(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: Full-time

Category: Business Development & Product Strategy (GTM Operations)

Date Posted: August 17, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive strategic growth initiatives and develop innovative product and system solutions for LEONI's automotive business, focusing on areas beyond traditional low-voltage wiring harnesses.

• Spearhead the identification and pursuit of new business opportunities within the evolving landscape of electromobility, data cabling, and component businesses, targeting OEMs, Tier-1 suppliers, and commercial vehicle markets.

• Define and execute comprehensive product roadmaps, pricing strategies, and robust business cases, leveraging deep market, technology, and competitive analysis to ensure market leadership.

• Lead cross-functional teams through the entire product lifecycle, from initial strategy and opportunity pipeline management to successful project handover and implementation, ensuring seamless integration with LEONI's global operations and new partner structures (e.g., Luxshare).

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within the Go-to-Market (GTM) operations spectrum, specifically focusing on strategic business development and product lifecycle management. The "Lead Expert" title, combined with responsibilities in strategy, market analysis, and cross-functional leadership, indicates a senior individual contributor role with significant influence on product direction and market penetration. The emphasis on new business areas like high-voltage systems and data cables suggests a focus on driving future revenue streams and adapting to industry transformations in electromobility.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic growth plans for key product fields, including high-voltage wiring harnesses and systems for electromobility, insourced data cable solutions, and specialized component businesses.

• Drive the evolution of LEONI's product and system offerings by integrating product development with process optimization and exploring new supplier structures, particularly in collaboration with Luxshare, to create competitive advantages.

• Proactively identify and cultivate new business opportunities by engaging with Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), Tier-1 suppliers, and commercial vehicle manufacturers.

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

• Define clear product roadmaps, establish competitive pricing strategies, and build compelling business cases for new technologies in close collaboration with Engineering, Sales, Purchasing, and Manufacturing departments.

• Establish and maintain a strategic opportunity pipeline, guiding potential projects from initial concept through to successful handover to dedicated project management teams.

• Manage strategic initiatives from conception to successful market introduction, ensuring alignment with business objectives and operational capabilities.

• Foster strong collaborative relationships and ensure effective coordination across Sales, Engineering, Purchasing, Manufacturing sites, and international teams to achieve strategic goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strategic GTM focus that bridges product development with market execution. The emphasis on "product and process solutions," "new supplier structures," and "competitive offers" indicates a strong operational component within business development, aiming to optimize the entire value chain for new product introductions. The inclusion of "insourcing" as a potential business area suggests a role in evaluating and potentially building internal capabilities for specific product lines, requiring close alignment with manufacturing and operational efficiency.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Successfully completed a 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 electromobility trends, high-voltage architectures, and future vehicle platforms.

• Expertise in defining product roadmaps, pricing strategies, and developing comprehensive business cases.

• Strong project management skills with experience leading cross-functional teams.

• Excellent analytical skills for market, technology, and competitive analysis.

• Exceptional customer orientation, strategic thinking, and confident presence in international business environments.

• Demonstrated ability to identify and develop new business opportunities with OEMs, Tier-1 suppliers, and commercial vehicle manufacturers. Preferred Skills:

• In-depth knowledge of High Voltage Wiring Harnesses, High Voltage Connection Systems, Charging Infrastructure, or Data Cable Assembly.

• Familiarity with E/E (Electrical/Electronic) systems and vehicle networking principles.

• Experience with supplier strategy development and integration, particularly in a global context.

• Proficiency in data cable systems and their applications in automotive.

• Experience working with or integrating with global technology partners like Luxshare.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a blend of strategic business acumen and technical understanding specific to automotive electrical systems and electromobility. The requirement for "several years of experience" in roles like Business Development, Sales, Product Management, or Production Management, coupled with "project management experience," points towards a mid-to-senior level individual contributor role. The preferred skills highlight specialized knowledge in high-voltage and data cabling, which are critical for driving innovation in the specified product fields.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase evidence of developing and implementing successful growth strategies for new product lines or market segments.

• Present case studies demonstrating the creation and execution of product roadmaps, including market analysis, competitive positioning, and strategic planning.

• Provide examples of defining pricing strategies and developing robust business cases with clear ROI projections for new product initiatives.

• Illustrate experience in identifying and securing new business opportunities with key automotive players (OEMs, Tier-1s) and managing the engagement from initial contact to project handover.

