Electrical Distribution Product Strategy Manager at Lear Corporation

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Electrical Distribution Product Strategy Manager Company: Lear Corporation Location: Southfield, Michigan, United States Job Type: Full-time Category: Product Strategy / Operations Date Posted: August 13, 2025 Experience Level: 5-10 Years Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

Drive strategic product planning and execution for automotive electrical distribution systems (wire harnesses), translating market insights into actionable growth strategies.
Lead complex, cross-functional advanced product strategy projects from conception through to conclusion, influencing future product roadmaps and business decisions.
Conduct in-depth market and competitive analysis to identify emerging trends, customer needs, and new revenue opportunities within the electrical distribution systems sector.
Foster strong collaborative relationships with Engineering, Sales, Marketing, and Purchasing to ensure alignment on short, mid, and long-term product strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role sits within the Product Management function but has a strong operational component focused on strategy development, market analysis, and cross-functional execution. The "Product Strategy Manager" title indicates a focus on market-facing and forward-looking initiatives, requiring a blend of technical understanding of electrical distribution systems and strategic business acumen. The emphasis on "Electrical Distribution Systems (Wire Harness)" suggests a specialization within automotive components.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

Develop and implement comprehensive product strategies for automotive electrical distribution systems, aligning with market trends, customer demands, and competitive landscapes.
Lead advanced product strategy projects, managing timelines, resources, and deliverables to accelerate the conceptualization and business decision-making for future company products.
Perform detailed market research and analysis, including competitive benchmarking, customer segmentation, and technology forecasting for wiring harnesses and connection systems.
Identify and pursue new revenue streams through innovative technologies, product enhancements, and vertical integration strategies, informed by market intelligence and customer feedback.
Collaborate effectively with engineering, sales, marketing, and purchasing departments to ensure cohesive product roadmaps and successful project execution.
Support the sales team by analyzing customer profiles and business opportunities to tailor strategies for new project acquisition and market expansion.
Prepare and deliver executive-level presentations and reports on product strategy, market analysis, and project progress to internal stakeholders and external partners.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary responsibilities highlight a strategic leadership role within product management, with a significant emphasis on market analysis, strategic planning, and cross-functional collaboration. The mention of "accelerating future company products concept and business decisions" and "identifying and exploring new revenue opportunities" points to a forward-thinking and impact-driven position. The "Hour-by-Hour Task Breakdown" (60% market research, 20% strategic material building, 20% ad-hoc support) further reinforces the analytical and strategic nature of the role.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field.
Master's in Business Administration (MBA) or a similar advanced degree is considered a strong asset.

Experience:

5+ years of progressive experience in automotive electrical distribution systems, specifically within areas such as product engineering, process engineering, product quality, or program management.
Proven track record of leading strategy projects and developing market-driven product strategies.

Required Skills:

Wiring Harness Experience: In-depth understanding of wiring harness product development, including the ability to interpret 2D wiring harness drawings, Bill of Materials (BoMs), and component specifications.
EDS Components Understanding: Comprehensive knowledge of diverse electrical distribution system (EDS) components, their applications, assembly in vehicles, and key suppliers in the automotive industry.
Wiring Harness Manufacturing Awareness: Familiarity with key wiring harness production processes, design for manufacturing (DFM), and design for automation (DFA) principles.
Architecture Notion: Understanding of basic automotive Electrical/Electronic (E/E) architectures, ability to read schematics, and awareness of evolving E/E architectures.
Data Analysis: Proficiency in Microsoft Excel for data collection, analysis, and visualization; ability to create graphics and provide data-driven recommendations.
Presentation Proficiency: Strong skills in Microsoft PowerPoint, with the ability to create clear, objective, and compelling presentations for executive audiences, detailing data analysis, conclusions, and recommendations.

Preferred Skills:

Consulting experience, particularly in strategy, market analysis, or product development.
Familiarity with market research methodologies and competitive intelligence tools.
Experience with product lifecycle management (PLM) systems.
Knowledge of automotive industry trends beyond electrical distribution, such as electrification, autonomous driving, and connectivity.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a deep technical background in automotive wiring harnesses coupled with strong analytical and communication skills. The requirement for "Wiring Harness Experience" and "EDS components understanding" indicates a need for specialized industry knowledge. The emphasis on Excel and PowerPoint proficiency, alongside the "Hour-by-Hour Task Breakdown," points to a role that is heavily reliant on data analysis and strategic communication.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

Demonstrate a history of developing and executing successful product strategies, supported by market analysis and competitive insights.
Showcase examples of leading complex projects, highlighting problem-solving approaches, decision-making processes, and outcomes.
Provide evidence of cross-functional collaboration, illustrating how you've worked with diverse teams to achieve strategic objectives.
Include case studies that detail your analytical capabilities, particularly in market research and data interpretation related to automotive components or systems.
Present examples of strategic materials created (e.g., presentations, white papers, frameworks) that effectively communicate complex ideas and support business decisions.

