Lead Expert Business Development & Product Strategy (m/f/d)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Lead Expert Business Development & Product Strategy (m/f/d)

Company: LEONI

Location: Dubnica nad Váhom, Region of Trenčín, Slovakia

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Business Development & Product Strategy (GTM Operations Focus)

Date Posted: 2026-08-25

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (5-10 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the development and execution of strategic growth initiatives for LEONI's advanced product portfolios, particularly focusing on areas beyond traditional low-voltage wiring harnesses.

• Drive innovation and market penetration by identifying and capitalizing on emerging business opportunities within the automotive sector, especially in electric mobility and connectivity solutions.

• Orchestrate comprehensive product and system portfolio development, integrating new supplier structures and leveraging cross-functional expertise to ensure competitive market offerings.

• Champion a data-driven approach to market analysis, technology trends, and competitive intelligence to inform strategic decision-making and product roadmap development.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role bridges business development, product strategy, and GTM operations by focusing on market expansion, portfolio enhancement, and strategic execution within the automotive industry. The emphasis on high-voltage systems, electric mobility, and connectivity positions it at the forefront of automotive innovation, requiring a strong understanding of operationalizing product strategies.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive growth strategies for key product areas, including high-voltage wiring harnesses, electric mobility system solutions, and data cable systems.

• Identify and pursue new business opportunities with Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), Tier 1 suppliers, and within the commercial vehicle sector.

• Conduct thorough market, technology, and competitive analyses, with a specific focus on high-voltage architectures, E/E systems, and vehicle connectivity trends.

• Define and manage product roadmaps, establish competitive pricing strategies, and develop robust business cases for new technologies in collaboration with Engineering, Sales, and Purchasing.

• Build and maintain a strategic opportunity pipeline, actively supporting customer projects from initial concept through to handover to the project management and implementation teams.

• Oversee project management activities to ensure the seamless transition from strategic planning to successful product implementation and market launch.

• Foster close collaboration and effective coordination with Sales, Engineering, Purchasing, manufacturing plants, and international teams to drive aligned execution of growth strategies.

• Lead cross-functional teams to ensure the successful development and implementation of new product offerings, from ideation to commercialization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strategic GTM operational focus, requiring the candidate to not only strategize but also manage the execution pipeline and cross-functional alignment necessary for successful product launches and business growth.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• A successfully completed degree in Engineering (e.g., Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering) or Business Administration, or a comparable qualification demonstrating analytical and strategic capabilities. Experience:

• Several years of progressive experience in business development, sales, product management, or production management within the automotive industry.

• Proven track record of successful project management within cross-functional teams, demonstrating the ability to lead complex initiatives from conception to completion. Required Skills:

• Business Development: Demonstrated ability to identify, evaluate, and pursue new market opportunities and strategic partnerships.

• Product Strategy: Expertise in developing and executing product roadmaps, defining product positioning, and managing product lifecycles.

• Automotive Industry Expertise: Deep understanding of automotive market dynamics, trends (especially in electric mobility), and key stakeholders (OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers).

• Project Management: Proficiency in managing complex, cross-functional projects, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to scope and budget.

• High-Voltage Systems Knowledge: In-depth understanding of high-voltage wiring harnesses, connection systems, or related electrical systems critical for electric vehicles.

• Market & Competitive Analysis: Strong analytical skills to assess market trends, competitive landscapes, and technological advancements.

• Strategic Planning: Ability to develop long-term strategies, define business cases, and set clear pricing strategies.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with data cable systems and vehicle connectivity solutions.

• Familiarity with charging infrastructure technologies and market dynamics.

• Knowledge of new supplier structures and supply chain management within the automotive context.

• Experience working with Luxshare Group or similar global technology conglomerates.

• Proficiency in developing business cases for new technologies and innovative solutions.

• Strong understanding of E/E (Electrical/Electronic) systems in modern vehicles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a blend of strategic thinking, technical understanding of automotive electrical systems, and robust project management skills, essential for operationalizing product strategies in a complex GTM environment.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate experience in developing and managing product portfolios that align with market trends and company strategic objectives, particularly in emerging automotive technologies.

