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, Slovakia

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Business Development & Product Strategy (within Automotive Operations)

Date Posted: 2026-09-22

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive the strategic development and implementation of growth initiatives for key product segments, including high-voltage wiring harnesses and data cable systems, within the automotive sector.

• Lead product and system portfolio evolution by integrating product and process solutions, potentially leveraging new supplier structures to ensure competitive market offerings.

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

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

• Define product roadmaps, pricing strategies, and business cases for innovative technologies, fostering collaboration across sales, engineering, purchasing, and manufacturing.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a "Lead Expert," suggesting a significant level of autonomy and strategic input. The emphasis on "outside of low-voltage wiring harnesses" and specific product areas like "high-voltage wiring harnesses and system solutions in the field of electric mobility" indicates a focus on future-oriented automotive technologies, requiring a deep understanding of the evolving GTM and product lifecycle within this specialized segment. The collaboration with Luxshare Group implies an international scope and potential integration of global supply chain strategies.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Spearhead the development and execution of comprehensive growth strategies for designated product areas, including high-voltage wiring harnesses and data cable systems.

• Manage and enhance the product and system portfolio through an integrated approach to product and process solutions, ensuring market competitiveness and alignment with group strategies (e.g., Luxshare).

• Proactively identify and pursue new business opportunities within the OEM, Tier 1 supplier, and commercial vehicle markets.

• Perform detailed analysis of market trends, technological advancements, and competitive landscapes, with a specific focus on high-voltage architectures, E/E systems, and vehicle connectivity.

• Develop and articulate product roadmaps, define strategic pricing models, and construct robust business cases for new technologies, collaborating closely with cross-functional departments.

• Build and maintain a strategic pipeline of opportunities, actively supporting customer projects from initial engagement through to successful handover to the project management organization.

• Oversee project management responsibilities to ensure the seamless transition from strategic concept to successful implementation.

• Foster strong collaborative relationships and ensure effective coordination with Sales, Engineering, Purchasing, manufacturing plants, and international teams to drive strategic objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly indicate a blend of strategic business development and product management, with a strong operational component in project management and cross-functional coordination. The emphasis on "new supplier structures" and "insourcing and external business development" suggests a strategic procurement and partnership angle within the role.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• A successfully completed degree in Engineering or Business Administration, or a comparable qualification demonstrating analytical and strategic capabilities. Experience:

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

• Demonstrated project management experience leading cross-functional teams to achieve strategic objectives. Required Skills:

• Business Development & Strategy: Proven ability to develop and implement growth strategies, identify market opportunities, and build strategic pipelines.

• Product Management: Expertise in defining product roadmaps, pricing strategies, and business cases for new technologies.

• Automotive Industry Knowledge: In-depth understanding of market trends, competitive landscapes, and customer requirements within the automotive sector, particularly in electric mobility.

• Project Management: Strong experience in managing complex, cross-functional projects from inception to completion.

• Technical Acumen: In-depth knowledge in at least one of the following areas: high-voltage wiring harnesses, high-voltage connection systems, charging infrastructure, data cable assemblies, or similar.

• Market & Technology Analysis: Ability to analyze market, technology, and competitive developments, especially concerning high-voltage architectures, E/E systems, and vehicle connectivity.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to effectively collaborate with Sales, Engineering, Purchasing, and manufacturing teams.

• Customer Focus & Communication: Strong customer orientation and the ability to present oneself confidently and effectively in an international environment.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with new supplier structures and insourcing/external business development.

• Familiarity with Luxshare Group's operational framework or similar global technology partnerships.

• Knowledge of E/E systems and vehicle connectivity solutions beyond high-voltage systems.

• Experience in commercial vehicle sector business development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for "several years of experience" combined with "Lead Expert" title points towards a mid-to-senior level role. The specific technical knowledge areas are crucial for evaluating candidates' suitability for the advanced product segments. The emphasis on "present oneself confidently in an international environment" highlights the need for strong presentation and cross-cultural communication skills, essential for GTM roles.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Strategic Growth Initiatives: Documented examples of successfully developed and implemented growth strategies for new product lines or market segments, ideally within the automotive sector.

• Product Portfolio Development: Case studies showcasing contributions to product portfolio expansion, including market analysis, roadmap definition, and business case development.