Process Documentation:

Illustrate experience in documenting market research findings, competitive analyses, and strategic recommendations in a clear and organized manner.
Show examples of how processes were improved or optimized based on strategic insights, potentially related to product development lifecycles or market entry strategies.
Demonstrate an understanding of how to translate strategic plans into actionable steps and communicate these processes to relevant stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the strategic and analytical nature of the role, a portfolio demonstrating concrete examples of strategic planning, market analysis, and project leadership is crucial. The emphasis on "synthesizing insights into clear strategic narratives" and "building models, frameworks" suggests that candidates should highlight their ability to structure and present strategic thinking, not just technical execution.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Based on industry standards for a Product Strategy Manager with 5-10 years of experience in the automotive sector in the Detroit metropolitan area, the estimated salary range is between $110,000 and $150,000 annually. This estimate accounts for the specialized technical knowledge, strategic responsibilities, and the cost of living in the region.

Benefits:

Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
401(k) retirement plan with company match.
Paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
Opportunities for professional development and training.
Employee discount programs.
Potential for performance-based bonuses.

Working Hours:

Standard full-time hours, typically 40 hours per week.
Flexibility may be available, but the role requires on-site presence in Southfield, Michigan, for collaboration and project leadership.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on data from similar roles in the automotive industry in Southfield, MI, considering the experience level and strategic responsibilities. Benefits are typical for a large, established corporation like Lear.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Automotive Manufacturing (Tier 1 Supplier) Company Size: Large (over 10,000 employees), as indicated by Lear Corporation's global presence. Founded: 1918. Lear Corporation has a long history in the automotive industry, evolving with technological advancements and market shifts. This longevity suggests a stable, established corporate culture with deep industry expertise.

Team Structure:

The Product Strategy Manager will be part of the Product Management team, likely reporting to a Director or Vice President of Product Management.
This role requires close collaboration with various departments, including Engineering (Product Engineering, Electrical Engineering), Sales (Business Development, Account Management), Marketing (Product Marketing), and Purchasing (Supply Chain).
The team structure likely emphasizes cross-functional project teams to drive product development and strategy.

Methodology:

The role employs a data-driven approach to product strategy, relying on market research, competitive analysis, and customer feedback.
Workflow planning and optimization are key, particularly in managing advanced product projects from inception to conclusion.
Automation and efficiency practices are likely valued, especially in manufacturing (DFM/DFA) and data analysis.

Company Website: https://www.lear.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Lear Corporation's long history and large size suggest a structured, professional environment with established processes. The emphasis on "collaboration, inclusion, respect and excellence" in the company description points to a culture that values teamwork and high performance. The role's focus on strategy and product development implies an innovative and forward-thinking aspect within this established structure.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a mid-to-senior level position within Product Management, with a strategic focus. It requires significant technical expertise in a specialized area (electrical distribution systems) and the ability to influence business decisions.

Reporting Structure: The Product Strategy Manager will likely report to a senior leader within Product Management, such as a Director or VP. They will collaborate closely with peers and leaders across Engineering, Sales, and Marketing.

Operations Impact: This role directly impacts the company's future product portfolio and revenue growth by identifying market opportunities and shaping product strategies. Success in this role can lead to significant contributions to Lear's competitive positioning and profitability in the automotive electrical distribution systems market.

Growth Opportunities:

Operations Skill Advancement: Potential to deepen expertise in product strategy, market analysis, and automotive component technologies.
Leadership Development: Opportunity to lead cross-functional teams and projects, potentially progressing to roles like Senior Product Manager, Director of Product Management, or Business Unit Leader within specific product lines.
Specialization: Develop deep expertise in emerging automotive trends like electrification and advanced E/E architectures, becoming a subject matter expert.
Cross-Functional Mobility: Potential to move into related roles in engineering management, business development, or strategic planning within Lear.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a clear path for growth within product management, with opportunities to take on more strategic leadership and develop specialized expertise in high-demand automotive technologies. The blend of technical and strategic responsibilities provides a well-rounded development experience.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based at Lear Corporation's World Headquarters in Southfield, Michigan, implying a corporate office environment.