• Showcase a portfolio that includes successful business development initiatives, highlighting market entry strategies, partnership development, and revenue growth contributions.

• Provide evidence of product strategy development, including product roadmaps, market segmentation, and competitive positioning for new or existing product lines.

• Present case studies of projects where you have defined and implemented pricing strategies, developed business cases, and managed the process from concept to market launch. Process Documentation:

• Documented experience in managing the end-to-end product lifecycle, from initial market opportunity identification through to successful implementation and handover to operational teams.

• Examples of workflow design and optimization for business development and product strategy processes, emphasizing efficiency and cross-functional collaboration.

• Evidence of implementing processes for market analysis, technology assessment, and competitive intelligence gathering to support strategic decision-making.

• Demonstrated ability to document and communicate product roadmaps, business cases, and strategic plans to diverse stakeholders across engineering, sales, and manufacturing.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates are expected to have a portfolio that clearly articulates their strategic thinking, execution capabilities, and ability to manage complex product development and business expansion processes, reflecting a strong GTM operational mindset.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• The advertised basic gross guaranteed salary is 2250 EUR/Brutto per month.

• 📝 Enhancement Note: Based on the role's seniority (Lead Expert, 5-10 years experience), strategic responsibilities, and location in Slovakia, this base salary appears to be at the entry-level for such a position. Industry benchmarks for similar roles in the automotive sector in Central Europe often range from 2,800 EUR to 4,500+ EUR gross per month, depending on specific experience, qualifications, and company performance. The final salary will be determined individually based on the candidate's relevant experience, skills, qualifications, and the requirements of the position, with potential for significant increases through bonuses and performance-related pay.

Benefits:

• Financial:

  • 13th salary upon achieving agreed targets.
  • 4% contribution to the Supplementary Pension Scheme (3rd pillar).
  • Financial bonuses for commuting, improvement suggestions, employee referrals, etc.
  • Rewards for various milestones (wedding, childbirth, years of service, blood donation).
  • Regular salary increases.

• Working Conditions & Flexibility:

  • 37.5-hour work week.
  • 4 extra days off (sick days).
  • Flexible working hours.
  • Subsidized meals in a company restaurant/canteen.
  • Home office options according to internal policies.

• Educational & Health Support:

  • Language learning opportunities.
  • Access to SEDUO – an e-learning education platform.
  • Participation in conferences and workshops.
  • Health days and vitamin packages.
  • Personal development in various areas with career growth opportunities.

• Additional Benefits:

  • Discount benefits (Cafeteria Edenred program, LEONI IT bazaar).

  • Material gifts (welcome package, LEONI branded items).

  • Company events and team activities. Working Hours:

• 37.5-hour work week with flexible working hours, accommodating operational needs and individual work styles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The comprehensive benefits package aims to support employee well-being, professional development, and work-life balance, which are crucial for retaining talent in demanding GTM and product strategy roles.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Automotive Components & Solutions (Energy and Data Management)

Company Size: Large Enterprise (approx. 95,000 employees globally)

Founded: LEONI was founded in 1917. As of 2025, LEONI is part of the Luxshare Group.

Team Structure:

• The role operates within a global organization, implying a matrixed structure with potential for collaboration across various functional departments and international teams.

• Expect to work closely with Sales, Engineering, Purchasing, manufacturing plants, and potentially R&D teams.

• Reporting structure will likely involve a senior leader in Business Development or Product Management, with direct interaction with executive management for strategic initiatives. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Emphasis on market analysis, technology trends, and competitive intelligence to inform strategic planning and business cases.

• Integrated Product & Process Solutions: A focus on developing holistic offerings that combine product innovation with efficient processes and supply chain strategies.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: A core operational methodology involving close teamwork across diverse departments to achieve strategic goals and ensure successful product implementation.

• Continuous Improvement: Encouragement of improvement suggestions and a focus on optimizing processes and offerings for competitive advantage.