• New Business Opportunity Identification: Evidence of identifying and capturing new business opportunities with OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers, or in related industries, demonstrating a proactive approach to market penetration.

• Cross-functional Project Execution: Portfolio pieces that illustrate successful project management of cross-functional teams, highlighting the ability to coordinate diverse departments (Sales, Engineering, Purchasing, Manufacturing) towards a common goal.

Process Documentation:

• Market & Competitive Analysis Frameworks: Examples of methodologies used for analyzing market trends, technological advancements, and competitive landscapes, demonstrating a structured approach to strategic insights.

• Product Roadmap & Business Case Templates: Showcasing the ability to create clear, actionable product roadmaps and compelling business cases that support strategic investment decisions.

• Customer Project Lifecycle Management: Documentation or case studies detailing experience in managing customer projects from initial engagement through to successful handover, emphasizing process efficiency and stakeholder management.

• Collaboration & Coordination Protocols: Examples of established protocols or demonstrated ability to foster effective collaboration and coordination across international teams and diverse functional groups.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a "Lead Expert" role, a portfolio demonstrating strategic thinking, market analysis capabilities, and successful execution of complex projects is crucial. The emphasis on cross-functional collaboration and international experience suggests that portfolio items should highlight these aspects. The ability to document processes and demonstrate ROI through case studies will be key.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Estimated Monthly Gross Salary: 2,500 EUR to 4,000 EUR (based on the provided minimum of 2,500 EUR Brutto and typical senior expert roles in Slovakia within the automotive industry).

• Estimated Annual Gross Salary: 30,000 EUR to 48,000 EUR.

Explanation of Estimate:

The provided basic guaranteed salary is 2,500 EUR gross per month. Given the "Lead Expert" title, the "5-10 Years" experience level, and the strategic nature of the role within a global automotive supplier, a salary range significantly above the minimum is expected. This estimate accounts for the complexity of business development, product strategy, and cross-functional leadership required. Regional salary benchmarks for similar roles in Slovakia, particularly in the Trenčín Region's industrial sector, were considered. The final salary is explicitly stated to be determined individually based on the candidate's relevant experience, skills, qualifications, and position requirements.

Benefits:

• Financial:

  • 13th salary upon achieving agreed targets.
  • 4% contribution to the Supplementary Pension Scheme (3rd pillar).
  • Financial bonuses (commuting, improvement suggestions, employee referrals).
  • 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 according to internal policies (Hybrid work model).

• Educational & Health Support:

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

• Additional Perks:

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

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

  • Company events and team activities. Working Hours:

• Standard 37.5-hour work week, with flexible working hours and hybrid work arrangements offering adaptability.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on the explicit mention of 2,500 EUR Brutto as the basic guaranteed salary and industry standards for a "Lead Expert" in Slovakia. The comprehensive benefits package is a significant draw, particularly the performance-based bonuses, pension contributions, and extensive educational/development opportunities, which are attractive for career-oriented operations professionals.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Automotive Supplier (Global) - Specializing in energy and data management solutions. LEONI is a key player in the evolving mobility landscape, focusing on areas like electric mobility, autonomous driving, and smart charging.

Company Size: Large Enterprise (approx. 95,000 employees globally, with consolidated sales of EUR 3.9 billion in 2025). Being part of the Luxshare Group adds to its global scale and technological reach.

Founded: LEONI has a long history, though the specific founding date for the Slovak entity isn't provided. Its long-standing presence in the industry signifies stability and deep expertise.

Team Structure:

• Operations Focus: This role operates within the business development and product strategy function, which is inherently cross-functional. It will likely collaborate with dedicated Sales, Engineering (R&D, Product Development), Purchasing, and Manufacturing teams.

• Reporting: As a "Lead Expert," this role likely reports to a senior manager or director within Business Development, Product Management, or a related strategic function. The reporting structure will emphasize strategic alignment and execution oversight.

• Collaboration: The role demands close collaboration with global teams, including those at LEONI's international plants and potentially within the Luxshare Group. This implies a matrixed environment where influence and effective communication are paramount.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Strategy: The role requires analysis of market, technology, and competitive developments to inform strategy. This suggests a data-driven approach to decision-making.

