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

📍 Job Overview

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

Company: LEONI

Location: Kitzingen, Bavaria, Germany

Job Type: Vollzeit (Full-Time)

Category: Business Development & Product Strategy (Operations Adjacent)

Date Posted: 2026-08-13

Experience Level: 5-10 years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive the development and execution of growth strategies for specialized product areas, including high-voltage wiring harnesses, electromobility solutions, and data cable systems.

• Shape product and system offerings by integrating product and process solutions, considering new supplier structures, particularly in collaboration with Luxshare.

• Identify and cultivate new business opportunities within the OEM, Tier-1 supplier, and commercial vehicle sectors.

• Conduct in-depth analysis of market, technology, and competitor trends, with a focus on high-voltage architectures, E/E systems, and vehicle connectivity.

• Define product roadmaps, pricing strategies, and robust business cases for emerging technologies, collaborating closely with cross-functional teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this role is not a traditional "Operations" role (e.g., Revenue Operations, Sales Operations), it heavily involves strategic planning, process definition, and cross-functional collaboration that are critical to the success of operations functions. The emphasis on business development, product strategy, and market analysis directly influences the operational execution of product launches and market penetration. The role requires a strategic mindset that underpins operational efficiency and growth.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive growth strategies for product fields beyond low-voltage wiring harnesses, focusing on high-voltage wiring harnesses and system solutions for electromobility.

• Drive the expansion of data cable systems through insourcing and external business development initiatives, including the development of competitive offerings in conjunction with new supplier structures like Luxshare.

• Proactively identify and pursue new business opportunities with Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), Tier-1 suppliers, and within the commercial vehicle segment.

• Perform thorough market, technology, and competitive landscape analysis, with a specific focus on emerging trends in high-voltage architectures, E/E systems, and vehicle connectivity.

• Define strategic product roadmaps, sophisticated pricing strategies, and detailed business cases for new technologies, ensuring alignment across Sales, Engineering, Purchasing, and Manufacturing.

• Build and maintain a strategic opportunity pipeline, actively managing customer projects from initial concept through to successful handover to the project execution organization.

• Oversee project management for strategic initiatives, ensuring a seamless transition from strategy formulation to successful implementation and market introduction.

• Foster close collaboration and effective coordination with Sales, Engineering, Purchasing, Production Plants, and international teams to ensure cohesive strategy execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong strategic and market-facing component. For operations professionals, understanding how these strategies translate into operational requirements (e.g., supply chain adjustments, production capacity planning, sales enablement, and customer support infrastructure) will be crucial. The role requires bridging strategic vision with practical implementation considerations.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Successfully completed technical or business administration degree, or a comparable qualification.

Experience: Several years of experience in Business Development, Sales, Product Management, or Production Management within the automotive industry. Project management experience in cross-functional teams.

Required Skills:

• Proven track record in Business Development and strategic product planning within the automotive sector.

• Deep understanding of market analysis, technology trends, and competitive intelligence gathering.

• Expertise in developing and executing growth strategies for complex product portfolios.

• Strong project management capabilities, with experience leading cross-functional teams through product lifecycle stages.

• Proficient in defining product roadmaps, pricing strategies, and compelling business cases.

• Excellent customer orientation, strategic thinking, and confident negotiation skills in an international environment.

• Solid knowledge in one or more of the following areas: High Voltage Wiring Harness, High Voltage Connection Systems, Charging Infrastructure, Data Cable Assembly, or similar. Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with the Luxshare group's operational structure and collaborative potential.

• Understanding of future vehicle platforms and E/E system architectures.

• Experience with new supplier structure integration and supply chain optimization.

• Fluency in English and German.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly listed as "operations" skills, the requirements for strategic planning, market analysis, project management, and cross-functional collaboration are foundational to effective operations management. The emphasis on product strategy and business case development requires an understanding of operational feasibility and resource allocation.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase experience in developing and implementing market entry strategies for new product lines or technologies.

• Present case studies demonstrating successful identification and development of new business opportunities, including pipeline management and conversion rates.

• Provide examples of product roadmaps, pricing strategy frameworks, and business cases developed, highlighting the analytical rigor and strategic justification.

• Illustrate experience in managing complex, cross-functional projects from inception to successful market launch, emphasizing process adherence and stakeholder alignment. Process Documentation:

• Document methodologies used for market and competitive analysis, including data sources and analytical frameworks.

• Outline approaches to defining product roadmaps, including stakeholder input, prioritization criteria, and alignment with business objectives.

• Detail frameworks for developing business cases, including financial modeling, risk assessment, and ROI projections.

• Showcase experience in process integration, particularly how product strategy is translated into operational requirements for engineering, manufacturing, and sales.