Company Website: www.leoni.sk

📝 Enhancement Note: LEONI's integration into the Luxshare Group suggests a dynamic environment focused on innovation, global reach, and driving the future of mobility. The company culture likely values strategic thinking, operational excellence, and collaborative problem-solving.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a "Lead Expert" role, signifying a senior individual contributor or early-stage leadership position. It requires deep expertise and the ability to guide strategic initiatives and influence cross-functional teams, contributing significantly to the Go-To-Market (GTM) operational success of new product lines.

Reporting Structure: The role likely reports to a Director or Head of Business Development or Product Management, with significant exposure to senior leadership due to the strategic nature of the responsibilities. Collaboration will be extensive across various departments, including Sales, Engineering, Purchasing, and Manufacturing.

Operations Impact: This position has a direct impact on LEONI's future revenue streams and market positioning by identifying and developing new product areas and business opportunities, particularly in high-growth segments like electric mobility. Success in this role will drive market share, profitability, and innovation within the automotive sector.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization & Leadership: Opportunity to become a recognized expert in high-voltage systems, electric mobility, or data connectivity solutions, potentially leading to specialized leadership roles or strategic advisor positions.

• Global Exposure: Extensive experience working with international teams and markets, fostering global business acumen and cross-cultural leadership skills.

• Strategic Influence: Direct involvement in shaping the future product portfolio and business strategy of LEONI, providing significant career advancement opportunities within the company or the broader automotive industry.

• Advanced Skill Development: Continuous learning through industry conferences, workshops, and e-learning platforms, enhancing skills in strategic planning, product management, and business development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Lead Expert" title suggests a pivotal role for career development, offering a blend of strategic contribution and potential for future leadership within a global, forward-looking organization.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid Work Model

Office Location(s): Dubnica nad Váhom, Slovakia. The role involves close collaboration with international teams, suggesting potential for travel and remote interaction.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model and emphasis on cross-functional collaboration mean the workspace will be designed to facilitate team interactions, brainstorming sessions, and project meetings, both in-person and virtually.

• Technology & Tools: Access to standard office technologies, communication platforms, and potentially specialized software for market analysis, project management, and product development will be available to support operations.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular engagement with colleagues from various departments, fostering a dynamic and knowledge-sharing environment essential for effective GTM strategy execution.

Work Schedule:

• A 37.5-hour work week with flexible working hours provides a degree of autonomy, allowing professionals to balance operational demands with personal needs, crucial for sustained productivity in strategic roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work environment is designed to offer flexibility while ensuring necessary collaboration for strategic GTM initiatives, supported by modern office amenities and technology.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of application and resume to assess alignment with core requirements, focusing on automotive experience, business development, and product strategy skills.

• Technical & Behavioral Interview: Discussion of past experiences, problem-solving approaches, and strategic thinking capabilities. Expect questions related to market analysis, product roadmapping, and cross-functional project management.

• Case Study/Presentation: A potential assignment or presentation focusing on a strategic challenge, new market opportunity, or product strategy proposal relevant to LEONI's business. This assesses strategic thinking, analytical skills, and communication effectiveness.

• Cross-Functional Panel Interview: Meeting with key stakeholders from Sales, Engineering, and Purchasing to evaluate collaboration style, communication, and cultural fit within the broader GTM operational framework.

• Final Interview: Discussion with senior leadership to confirm strategic alignment, leadership potential, and overall fit for the Lead Expert role.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Quantify Achievements: For each project or initiative in your portfolio, clearly articulate the impact using metrics such as revenue growth, market share increase, cost savings, or efficiency improvements achieved through your strategic or operational contributions.

• Showcase Strategic Process: Detail your methodology for market analysis, opportunity identification, business case development, and product roadmap creation. Use flowcharts or diagrams if helpful.

• Highlight Cross-Functional Collaboration: Include examples where you successfully partnered with diverse teams (Sales, Engineering, Purchasing) to bring a product or strategy to market, emphasizing your role in driving alignment and overcoming challenges.