• Integrated Product & Process: Emphasis is placed on an integrated approach to product and process solutions, indicating a focus on optimizing the entire value chain from concept to delivery.

• Agile & Adaptive: The dynamic nature of the automotive industry, especially in electric mobility, requires an adaptive and agile approach to strategy and product development.

Company Website: www.leoni.sk

📝 Enhancement Note: LEONI's position as a global automotive supplier means the company culture likely balances established corporate processes with the innovation required for future mobility solutions. The integration with Luxshare Group suggests a global outlook and potential for diverse international collaborations. The "Lead Expert" title implies a culture that values deep technical and strategic expertise.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a senior individual contributor or a potential leadership track position within the Business Development and Product Strategy domain. It requires significant expertise in strategic planning, market analysis, and product lifecycle management within the automotive sector. The "Lead Expert" designation suggests a role that guides others through expertise rather than direct line management, though it could be a precursor to a management role.

Reporting Structure: The role likely reports to a Director or VP of Business Development, Product Management, or a similar strategic function. This position will interact extensively with senior leadership across Sales, Engineering, Purchasing, and Manufacturing, influencing strategic direction and operational execution.

Operations Impact: The primary impact of this role is on revenue generation and market positioning for LEONI's advanced product lines. By identifying and developing new business opportunities, defining competitive product strategies, and ensuring efficient product development and implementation, this role directly contributes to the company's growth, profitability, and long-term competitiveness in the rapidly evolving automotive market, particularly in areas like electric mobility.

Growth Opportunities:

• Strategic Leadership: Potential to advance into senior management roles such as Head of Business Development, Director of Product Strategy, or similar leadership positions within LEONI or the Luxshare Group.

• Specialization Deepening: Opportunity to become a recognized subject matter expert in high-voltage systems, electric mobility solutions, or vehicle connectivity, leading specialized teams or initiatives.

• Global Mobility: Potential for international assignments or increased responsibility across LEONI's global operations, leveraging experience gained in diverse markets.

• Cross-functional Expertise: Development of broader business acumen by working across multiple departments and understanding the intricacies of product development, supply chain, and market entry.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Lead Expert" title implies a career path focused on deep specialization and strategic influence. Growth opportunities are likely geared towards increasing strategic scope, leadership responsibility within specialized domains, and potential international exposure, rather than traditional people management unless explicitly stated.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work model, indicating a blend of on-site collaboration and remote work flexibility. This suggests a modern office environment designed to support both focused individual work and collaborative team sessions.

Office Location(s): The primary location is Dubnica nad Váhom, Slovakia. This region is known for its industrial base, suggesting access to manufacturing facilities and a skilled workforce.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The office is likely equipped with meeting rooms, collaboration spaces, and technology to facilitate seamless communication and teamwork, essential for cross-functional roles.

• Tools & Technology: Access to necessary business intelligence tools, CRM systems, project management software, and communication platforms will be standard to support strategic analysis and coordination.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular interaction with colleagues from various departments (Sales, Engineering, Purchasing, Manufacturing) will be integral to the hybrid work model, fostering knowledge sharing and problem-solving.

Work Schedule:

• A standard 37.5-hour work week with flexible working hours is offered. This provides a good work-life balance and allows professionals to manage their schedules effectively, aligning with the demands of strategic planning and project management that may require non-standard hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model is a key feature, suggesting an environment that trusts employees to manage their time effectively. The location in an industrial region of Slovakia implies a practical, results-oriented work culture.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of CV and cover letter to assess alignment with core qualifications, experience, and technical knowledge.

• Hiring Manager Interview: Discussion with the hiring manager (Patrik Lukáč) to delve deeper into experience, strategic thinking, and fit for the "Lead Expert" role. Expect questions about past business development successes, product strategy development, and project management methodologies.

• Cross-functional Panel Interview: An interview with representatives from key collaborating departments (e.g., Sales, Engineering, Purchasing) to assess collaboration skills, understanding of different functional perspectives, and ability to influence stakeholders.

• Case Study/Presentation: Candidates may be asked to prepare and present a case study demonstrating their approach to a strategic challenge, market analysis, or product roadmap development relevant to LEONI's business.

