Senior Manager, UX Strategy & Communications at Woven by Toyota

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Manager, UX Strategy & Communications
Company: Woven by Toyota
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Job Type: Employee
Category: UX Strategy & Design Operations
Date Posted: August 13, 2025
Experience Level: 10+ Years
Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

This Senior Manager position focuses on defining and executing a multi-year UX strategy for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and autonomous driving (AD) products within the automotive sector.
The role involves translating complex user insights, safety regulations, and cutting-edge technology into a clear, actionable vision that can be communicated effectively to leadership, engineering, and external partners.
A key aspect of this role is leadership and guidance for a team of UX strategists, fostering their professional development and ensuring high-quality output.
This position requires a strong ability to champion UX initiatives, build alignment across diverse stakeholder groups, and contribute to the realization of next-generation automotive interfaces.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Senior Manager, UX Strategy & Communications," the responsibilities and qualifications clearly indicate a role deeply embedded within operations, specifically in product strategy and execution for user experience within the automotive technology domain. The emphasis on translating vision into priorities, managing stakeholders, and guiding a team aligns with operational leadership functions.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

Establish and champion a clear, multi-year UX vision for AD/ADAS products, aligning with Woven by Toyota's broader mobility goals.
Translate the overarching UX vision into phased feature priorities and detailed release timelines, ensuring feasibility and strategic alignment.
Develop and deliver concise, impactful presentations, demos, and strategic messages to align senior leadership, engineering teams, UX experts, and customers.
Lead, mentor, and grow a small, cross-functional group of UX Strategists, fostering a collaborative and high-performance team environment.
Act as a primary advocate for UX output and product strategies across the organization, building consensus and driving adoption among key internal and external stakeholders.
Collaborate with automotive UX experts to define the future of ADAS UX, ensuring human-centric design principles are integrated throughout the product lifecycle.
Connect user insights, safety regulations, and emerging technologies to inform strategic UX decisions and product roadmaps.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strategic planning and execution focus, common in operations management roles. The emphasis on translating vision into phased priorities and managing timelines signifies a direct operational responsibility for product development execution within the UX domain.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Bachelor’s degree in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Industrial Design, Cognitive Science, or a closely related field.

Experience:

A minimum of 12 years of experience in UX Strategy and/or Product Design.
At least 4 years of direct experience leading automotive or mobility Human-Machine Interface (HMI) design programs.
Proven experience working within an automotive Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) environment.
Demonstrated track record of presenting to and building alignment with C-Level executives and external OEM partners.
Experience with automobile-relevant laws and regulations, including high-level product realization requirements.

Required Skills:

UX Strategy & Vision: Ability to conceptualize and articulate a long-term UX vision for complex automotive systems like ADAS.
Product Design Leadership: Expertise in guiding product design processes from ideation through execution.
Automotive HMI Expertise: Deep understanding of automotive Human-Machine Interface design principles and best practices.
Cross-functional Communication: Exceptional ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences (leaders, engineers, designers, customers).
Stakeholder Management: Proven ability to build consensus and drive alignment among senior leadership and external partners.
Team Leadership & Mentorship: Experience in leading and developing a team of UX professionals.
Design Tool Proficiency: Familiarity with design tools such as Figma, Unity, or similar platforms for prototyping and visualization.
Japanese Language Proficiency: Native-level fluency in Japanese is essential for internal and external communication.
English Language Proficiency: Business-level proficiency in English is required for global collaboration and documentation.
Driver's License: Possession of a valid driver's license.

Preferred Skills:

Expert knowledge of multi-modal HMI in the automotive industry.
Demonstrated contribution to the HMI design of mass-production vehicles or advanced mobility platforms.

📝 Enhancement Note: The combination of extensive experience, leadership responsibilities, and specific industry knowledge (automotive HMI, regulations) positions this as a senior operational role. The language requirements are critical for seamless execution within a global automotive company.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

Case studies demonstrating the strategic development of UX vision for complex products, particularly in automotive or mobility.
Examples of how user insights, safety regulations, and technology were synthesized into actionable product roadmaps and feature prioritization.
Presentation materials (decks, demos) that successfully aligned executive leadership and cross-functional teams on product strategy.
Evidence of leading and mentoring design or strategy teams, showcasing their contributions and growth.
Demonstrations of experience with automotive HMI design, including specific challenges and solutions.