• Tailor to LEONI: Research LEONI's current product lines, strategic focus areas (e.g., electric mobility), and recent news. Frame your portfolio examples to demonstrate how your skills and experience directly address their needs and future goals.

• Focus on GTM Operationalization: Emphasize how your strategies were translated into actionable plans and executed effectively, demonstrating your ability to bridge the gap between strategy and operational reality.

Challenge Preparation:

• Market Entry Strategy: Be prepared to outline a strategy for entering a new market segment or launching a new product category within the automotive sector, considering competitive analysis, target customer identification, and go-to-market execution.

• Product Roadmap Prioritization: Understand how to prioritize product development initiatives based on market demand, technological feasibility, and business objectives. Be ready to defend your prioritization logic.

• Stakeholder Alignment: Prepare to discuss how you would gain buy-in and manage expectations from various stakeholders (e.g., Sales, R&D, Manufacturing) for a new strategic initiative.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview and portfolio review process will heavily scrutinize strategic thinking, operational execution capabilities, and the ability to drive business growth within the complex automotive GTM landscape.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CRM Systems: Proficiency with CRM platforms (e.g., Salesforce, SAP CRM) for managing customer relationships, tracking opportunities, and analyzing sales pipeline data.

• Project Management Software: Experience with tools like Jira, Asana, Trello, or Microsoft Project for planning, executing, and monitoring cross-functional projects.

• Business Intelligence & Analytics Platforms: Familiarity with tools like Tableau, Power BI, or QlikView for data analysis, reporting, and dashboard creation to track KPIs and market performance.

• Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) Software: Experience with PLM systems (e.g., Siemens Teamcenter, PTC Windchill) may be beneficial for managing product data and development processes.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Market Research Tools: Ability to utilize various market research databases and tools to gather competitive intelligence and market trend data.

• Financial Modeling Software: Proficiency in Excel or specialized software for developing financial models, business cases, and pricing strategies.

• Data Visualization Tools: Skill in creating clear and compelling visualizations to communicate complex data and strategic insights to stakeholders.

CRM & Automation:

• Sales Enablement Platforms: Familiarity with platforms that support sales teams with content, training, and tools to improve effectiveness.

• Collaboration Tools: Expertise in using platforms like Microsoft Teams, Slack, or Zoom for seamless communication and collaboration across geographically dispersed teams.

• ERP Systems: Understanding of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems (e.g., SAP) for broader business process integration, especially concerning product costing, procurement, and manufacturing.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency with a range of GTM operational tools, from CRM and project management to analytics and BI platforms, is essential for effectively managing product strategy and business development initiatives.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation & Future Focus: A strong drive to explore new technologies and market opportunities, particularly in areas shaping the future of mobility like electric vehicles and connectivity.

• Customer Centricity: A commitment to understanding and meeting the needs of OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers, and commercial vehicle clients through tailored solutions and strategic partnerships.

• Excellence & Efficiency: A dedication to high-quality product development, robust process implementation, and continuous improvement to ensure competitive offerings and operational effectiveness.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Valuing diverse perspectives and fostering strong working relationships across global teams to achieve shared strategic objectives.

• Integrity & Accountability: Upholding ethical business practices and taking ownership of responsibilities to deliver on strategic goals and commitments.

Collaboration Style:

• Proactive & Cross-Functional: Actively engaging with different departments to ensure alignment and drive initiatives forward, breaking down silos to foster a cohesive GTM approach.

• Open Communication: Encouraging transparent dialogue, constructive feedback, and the sharing of insights across teams to optimize strategies and problem-solve effectively.

• Data-Informed: Utilizing data and analytical insights as a foundation for discussions, decision-making, and strategy refinement.

• Solution-Oriented: Focusing on identifying challenges and collaboratively developing practical, effective solutions to achieve business objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture emphasizes forward-thinking, collaboration, and operational excellence, aligning with the demands of a strategic GTM role in the evolving automotive industry.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Rapid Technological Evolution: Navigating the fast-paced changes in electric mobility, autonomous driving, and vehicle connectivity requires continuous learning and strategic adaptation to remain competitive.