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership to discuss strategic vision, cultural fit, and final assessment of leadership potential.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Strategic Impact: Highlight achievements that demonstrate significant impact on revenue growth, market share, or product portfolio expansion. Quantify results wherever possible (e.g., "Increased sales by X%," "Launched Y new products generating Z revenue").

• Process Optimization: Showcase examples of how you developed or improved processes for business development, product strategy, or cross-functional project execution, demonstrating efficiency gains or improved outcomes.

• System Implementation: If applicable, include examples of how you've worked with or influenced the implementation of systems (CRM, PLM, ERP) to support business development or product strategy initiatives.

• ROI Demonstration: Clearly articulate the return on investment (ROI) for initiatives you've led or significantly contributed to. This is critical for roles focused on growth and strategy.

• Tailoring: Customize your portfolio to align with LEONI's focus areas, such as high-voltage systems, electric mobility, and data cable solutions.

Challenge Preparation:

• Strategic Problem-Solving: Be prepared to discuss how you would approach identifying new business opportunities in the EV market, developing a product roadmap for next-generation charging solutions, or addressing competitive threats in the data cable segment.

• Cross-functional Dynamics: Think about how you would navigate challenges in collaborating with different departments, managing competing priorities, and ensuring alignment on strategic goals.

• Market Analysis: Practice articulating your process for analyzing market trends, identifying key drivers, and forecasting future demand for automotive components.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is expected to be rigorous, focusing on strategic thinking, analytical skills, and the ability to collaborate effectively. A well-prepared portfolio that clearly demonstrates quantifiable achievements in business development and product strategy is crucial for success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CRM Systems (e.g., Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics): Essential for managing customer relationships, tracking sales opportunities, and analyzing pipeline performance. Proficiency in using CRM for strategic insights is key.

• Business Intelligence & Analytics Platforms (e.g., Tableau, Power BI, QlikView): For analyzing market data, competitive intelligence, sales performance, and forecasting. Ability to create insightful dashboards and reports is valuable.

• Project Management Software (e.g., Jira, Asana, MS Project): To manage complex cross-functional projects, track timelines, allocate resources, and monitor progress from strategy to implementation.

• Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) Systems: Potentially used for managing product data, development processes, and version control, especially relevant for product strategy and engineering collaboration.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Market Research Tools: Access to industry-specific databases and research platforms (e.g., IHS Markit, BloombergNEF) for competitive and market trend analysis.

• Financial Modeling Tools (e.g., Excel): For developing business cases, pricing strategies, and financial projections. Advanced Excel skills are often a baseline requirement.

• Reporting Dashboards: Experience in creating and interpreting performance dashboards that track KPIs related to business development, product adoption, and market penetration.

CRM & Automation:

• Sales Enablement Tools: Platforms that support the sales team with content, training, and analytics, indirectly supporting business development efforts.

• Collaboration Platforms (e.g., Microsoft Teams, Slack): Critical for facilitating communication and coordination within a hybrid, international team environment.

• ERP Systems (e.g., SAP): Understanding how ERP systems interface with sales and product data is beneficial for holistic business process understanding.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific tools aren't listed, a strong foundation in CRM, BI/Analytics, and Project Management tools is a given for this role. Experience with financial modeling and market research tools will be highly advantageous. Familiarity with PLM and ERP systems demonstrates a broader understanding of the product lifecycle and operational flow.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation & Future-Forward: A commitment to driving innovation in automotive technology, particularly in electric mobility and connectivity, aligning with LEONI's vision.

• Customer Centricity: A strong focus on understanding and meeting customer needs (OEMs, Tier 1s) to build lasting partnerships and deliver value.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Emphasis on working effectively across diverse global teams and functions to achieve shared strategic objectives.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Utilizing market insights, performance data, and analytical tools to inform strategic planning and operational improvements.

• Excellence & Accountability: Striving for high performance, taking ownership of initiatives, and delivering measurable results in business development and product strategy.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: A culture that encourages deep integration between Business Development, Sales, Engineering, Purchasing, and Manufacturing to ensure cohesive strategy and execution.

• Open Communication & Feedback: An environment where open dialogue, constructive feedback, and knowledge sharing are encouraged to foster continuous improvement and problem-solving.