Process Documentation:

Showcase experience in defining and documenting UX strategy processes, from initial vision setting to phased release planning.
Provide examples of how complex information was translated into clear, executable plans for engineering and design teams.
Illustrate methods used for cross-functional alignment and obtaining buy-in for UX initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly stating a "portfolio requirement" in the traditional sense for operations roles (like process maps or dashboards), the emphasis on presenting vision, translating complexity, and aligning stakeholders implies that candidates must be able to demonstrate these capabilities through their past work. This is akin to showcasing operational strategy development and communication.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Based on industry benchmarks for Senior Manager roles in Tokyo, Japan, with 12+ years of experience in specialized UX Strategy and Automotive HMI, the estimated annual salary range would be ¥12,000,000 - ¥18,000,000 JPY. This range accounts for the critical native Japanese and business English language requirements, as well as the specific automotive OEM experience.

Benefits:

Competitive Salary: Compensation will be determined based on the candidate's experience and qualifications.
Flexible Working Time: Offers flexibility in daily work schedules to accommodate personal needs and optimize productivity.
Paid Holiday: 20 days per year (prorated), providing ample time for rest and personal pursuits.
Sick Leave: 6 days per year (prorated) for health-related absences.
Holidays: Observance of Saturdays, Sundays, Japanese National Holidays, and other company-defined holidays.
Japanese Social Insurance: Comprehensive coverage including Health Insurance, Pension, Workers’ Compensation, Unemployment Insurance, and Long-term Care Insurance.
Housing Allowance: Support provided for housing expenses.
Retirement Benefits: Programs designed to support long-term financial security.
Rental Cars Support: Assistance with rental car utilization, potentially for business or personal use.
In-house Training Program: Opportunities for continuous learning through software study and language study programs to enhance skills and career development.

Working Hours:

The role is structured around a standard 40-hour work week, with flexible working time arrangements available to support work-life balance and operational efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on typical compensation for senior management roles in technology and automotive sectors in Tokyo, considering the specialized skills and experience required. The comprehensive benefits package indicates a commitment to employee well-being and professional development, which is standard for established companies like Toyota.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Automotive Mobility Technology, Software Development, Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), Autonomous Driving (AD). Woven by Toyota is at the forefront of transforming the automotive industry into a mobility services provider, leveraging cutting-edge AI, cloud, and software platforms.

Company Size: Woven by Toyota is part of the broader Toyota ecosystem, indicating a significant global presence and resources. Specific team size for Advanced UX is not detailed but implied to be a focused, cross-functional group.

Founded: Woven Planet Holdings, Inc. (now Woven by Toyota) was established in January 2021, signifying a relatively new, but rapidly growing, entity focused on future mobility innovations.

Team Structure:

The Advanced UX Team is described as cross-functional and multi-cultural, comprising talented designers and researchers.
The Senior Manager will lead and guide a small group of UX Strategists, implying a flat or lean management structure within the team.
Collaboration is expected with various internal departments (engineering, product management, legal/regulatory) and external partners (OEMs).

Methodology:

Data-Validated Designs: Emphasis on using data to inform and validate design choices, indicating a scientific and evidence-based approach.
Human-Centric Innovation: Core to the company's mission, ensuring that user needs and societal benefits are central to all development.
Agile & Iterative Development: Implied through the need for phased feature priorities and release timelines, suggesting iterative product development cycles.
Strategic Alignment: A strong focus on connecting individual product strategies with the overarching company vision and goals.

Company Website: https://woven.toyota/en

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on future mobility and its connection to Toyota's legacy suggests a culture that blends innovation with established automotive principles. The emphasis on cross-functional collaboration and data-driven decision-making is crucial for operational success in such a complex field.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a Senior Management level within the UX Strategy and Product Operations domain. It signifies a leadership position responsible for strategic direction, team management, and cross-functional alignment for critical product development initiatives.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Manager will likely report to a Director or VP of UX, Product Management, or Engineering. They will directly manage a team of UX Strategists, providing guidance, performance feedback, and career development support.

Operations Impact: This role has a significant impact on the operational success of AD/ADAS product development by ensuring a cohesive, user-centric strategy that translates into executable product roadmaps. Effective UX strategy directly influences customer adoption, brand perception, and ultimately, the commercial success of Woven by Toyota's mobility solutions.

Growth Opportunities:

Leadership Expansion: Potential to grow into a Director-level role, overseeing larger UX teams or broader product portfolios within Woven by Toyota.
Strategic Influence: Opportunity to shape the future of automotive UX on a global scale, influencing industry standards and user interaction paradigms.
Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in automotive HMI, autonomous systems, and UX strategy through challenging projects and continuous learning.
Cross-Functional Mobility: Transition into related operational roles such as Product Management, Program Management, or broader GTM Strategy roles within the company.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career path for this role is highly strategic, offering opportunities to influence product direction and grow into broader leadership positions within the rapidly evolving mobility sector. Success in this role can lead to significant operational and strategic impact.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in Tokyo, Japan, and is an on-site position. This suggests a traditional office environment conducive to collaborative work, direct communication, and team building.