📝 Enhancement Note: For candidates with a strong operations background, this section is an opportunity to frame their experience in terms of strategic impact. Portfolio items should highlight how process optimization, system implementation, and data-driven decision-making contributed to achieving strategic business development and product strategy goals. The focus should be on demonstrating strategic foresight and execution capability.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a Lead Expert Business Development & Product Strategy role in Germany with 5-10 years of experience, the estimated annual gross salary range is €80,000 - €110,000. This estimate considers the seniority of the role, the specialized industry knowledge required (automotive, high-voltage systems), and the location in Bavaria, Germany. Regional cost of living and typical compensation structures for tariff-bound companies in Germany have been factored in.

Benefits:

• Self-determined, flexible working hours with trust-based working time and home office options.

• Attractive performance-oriented compensation package.

• Holiday pay and Christmas bonus.

• Opportunities for professional growth and development through diverse learning and training programs offered by the LEONI Academy.

• Secure and future-oriented employment in an urban environment.

• Health and well-being initiatives, including regular health days, preventive health checks, and participation in sports groups.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week, with flexible working time and home office options contributing to a hybrid work model.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on general market data for senior roles in Germany within the automotive sector. Specific compensation will be determined by LEONI based on the candidate's qualifications, experience, and the company's internal salary structure, which is tariff-bound. The benefits package emphasizes work-life balance, professional development, and employee well-being, which are attractive to operations professionals seeking a stable and supportive work environment.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Automotive supply industry, specifically focusing on energy and data management solutions. LEONI is a leading provider of complex wiring harness systems and custom cable sets. The recent integration into the Luxshare Group positions LEONI for future growth in advanced mobility solutions.

Company Size: Approximately 95,000 employees globally, with a revenue of €3.9 billion in 2025 (excluding a former division). This indicates a large, established, and globally integrated organization.

Founded: LEONI has a long history, and its current structure reflects significant evolution, especially with its recent acquisition by Luxshare. This suggests a dynamic environment that values both established expertise and forward-looking innovation.

Team Structure:

• The role likely operates within a strategic business unit or a dedicated product development/business development division, potentially reporting to a senior director or VP.

• Collaboration is expected across multiple departments including Sales, Engineering, Purchasing, Production, and potentially R&D and Finance.

• The team structure emphasizes cross-functional alignment to drive product strategy and market penetration. Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making is crucial, involving market analysis, competitor benchmarking, and business case evaluations.

• Strategic planning involves defining product roadmaps, identifying new market segments, and fostering innovation.

• Process optimization is key to ensuring seamless integration of new product offerings and supplier structures, aiming for competitive and efficient solutions.

Company Website: [LEONI Company URL - Not provided in input, but would be LEONI.com]

📝 Enhancement Note: As part of the Luxshare Group, LEONI is undergoing a significant transformation. This implies an environment that is both established and rapidly evolving, offering opportunities for individuals who can navigate change and contribute to shaping new strategies. The global scale means exposure to diverse markets and operational challenges.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a "(Lead) Expert," indicating a senior individual contributor or team lead role focused on strategic initiatives. It requires significant experience and a proven ability to influence product direction and business growth. For operations professionals, this represents a move towards strategic planning and market development, influencing the operational execution from a higher level.

Reporting Structure: The role likely reports into a senior management position within Business Development, Product Management, or a strategic division, working closely with functional heads of Sales, Engineering, and Operations.

Operations Impact: The role's impact is significant, as it directly shapes the product portfolio and market strategy for key growth areas like electromobility. Success in this role will drive future revenue streams, influence production volumes, and dictate operational requirements for new technologies and supplier relationships.

Growth Opportunities:

• Strategic Leadership: Potential to advance into senior leadership roles within Business Development, Product Management, or even divisional management, leading larger teams and strategic portfolios.

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in high-growth areas like electromobility, high-voltage systems, or advanced data solutions, becoming a recognized authority within the company and industry.

• Cross-Functional Expertise: Broaden experience across different business functions (Sales, Engineering, Supply Chain, Production) by leading cross-functional initiatives, enhancing overall business acumen.

• International Exposure: Leverage global collaboration opportunities to gain exposure to diverse markets, regulatory environments, and operational practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a unique opportunity for operations professionals to transition or expand their influence into strategic business development. The "Lead Expert" title suggests a path toward thought leadership and significant strategic contribution, moving beyond day-to-day operational management to shaping the future operational landscape.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work model, combining office-based collaboration with remote work flexibility.

Office Location(s): Kitzingen, Bavaria, Germany. This location is a significant operational hub for LEONI, suggesting access to engineering, production, and management resources.

Workspace Context:

• The hybrid model allows for focused individual work at home and collaborative, in-person interaction at the Kitzingen office.

• The role requires engagement with a global network, necessitating proficiency with digital collaboration tools for communication with international teams and stakeholders.