• Strategic Partnership: Building strong working relationships internally and externally to foster a collaborative approach to achieving business goals and market leadership.

📝 Enhancement Note: LEONI's stated belief in "meaningful connections" suggests a culture that values collaboration and interpersonal relationships. The company's focus on shaping the future of mobility implies a forward-thinking and innovative mindset.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Rapidly Evolving Market: The automotive industry, especially concerning electric mobility and autonomous driving, is in constant flux. Staying ahead of technological advancements and market shifts requires continuous learning and adaptation.

• Global Coordination: Managing product strategy and business development across multiple international teams and potentially integrating with a large global partner like Luxshare Group presents complexities in communication, alignment, and execution.

• Balancing Innovation and Execution: The challenge of identifying and championing new, potentially disruptive technologies while ensuring they can be realistically developed, manufactured, and brought to market competitively.

• Competitive Landscape: Navigating a highly competitive market with established players and new entrants in the EV and connectivity space requires sharp strategic positioning and value proposition development.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Specialization: Deepen expertise in high-voltage systems, charging infrastructure, vehicle connectivity, and E/E architectures through targeted training, industry events, and project work.

• Strategic Leadership Training: Opportunities to develop advanced skills in strategic planning, market analysis, financial modeling, and executive communication.

• Cross-Cultural Competency: Enhance skills in working effectively with international teams, understanding global market nuances, and navigating diverse business practices.

• Industry Exposure: Participate in key automotive industry conferences, trade shows, and workshops to stay abreast of the latest trends and network with industry leaders.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to a fast-paced, technology-driven industry like automotive. The growth opportunities are well-aligned with the strategic and technical demands of the role, offering a clear path for professional development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you developed and successfully implemented a growth strategy for a new product line. What were the key challenges and how did you overcome them?" (Focus on process, data analysis, and measurable outcomes).

• "How would you approach identifying and prioritizing new business opportunities in the electric vehicle component market for LEONI?" (Demonstrate market analysis skills, strategic thinking, and understanding of EV trends).

• "Walk us through your process for defining a product roadmap and building a business case for a new technology. What key stakeholders would you involve?" (Highlight planning, financial acumen, and cross-functional collaboration). Company & Culture Questions:

• "Based on your research, what do you see as LEONI's biggest opportunities and challenges in the next 3-5 years regarding product strategy?" (Showcase company research and strategic foresight).

• "How do you ensure effective collaboration and communication when working with diverse, international teams in a hybrid environment?" (Address collaboration style and experience with global teams).

• "How do you measure the success of your business development and product strategy initiatives?" (Focus on KPIs, ROI, and data-driven performance evaluation). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Focus on Impact: Select portfolio examples that clearly demonstrate strategic thinking, market insight, and tangible business results (revenue growth, market share, successful product launches).

• Quantify Achievements: Use numbers and data to illustrate the impact of your work. For example, instead of "improved sales," say "increased sales by 15% in Q3 through a new channel strategy."

• Process Narrative: For each portfolio piece, clearly articulate the problem, your approach (strategy, analysis, process), your role, the actions taken, and the specific, measurable outcomes.

• Relevance to LEONI: Tailor your presentation to highlight experiences and skills most relevant to LEONI's business, particularly in high-voltage systems, electric mobility, and data cable solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to discuss specific examples from their past experience that align with the role's responsibilities, emphasizing strategic thinking, market analysis, and cross-functional project execution. A strong understanding of LEONI's business and the automotive industry is essential.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided application link on the SmartRecruiters platform.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight experience in business development, product strategy, automotive industry, and specific technical areas like high-voltage systems or electric mobility. Use keywords from the job description to ensure ATS compatibility.

• Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Clearly articulate your interest in LEONI and this specific role, emphasizing how your skills and experience align with the requirements, especially your strategic thinking and cross-functional leadership abilities.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate your portfolio to showcase relevant projects that demonstrate your strategic growth initiatives, product portfolio development, and successful project management. Be ready to discuss these in detail, focusing on quantifiable results and your specific contributions.

• Research LEONI: Thoroughly understand LEONI's products, market position, recent news, and its role within the Luxshare Group. Familiarize yourself with industry trends in electric mobility and automotive connectivity.

⚠️ 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.