Office Location(s): Southfield, Michigan, USA. This location is within the automotive hub of Southeast Michigan, offering proximity to major automotive OEMs and suppliers.

Workspace Context:

The workspace is likely a modern corporate office designed to foster collaboration, with access to necessary office equipment and technology.
Opportunities for interaction with a diverse range of professionals across engineering, sales, marketing, and management are abundant.
The environment is expected to be professional and results-oriented, with a focus on data-driven decision-making and strategic execution.

Work Schedule:

Standard 40-hour work week.
While specific hours may offer some flexibility, the on-site requirement necessitates adherence to a typical business day schedule for effective team collaboration and project management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The Southfield World Headquarters location suggests a dynamic corporate environment typical of major automotive players, with opportunities for extensive networking and cross-functional engagement.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

Initial Screening: HR or recruiter conducts a preliminary review of the resume and application to assess basic qualifications and fit.
Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion with the hiring manager to delve into experience, skills, and understanding of the role's responsibilities, focusing on wiring harness experience and strategic thinking.
Technical/Team Interview: May involve interviews with key team members (e.g., engineering leads, sales managers) to evaluate technical knowledge, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit. This could include case study discussions or scenario-based questions.
Presentation/Case Study: Candidates may be asked to present a strategic plan, market analysis, or a solution to a hypothetical problem related to electrical distribution systems. This assesses presentation skills, analytical capabilities, and strategic narrative building.
Executive Interview: A final interview with a senior leader to discuss strategic vision, leadership potential, and overall alignment with company goals.

Portfolio Review Tips:

Curate Strategically: Select 2-3 impactful projects that best showcase your product strategy development, market analysis, and project leadership skills within the automotive electrical distribution domain.
Quantify Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your approach, the specific actions taken, and the quantifiable results (e.g., revenue impact, market share increase, cost savings, efficiency improvements).
Highlight Process: Explain the methodologies used for research, analysis, and strategy formulation. Detail how you synthesized data into strategic narratives and presented them.
Demonstrate Collaboration: Showcase how you worked with cross-functional teams, highlighting communication strategies and conflict resolution if applicable.
Tailor to Lear: If possible, research Lear's current product lines and strategic initiatives to tailor your portfolio presentation and demonstrate an understanding of their business context.

Challenge Preparation:

Market Analysis Exercise: Be prepared for a case study that requires analyzing a specific market segment, identifying opportunities, and proposing a strategic approach for electrical distribution systems.
Strategic Narrative: Practice articulating a clear, concise, and compelling strategic narrative for a given product or market scenario. Focus on structure: problem, analysis, strategy, execution, and expected outcomes.
Data Interpretation: Review common automotive data points and practice interpreting them to derive actionable insights. Be ready to discuss how you would use data to support your strategic recommendations.
Stakeholder Communication: Prepare to discuss how you would communicate complex technical and strategic information to different audiences (e.g., engineers, sales teams, executives).

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to assess both technical depth in automotive electrical systems and strategic business acumen. A strong portfolio demonstrating analytical rigor, strategic planning, and effective communication is essential for success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

Microsoft Excel: For advanced data analysis, modeling, forecasting, and creating charts/graphs. Essential for market research and strategic material building.
Microsoft PowerPoint: For developing compelling presentations, executive summaries, and strategic narrative documentation.
Microsoft Word: For creating white papers, reports, and detailed project documentation.

Analytics & Reporting:

While specific tools are not mentioned, familiarity with general market research databases, competitive intelligence platforms, and potentially BI tools (like Tableau, Power BI) for data visualization would be beneficial.

CRM & Automation:

Familiarity with CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) for understanding customer data and sales pipelines would be advantageous for supporting sales initiatives.
Experience with project management or collaboration tools (e.g., Jira, Asana, Microsoft Teams) is likely expected for managing cross-functional projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technical requirements revolve around Microsoft Office Suite, with a strong emphasis on Excel and PowerPoint for analysis and communication. Broader familiarity with market research and CRM tools would enhance a candidate's profile.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

Data-Driven Decision Making: Emphasizes the use of market research, analysis, and customer insights to inform product strategy and business decisions.
Collaboration and Teamwork: Fosters a culture of working closely with diverse functional teams (engineering, sales, marketing, purchasing) to achieve shared goals.
Innovation and Forward-Thinking: Encourages the identification of new technologies, revenue opportunities, and future product concepts.
Excellence and Accountability: Strives for high performance in project execution, strategic planning, and delivering impactful results.
Customer Focus: Prioritizes understanding customer needs and tailoring strategies to meet market demands and drive business expansion.