Office Location(s): Tokyo, Japan. Specific details about the office facilities or campus are not provided but can be assumed to be modern and equipped to support technology development.

Workspace Context:

Collaborative Environment: The emphasis on cross-functional teams and stakeholder alignment points to a highly collaborative workspace where open communication and idea sharing are encouraged.
Technology-Rich: As a cutting-edge mobility company, the workspace will likely be equipped with advanced design tools, prototyping software, and communication technologies.
Team Interaction: Opportunities for direct interaction with UX researchers, designers, engineers, and product managers to foster innovation and problem-solving.

Work Schedule:

The standard work week is 40 hours, with flexible working time arrangements available. This structure allows for operational efficiency while promoting work-life balance, crucial for sustained high performance in demanding roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in Tokyo emphasizes the importance of in-person collaboration and team cohesion for strategic product development in the automotive sector. Flexible hours are a key benefit for operational teams to manage complex project timelines.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

Initial Screening: Resume and application review to assess experience, qualifications, and language proficiency.
Hiring Manager/Team Interview: Discussion focused on UX strategy, leadership experience, and understanding of automotive HMI. Expect questions about past projects, decision-making processes, and team management.
Cross-functional/Stakeholder Interviews: Meetings with key stakeholders from engineering, product, and potentially leadership to assess communication skills, alignment capabilities, and strategic thinking.
Presentation/Case Study: Candidates may be asked to present a portfolio review or a case study demonstrating their approach to developing and communicating a UX vision for a complex product.
Final Interview: Typically with senior leadership to assess overall fit, strategic alignment, and long-term potential.

Portfolio Review Tips:

Showcase Strategic Thinking: Clearly articulate the problem, your strategic approach, the process followed, and the impact of your UX vision.
Demonstrate Leadership: Highlight instances where you led teams, mentored individuals, and influenced strategic direction.
Quantify Impact: Use metrics and data points to demonstrate the success of your UX strategies and their contribution to business objectives.
Highlight Communication Skills: Ensure your presentation is clear, concise, and engaging, effectively conveying complex ideas to a diverse audience.
Focus on Automotive Relevance: Prioritize projects that demonstrate experience with automotive HMI, ADAS, or similar complex, safety-critical systems.
Address Language Requirements: Be prepared to discuss how your native Japanese and business English skills facilitate effective collaboration and communication.

Challenge Preparation:

Develop a UX Vision Example: Be ready to articulate a hypothetical UX vision for a future ADAS feature or autonomous driving experience.
Prepare Case Studies: Have 2-3 detailed case studies ready that highlight your strategic planning, cross-functional alignment, and leadership in product design or UX strategy.
Research Woven by Toyota: Understand their mission, company structure, and the competitive landscape of mobility technology.
Review Automotive Regulations: Familiarize yourself with general principles of automotive safety regulations and their impact on HMI design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process emphasizes strategic thinking, leadership, and communication, reflecting the senior nature of the role. A strong portfolio that demonstrates these capabilities, particularly within the automotive context, will be critical for success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

Design & Prototyping: Figma, Unity (mentioned as familiar), Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite. Proficiency in these tools is expected for understanding and guiding the design process.
Collaboration & Project Management: Confluence, JIRA, Asana, Trello, Miro. Essential for managing cross-functional projects, documenting strategies, and facilitating team collaboration.

Analytics & Reporting:

User Research Tools: UserTesting.com, Lookback, Maze. For gathering and analyzing user feedback.
Data Analysis Platforms: Tableau, Power BI, Google Analytics (less common for UX strategy but useful for understanding user behavior).
Presentation Software: PowerPoint, Google Slides, Keynote for creating impactful stakeholder communications.

CRM & Automation:

While not directly operational in the CRM/automation sense, understanding how UX strategy interfaces with product roadmaps, customer feedback loops, and go-to-market strategies is key. Tools like Salesforce, HubSpot, or marketing automation platforms may be relevant for understanding the broader product lifecycle.
Familiarity with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) can be beneficial given the company's focus on cloud infrastructure for mobility.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the role is not a traditional "operations" role focused on CRM or sales ops tools, familiarity with design and collaboration tools is essential. The ability to understand and leverage data analytics and user research platforms is key to developing evidence-based UX strategies.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

Human-Centric: A core value driving the focus on user needs and societal benefit in all mobility solutions.
Innovation: Encouraging forward-thinking and challenging the status quo to create the future of mobility.
Data-Driven: Utilizing data and insights to inform decisions, validate designs, and measure impact.
Collaboration: Fostering teamwork across diverse functions and cultures to achieve common goals.
Excellence: Striving for high quality and impactful outcomes in all aspects of work, from strategy to execution.
Integrity: Upholding ethical standards and transparency in all operations and communications.