• Complex Global Supply Chains: Managing relationships with diverse suppliers, including new structures like those with Luxshare, and ensuring competitive costings and delivery timelines presents operational complexity.

• Cross-Functional Alignment: Effectively coordinating strategies and execution across multiple departments (Sales, Engineering, Purchasing, Manufacturing) with potentially competing priorities requires strong interpersonal and project management skills.

• Market Volatility: The automotive industry can be subject to economic fluctuations and shifting consumer demands, requiring agile strategic planning and adaptability.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Training: Access to e-learning platforms, workshops, and conferences focused on electric mobility, advanced automotive technologies, and strategic business development.

• Mentorship: Opportunities to learn from experienced leaders within LEONI and the broader Luxshare Group, gaining insights into global business strategy and operations.

• Leadership Development: Potential to grow into leadership roles, managing teams and larger strategic initiatives, with structured development programs.

• Industry Exposure: Gaining deep insights into the automotive value chain, from component manufacturing to OEM integration, and understanding the strategic levers for success.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant opportunities to tackle complex challenges in a high-growth sector, with ample support for professional development and career advancement.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you developed and implemented a successful growth strategy for a new product or market segment. What was your process, and what were the key outcomes?" (Focus on strategic planning, market analysis, and execution)

• "How would you identify and evaluate potential new business opportunities for LEONI in the electric mobility space, considering market trends and competitive landscape?" (Demonstrate analytical skills and strategic foresight)

• "Walk us through your process for developing a product roadmap for a complex technological product. How do you prioritize features and balance stakeholder needs?" (Showcase product strategy and prioritization methodology)

• "Imagine LEONI wants to insource a new data cable system component. What are the key steps you would take from a business development and product strategy perspective?" (Assess operationalization of strategy) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you specifically about LEONI and its role in the future of mobility, particularly given its integration with Luxshare Group?" (Show company research and strategic alignment)

• "How do you foster collaboration between typically siloed departments like Sales, Engineering, and Manufacturing to achieve a common strategic goal?" (Highlight cross-functional leadership and communication skills)

• "Describe a situation where you had to influence stakeholders without direct authority to gain buy-in for a strategic initiative." (Assess influencing and negotiation abilities) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure for Impact: Organize your portfolio around key themes or impactful projects. For each project, clearly define the challenge, your strategic approach, the operational steps taken, and the quantifiable results.

• Quantify Everything: Use specific numbers and metrics (e.g., "Increased market share by X%", "Generated Y EUR in new revenue," "Reduced time-to-market by Z weeks").

• Focus on GTM Operationalization: Explain not just what you strategized, but how you made it happen. Detail the cross-functional coordination, process improvements, and execution steps involved.

• Visual Aids: Use clear, concise slides or visual aids to present complex data, roadmaps, or process flows. Ensure they are easy to understand and support your narrative.

• Storytelling: Frame your experiences as compelling stories that demonstrate your problem-solving skills, strategic thinking, and ability to drive tangible business outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on showcasing strategic acumen, operational execution capabilities, and the ability to drive growth within the automotive GTM context, supported by concrete examples and quantifiable results.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Lead Expert Business Development & Product Strategy position:

• Submit your application through the LEONI careers portal via the provided link.

• Tailor your Resume: Customize your resume to highlight specific experience in business development, product strategy, automotive industry, high-voltage systems, and project management. Use keywords from the job description naturally.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a selection of your most impactful projects that demonstrate your strategic thinking, execution capabilities, and quantifiable results in business development and product strategy. Focus on case studies that showcase your ability to operationalize strategies.

• Conduct In-depth Company Research: Familiarize yourself with LEONI's product portfolio, strategic initiatives (especially in electric mobility), recent news, and its integration with Luxshare Group. Understand their market position and future direction.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare to articulate your experience using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for behavioral questions, and be ready to discuss strategic scenarios and your approach to market analysis, product roadmapping, and cross-functional collaboration.

⚠️ 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.