• The Kitzingen office likely provides a professional and well-equipped environment conducive to strategic planning and cross-functional meetings.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time (40 hours/week) with flexible working hours and trust-based time management, allowing for effective balancing of strategic initiatives, project management, and personal commitments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role, combined with international collaboration, requires strong self-management skills and proficiency in digital communication tools. For operations professionals, this means adapting to flexible work structures while ensuring continuous alignment and communication across geographically dispersed teams.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your application, focusing on your resume and cover letter for alignment with the required experience in business development, product strategy, and the automotive industry.

• First Interview: Typically with the hiring manager (Desiree Wright) and potentially a senior colleague. This interview will assess your strategic thinking, understanding of the automotive market, and relevant experience. Be prepared to discuss your approach to market analysis, strategy development, and business case creation.

• Technical/Case Study Interview: This stage may involve a presentation or discussion of a strategic challenge. You might be asked to analyze a market scenario, propose a product strategy, or outline a business case for a new technology. Focus on demonstrating your analytical skills, strategic foresight, and understanding of operational implications.

• Final Interview: Likely with higher management, focusing on cultural fit, leadership potential, and long-term vision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Strategic Impact: Curate examples that demonstrate your ability to identify market opportunities, develop winning strategies, and translate them into actionable plans with measurable outcomes.

• Business Case Excellence: Showcase well-structured business cases with clear assumptions, financial projections (ROI, payback period), and risk assessments. Highlight how these cases influenced strategic decisions.

• Product Roadmap Visualization: Include examples of product roadmaps you've developed or contributed to, illustrating how they align with market trends and company objectives.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Present projects where you successfully collaborated with diverse teams (Sales, Engineering, Operations, Purchasing) to achieve strategic goals, emphasizing your communication and stakeholder management skills.

• Quantifiable Results: Wherever possible, quantify the impact of your contributions using metrics such as revenue growth, market share increase, cost savings, or successful product launches.

Challenge Preparation:

• Market Trends: Research current and future trends in electromobility, high-voltage systems, vehicle connectivity, and autonomous driving. Understand their implications for automotive suppliers like LEONI.

• LEONI & Luxshare: Familiarize yourself with LEONI's product portfolio, strategic direction, and its integration into the Luxshare Group. Understand their competitive landscape.

• Strategic Frameworks: Be ready to discuss strategic frameworks (e.g., Porter's Five Forces, SWOT analysis, Ansoff Matrix) and how you apply them to business development and product strategy.

• Operational Considerations: Think about how strategic decisions translate into operational requirements – supply chain readiness, manufacturing capacity, sales enablement, and customer support.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process and portfolio review for this role will heavily emphasize strategic thinking, market insight, and the ability to translate vision into tangible business outcomes. Operations candidates should frame their experience to highlight strategic contributions, process optimization that supports growth, and data-driven decision-making that informs strategy.

🛠 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 pipelines.

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

• Business Intelligence & Analytics Tools: Familiarity with BI platforms (e.g., Tableau, Power BI) and data analysis tools (e.g., Excel, potentially SQL) for market research, competitive analysis, and business case development.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Market Research Databases: Access to and proficiency with industry-specific market research platforms (e.g., IHS Markit, Statista, Bloomberg) for gathering market data, trend analysis, and competitive intelligence.

• Financial Modeling Tools: Advanced Excel skills for building financial models, forecasting, and developing detailed business cases.

CRM & Automation:

• Collaboration Platforms: Expertise in using tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, or Zoom for effective communication and collaboration with global and cross-functional teams.

• Document Management Systems: Familiarity with shared document repositories and collaborative editing tools (e.g., SharePoint, Google Workspace) for managing strategy documents, proposals, and business cases.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific tools are not listed, the nature of the role implies a need for strong analytical, project management, and communication tools. Operations professionals should highlight their proficiency with systems that enable data analysis, strategic planning, and cross-functional coordination.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Strategic Foresight: A proactive approach to identifying future market needs and technological shifts, translating them into actionable product strategies.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Reliance on robust market analysis, financial modeling, and performance metrics to guide strategic choices and business case development.

• Customer Centricity: A deep understanding of customer needs (OEMs, Tier-1s) and a commitment to developing solutions that provide significant value and competitive advantage.

• Collaboration & Integration: A strong emphasis on working effectively across diverse internal departments (Sales, Engineering, Operations, Purchasing) and with external partners (suppliers, Luxshare) to achieve shared objectives.

• Innovation & Adaptability: Embracing new technologies and market dynamics, fostering a culture of continuous learning and adaptation to drive growth in evolving sectors like electromobility.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Partnership: Actively engaging with all relevant departments to gather insights, build consensus, and ensure alignment on product strategies and business objectives.

• Open Communication: Maintaining transparent and frequent communication channels with stakeholders to manage expectations, share progress, and address challenges proactively.