Collaboration Style:

Cross-functional Integration: Deep collaboration is expected between UX, engineering, product management, legal, and other business functions to ensure holistic product development.
Open Communication: Encouraging a culture where ideas can be shared freely, and feedback is constructively given and received.
Global Mindset: Working effectively with diverse, multi-cultural teams, respecting different perspectives and communication styles.
Strategic Partnership: Building strong relationships with internal leaders and external OEM partners to achieve shared objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's values emphasize a forward-thinking, user-focused, and collaborative approach, which is critical for success in a rapidly evolving industry like mobility. This culture supports the strategic and operational demands of defining future automotive experiences.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

Pace of Innovation: The automotive and mobility sector is evolving rapidly; staying ahead of technological advancements and user expectations will be a continuous challenge.
Complexity of ADAS/AD Systems: Designing intuitive and safe experiences for complex, safety-critical autonomous driving systems requires deep understanding and meticulous execution.
Balancing Vision and Execution: Translating a long-term vision into phased, deliverable product increments while managing stakeholder expectations.
Cross-Cultural and Cross-Functional Alignment: Ensuring seamless communication and collaboration across diverse teams with varying priorities and technical backgrounds.
Regulatory Landscape: Navigating evolving safety regulations and legal frameworks that impact HMI design and autonomous system deployment.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Industry Conferences: Participation in leading UX, automotive HMI, and mobility technology conferences to stay abreast of trends and network.
Internal Training: Access to Woven by Toyota's in-house training programs for software and language development.
Mentorship: Opportunities to learn from experienced leaders within Woven by Toyota and the broader Toyota network.
Exposure to Cutting-Edge Technology: Working directly with advanced AD/ADAS technologies and software-defined vehicles.
Strategic Project Leadership: Leading high-impact projects that define the future of automotive user experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant challenges due to the cutting-edge nature of the work and the complexity of automotive systems. However, these challenges also translate into substantial growth opportunities for professionals looking to make a significant impact in the mobility sector.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

"Describe your process for developing a multi-year UX vision for a complex product like ADAS. What key inputs do you consider, and how do you translate that into actionable product priorities?"
"How do you ensure alignment between UX strategy, engineering capabilities, and business objectives? Provide an example of a time you had to build consensus across diverse stakeholder groups."
"Walk us through a challenging product design program you led. What were the key obstacles, how did you overcome them, and what was the ultimate impact of your UX strategy?"
"How do you approach leading and mentoring a team of UX strategists to deliver high-quality work and foster their professional growth?"

Company & Culture Questions:

"What excites you about Woven by Toyota's mission, and how do you see your role contributing to it?"
"How do you adapt your communication style when presenting to C-level executives versus engineering teams?"
"Describe your experience working in a global, multi-cultural team environment."

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

Structure: Begin with an overview of your role and the scope of the project, followed by the problem statement, your strategic approach, key decisions made, the process executed, challenges encountered, and finally, the outcomes and impact.
Narrative: Tell a compelling story that highlights your strategic thinking, problem-solving skills, and leadership. Focus on why you made certain decisions.
Visuals: Use clear, professional visuals (mockups, diagrams, charts) to illustrate your points. Ensure any sensitive company information is appropriately anonymized or generalized.
Conciseness: Be mindful of time constraints. Practice your presentation to ensure it is engaging and informative without being overly lengthy.
Interaction: Be prepared for questions throughout or after your presentation. Engage with the interviewers and show your passion for UX strategy.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating strategic leadership, strong communication skills, and a deep understanding of automotive UX. Be ready to articulate your process and impact using concrete examples from your career.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations-focused UX Strategy role:

Submit your application through the provided link on jobs.lever.co.
Portfolio Preparation: Curate a portfolio that prominently features case studies illustrating your strategic development of UX visions, translation of complex requirements into actionable roadmaps, and successful stakeholder alignment in automotive or mobility contexts.
Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight your 12+ years of UX Strategy/Product Design experience, specifically mentioning 4+ years in automotive HMI programs, your leadership experience, and your native Japanese and business English proficiency. Quantify achievements wherever possible.
Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your strategic thinking, leadership approach, and problem-solving methodologies. Prepare to discuss your experience with design tools and automotive regulations, and be ready for a potential portfolio presentation.
Company Research: Thoroughly research Woven by Toyota's mission, vision, and current projects. Understand their commitment to human-centric innovation and their role in the future of mobility to demonstrate alignment with their culture and goals.

⚠️ 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.

Senior Manager, UX Strategy & Communications