.
- Execution of a sustainable long-term product roadmap that supports future growth.
Equal Opportunity Employer: We are proud to foster an inclusive and diverse workplace culture. We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetics, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We value diversity and believe that a diverse and inclusive workforce is essential to drive innovation, foster creativity, and achieve success. We welcome and encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and are dedicated to ensuring a fair and equitable recruitment and employment process for everyone.
Pay: $150,000.00 - $190,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
- How many years of experience do you have working with embedded software or software as a product?
- How many years of experience do you have working with hardware design?
- How many years of experience do you have working with vehicle electrical architecture?
Education:
Experience:
- Manufacturing leadership: 10 years (Preferred)
- Product management: 10 years (Preferred)
Ability to Commute:
- Auburn Hills, MI 48326 (Required)
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Auburn Hills, MI 48326