• Document experience in cross-functional project leadership, highlighting collaboration with Engineering, Sales, and Operations to bring new products to market. Process Documentation:

• Detail your approach to market analysis and competitive intelligence gathering for identifying emerging opportunities in automotive technologies.

• Outline your methodology for developing product roadmaps, including stakeholder alignment and prioritization processes.

• Describe your framework for building compelling business cases, focusing on financial projections, risk assessment, and strategic justification.

• Explain your process for managing strategic opportunities and new business pipelines, from initial qualification to handover for implementation.

• Illustrate your experience in collaborating with diverse functional teams (Sales, Engineering, Operations) to ensure successful product launches and market adoption.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role focused on business development and product strategy, the portfolio should demonstrate strategic thinking, market insight, and the ability to translate opportunities into actionable plans and tangible business outcomes. The emphasis on "process" in the portfolio requirements suggests the need to articulate structured approaches to market analysis, product planning, and new business acquisition, aligning with GTM operations best practices.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Given the "Lead Expert" title, the location in Germany (Kitzingen), and the industry (automotive), a competitive salary is expected. For a professional with 5-10 years of experience in a similar role in Bavaria, Germany, the estimated annual gross salary range would typically fall between €75,000 and €100,000. This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for senior business development and product strategy roles in the German automotive sector, considering the hybrid work model and the company's established presence.

Benefits:

• Flexible working hours and home office options, supporting a hybrid work model.

• Attractive, performance-oriented compensation package, including holiday pay and Christmas bonus, reflecting LEONI's status as a union-tied company.

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

• Secure and future-oriented employment in a dynamic industry undergoing significant transformation.

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

Working Hours: Approximately 40 hours per week, with flexible working time arrangements and the option for home office, aligning with the hybrid work model.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on general market data for senior roles in the German automotive sector, specifically in regions like Bavaria. It accounts for the "Lead Expert" designation, the specified experience level, and the hybrid work arrangement. The benefits listed are directly extracted from the provided information and tailored to highlight aspects relevant to operations professionals seeking a balanced work environment and professional growth.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Automotive, with a strong focus on energy and data management solutions, particularly in wiring systems and components. LEONI is a key player in the supply chain for vehicle electrification and connectivity.

Company Size: LEONI is a large global enterprise, employing approximately 95,000 people across 23 countries, with a reported revenue of €3.9 billion in 2025 (excluding a division). This significant scale indicates a structured, professional environment with established processes.

Founded: LEONI has a long history, with its current structure and operations evolving over time, notably becoming part of the Luxshare Group in 2025. This integration signifies a forward-looking approach, embracing new partnerships to shape the future of mobility.

Team Structure:

• The Business Development & Product Strategy team likely operates as a strategic unit within a larger R&D, Product Management, or GTM division.

• Reporting structure would typically involve reporting to a Director or VP of Business Development, Product Management, or a similar strategic leadership role.

• Cross-functional collaboration is integral, requiring close partnerships with Sales, Engineering (R&D, Product Development), Purchasing, Manufacturing (Operations), and potentially legal and finance departments. Interaction with the global Luxshare network is also a key aspect. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Strategy: Emphasis on market analysis, competitive intelligence, and financial forecasting (business cases) to inform strategic decisions.

• Process Optimization: Focus on refining product development cycles, supplier integration, and go-to-market processes for new technologies.

• Collaborative Innovation: Encouraging cross-functional teamwork to leverage diverse expertise and drive innovation from concept to implementation.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: LEONI's position as a global automotive supplier, now part of Luxshare, suggests a culture that balances established operational excellence with a strong drive for innovation and adaptation, particularly in the rapidly changing EV market. The integration with Luxshare implies an openness to global collaboration and potentially new operational models.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This "Lead Expert" role represents a senior individual contributor position within the Business Development and Product Strategy domain. It requires deep expertise, strategic foresight, and the ability to influence product direction and market engagement. It is a crucial role for driving new revenue streams and adapting LEONI's offerings to future mobility demands.

Reporting Structure: The role likely reports to a senior leader, such as a Head of Business Development, Director of Product Management, or VP of Strategy. This position demands close collaboration with peer "experts" or leads in adjacent functions like Engineering, Sales, and Operations.

Operations Impact: This role has a direct and significant impact on LEONI's future revenue and market position. By identifying and developing new product fields and business opportunities, particularly in high-growth areas like electromobility and data solutions, the Lead Expert will shape the company's product portfolio and drive competitive advantage. Success directly contributes to market share growth, profitability, and the company's ability to navigate industry transformations.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization Advancement: Deepen expertise in high-voltage systems, data cabling, or specific areas of electromobility, becoming a go-to subject matter expert within LEONI and potentially the broader industry.