Collaboration Style:

Cross-Functional Integration: Works seamlessly across departments to ensure alignment and cohesive execution of product strategies.
Stakeholder Engagement: Proactively communicates and collaborates with internal and external stakeholders, including executive leadership and customers.
Process Improvement Culture: Encourages continuous learning and refinement of processes for market analysis, strategy development, and project management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture values a blend of analytical rigor, collaborative execution, and a forward-looking approach to product development and market strategy, all within a professional and results-oriented framework.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

Navigating Complex Market Dynamics: The automotive industry is rapidly evolving with new technologies (EVs, ADAS), requiring continuous adaptation of strategies.
Balancing Short-Term Needs with Long-Term Vision: Effectively managing current product requirements while shaping future product roadmaps.
Cross-Functional Alignment: Ensuring buy-in and coordinated efforts from diverse departments with potentially competing priorities.
Data Synthesis: Consolidating and analyzing vast amounts of market, customer, and competitive data into clear, actionable strategic insights.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Operations Skill Advancement: Deepen expertise in product strategy, market intelligence, and competitive analysis within the automotive sector.
Industry Exposure: Gain insights into cutting-edge automotive technologies and their impact on electrical distribution systems.
Leadership Development: Opportunities to lead strategic initiatives and influence decision-making at higher levels.
Professional Certifications: Potential to pursue certifications in product management, strategy, or specific automotive technologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents opportunities to tackle complex strategic challenges in a dynamic industry, fostering significant professional growth and specialization in automotive product strategy.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

"How would you approach developing a product strategy for electrical distribution systems in anticipation of increasing vehicle electrification?" (Focus on market analysis, technology trends, competitive landscape, and potential new revenue streams.)
"Describe a time you had to synthesize complex market data into a clear strategic recommendation. What was the process, and what was the outcome?" (Highlight analytical skills, data interpretation, and communication effectiveness.)
"How do you ensure alignment between product strategy and the execution plans of engineering, sales, and manufacturing teams?" (Focus on collaboration strategies, communication methods, and cross-functional project management.)

Company & Culture Questions:

"What interests you most about Lear Corporation and this specific role within electrical distribution systems?" (Showcase research on the company and a genuine interest in the product area.)
"How do you handle differing opinions or priorities when working with cross-functional teams on a strategic initiative?" (Demonstrate conflict resolution and collaborative problem-solving skills.)
"How do you measure the success of a product strategy, and what metrics would you track for electrical distribution systems?" (Focus on quantifiable outcomes, ROI, market share, and alignment with business objectives.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

Structure Your Narrative: Begin with a clear overview of the challenge or objective, followed by your analytical approach, the strategic recommendations, key supporting data, and finally, the impact or results.
Visualize Data Effectively: Use clear charts and graphs in your presentations to illustrate market trends, competitive positioning, and performance metrics. Ensure data is easy to understand for a diverse audience.
Focus on "So What?": For each piece of data or analysis, articulate its strategic implication and how it informs your recommendations. Don't just present data; interpret it.
Practice Your Delivery: Rehearse your presentation to ensure it flows logically, stays within the allocated time, and that you can confidently answer questions about your work and strategic thinking.
Showcase Strategic Frameworks: If you used specific strategic frameworks (e.g., Porter's Five Forces, SWOT analysis, market segmentation models), briefly explain how they guided your approach.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on articulating strategic thinking, demonstrating analytical prowess with data, and showcasing effective communication and collaboration skills, particularly in the context of automotive product strategy.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

Submit your resume and cover letter through Lear Corporation's applicant tracking system via the provided job link.
Portfolio Customization: Prepare a concise portfolio (or select key project examples) that specifically highlights your experience in market analysis, product strategy development, and leading cross-functional projects within the automotive sector, focusing on electrical distribution systems if possible.
Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your experience with wiring harness systems, EDS components, manufacturing awareness, data analysis (Excel), and presentation skills (PowerPoint), using keywords from the job description. Quantify achievements where possible.
Interview Preparation: Practice answering strategic questions related to automotive market trends, product development, and cross-functional collaboration. Prepare to present a case study or discuss your portfolio with confidence.
Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Lear Corporation's business, product lines, and recent strategic initiatives in the automotive industry. Understand their position as a Tier 1 supplier and their approach to innovation.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

Electrical Distribution Product Strategy Manager