• Consensus Building: Facilitating discussions and negotiations among different functional groups to arrive at optimal strategic decisions that balance various interests and constraints.

• Partnership with Luxshare: Developing a collaborative working relationship with the Luxshare Group to leverage synergies, explore new business models, and enhance competitiveness.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture emphasizes a blend of strategic foresight, data-driven execution, and strong collaborative partnerships. For operations professionals, this means demonstrating an ability to contribute strategically while also being adept at navigating complex organizational dynamics and fostering cross-functional alignment to drive business growth.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Rapidly Evolving Market: The automotive industry, particularly in electromobility and vehicle connectivity, is undergoing rapid technological advancements and market shifts. Staying ahead of these changes requires continuous learning and strategic agility.

• Complex Stakeholder Management: Balancing the needs and expectations of diverse internal departments (Sales, Engineering, Production) and external partners (OEMs, Tier-1s, Luxshare) can be challenging.

• Integration with Luxshare: Effectively integrating new supplier structures and collaborating with the Luxshare Group requires navigating new processes, cultures, and potential operational adjustments.

• Defining New Product Frontiers: Developing strategies for emerging product fields where market definitions and competitive landscapes are still solidifying requires strong analytical skills and a tolerance for ambiguity.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deep Dive into Electromobility: Gain in-depth knowledge of high-voltage systems, charging infrastructure, and battery technologies, becoming a subject matter expert.

• Strategic Business Acumen: Enhance skills in market analysis, financial modeling, strategic planning, and business case development through hands-on experience and LEONI Academy programs.

• Cross-Organizational Leadership: Develop leadership capabilities by steering complex, cross-functional projects and influencing stakeholders across different business units and geographies.

• Global Market Insights: Broaden understanding of international automotive markets, regulatory environments, and customer requirements through direct engagement with global OEMs and teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant opportunities for professional growth by tackling complex challenges in a dynamic industry. Operations professionals can leverage this experience to expand their strategic horizons and develop leadership skills applicable to high-growth sectors.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

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

• "How would you assess the market potential for a new high-voltage system solution in the current EV landscape? What key factors would you consider?" (Demonstrate your market analysis skills and understanding of industry trends.)

• "Walk me through how you would build a business case for a new data cable assembly offering, considering potential supplier structures and competitive pricing." (Highlight your financial acumen, strategic justification, and understanding of operational feasibility.)

• "How do you approach identifying and prioritizing new business opportunities within a large, established organization like LEONI, especially considering potential synergies with Luxshare?" (Showcase your strategic vision, prioritization skills, and ability to navigate complex organizations.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you most about LEONI and its role in the evolving automotive industry, particularly with the integration of Luxshare?" (Research LEONI's mission, values, and recent strategic moves.)

• "How do you foster collaboration between Sales, Engineering, and Operations to ensure successful product launches and market penetration?" (Emphasize your experience in cross-functional teamwork and communication.)

• "Describe your experience working in an international environment and with diverse teams. How do you ensure effective communication and alignment?" (Highlight your intercultural competence and communication strategies.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure for Impact: Begin with a concise overview of the challenge or opportunity, followed by your strategic approach, key actions taken, and culminating in quantifiable results.

• Data Visualization: Use charts and graphs to illustrate market trends, financial projections, and performance metrics. Ensure clarity and professional presentation.

• Strategic Narrative: Tell a compelling story about how your strategic insights and actions led to tangible business success. Connect your contributions directly to business outcomes.

• Operational Awareness: Briefly touch upon the operational considerations or implications of your strategic decisions, demonstrating an understanding of how strategy translates to execution.

• Conciseness: Be mindful of time. Focus on the most impactful aspects of your experience and be prepared to elaborate on specific details if asked.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation for this role should focus on articulating strategic thinking, demonstrating market insight, and showcasing the ability to translate strategic vision into actionable plans with measurable business impact. For operations professionals, highlighting how their operational expertise supports strategic goals will be key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this expert business development and product strategy position:

• Submit your application through the provided application link on the LEONI jobs portal.

• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight experience in business development, product strategy, automotive industry, high-voltage systems, and project management. Quantify achievements with specific metrics related to growth, revenue, or market penetration.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 key projects or case studies that best showcase your strategic planning, market analysis, business case development, and cross-functional leadership skills. Focus on demonstrating tangible business impact.

• Research LEONI & Luxshare: Thoroughly understand LEONI's current product portfolio, strategic direction, and the implications of its integration with the Luxshare Group. Identify potential synergies and growth areas.

• Practice Your Narrative: Rehearse your responses to potential interview questions, focusing on articulating your strategic thinking, problem-solving abilities, and collaboration style. Be prepared to walk through your portfolio examples confidently.

⚠️ 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.