• Leadership Progression: Transition into managerial roles, such as Head of Product Management, Director of Business Development, or leading larger strategic initiatives and teams.

• Cross-Functional Mobility: Move into related strategic roles within R&D, global product management, or even corporate strategy, leveraging a broad understanding of LEONI's business and market dynamics.

• Global Exposure: Increased involvement in international projects, supplier collaborations (e.g., with Luxshare), and global market strategy development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Lead Expert" title suggests a well-defined career path within specialized technical and strategic domains. Growth opportunities would involve deepening expertise, taking on more complex strategic challenges, and potentially moving into leadership positions that manage teams or broader strategic portfolios. The integration with Luxshare also presents unique opportunities for international career development.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work environment, combining office-based work with remote options. This suggests a modern workplace designed to support both focused individual work and collaborative team activities.

Office Location(s): Primarily based in Kitzingen, Bavaria, Germany. This location offers a strategic base within a key industrial region of Germany, with potential for easy access to manufacturing sites and other business units.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: The office environment likely includes meeting rooms, project spaces, and common areas designed to foster interaction and knowledge sharing among teams.

• Technology Enabled: Access to necessary IT infrastructure, communication tools, and potentially advanced visualization or prototyping tools to support product strategy and development.

• Cross-Functional Interaction: Opportunities to engage directly with colleagues from Sales, Engineering, Production, and other departments, facilitating a holistic understanding of the business and operational challenges.

Work Schedule: The role operates on a standard full-time basis with flexible working hours (Vertrauensarbeitszeit), allowing for a degree of autonomy in managing one's schedule, which is beneficial for balancing project demands with personal needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work model and flexible hours are key features for this role, indicating a company culture that values employee autonomy and work-life balance, while still emphasizing the importance of in-person collaboration for strategic initiatives.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely a phone or video call with HR or a hiring manager to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.

• Technical/Strategic Interview: In-depth discussion focusing on business development strategies, product roadmap development, market analysis techniques, and specific knowledge in high-voltage systems or data cabling. This might involve a case study or problem-solving exercise.

• Cross-Functional Interview: Meeting with key stakeholders from Sales, Engineering, and Operations to evaluate collaboration skills, ability to influence, and understanding of operational implications.

• Leadership/Final Interview: Discussion with a senior leader to confirm strategic alignment, long-term potential, and final decision-making.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Strategic Impact: Clearly articulate the strategic goals of your past initiatives and how your contributions led to measurable business outcomes (e.g., revenue growth, market share increase, successful product launches).

• Process Demonstration: Showcase your structured approach to market analysis, product planning, business case development, and opportunity management. Use visual aids like flowcharts or diagrams where appropriate.

• Technical Depth: For relevant projects, demonstrate your understanding of technical challenges and how you integrated technical feasibility with market demand. Highlight specific knowledge in high-voltage systems, data cables, or electromobility.

• Collaboration & Leadership: Provide examples of how you successfully led or collaborated with cross-functional teams, managed stakeholders, and navigated complex organizational structures.

• Quantifiable Results: Wherever possible, use metrics and data to support your achievements. Quantify the impact of your strategies and initiatives on key business indicators.

Challenge Preparation:

• Market Entry Strategy: Be prepared to discuss how you would approach entering a new market segment or launching a new product in the automotive sector, considering LEONI's context.

• Product Roadmap Prioritization: Expect questions on how to prioritize product development efforts when faced with limited resources and competing demands.

• Business Case Development: Practice building a concise and persuasive business case for a hypothetical new product or technology, including market justification, financial projections, and risk assessment.

• Competitive Analysis: Prepare to analyze a specific competitor or market trend and outline strategic responses.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is likely to be multi-stage, assessing not only technical and strategic capabilities but also the ability to collaborate and drive change within a large, global organization. The portfolio review will be critical for demonstrating tangible achievements and a structured approach to business development and product strategy.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CRM Systems: Experience with enterprise-level CRM platforms (e.g., Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics) for managing customer relationships, tracking opportunities, and pipeline management.

• Project Management Software: Proficiency in tools like Jira, Asana, Microsoft Project, or similar for planning, tracking, and managing cross-functional projects and initiatives.

• Business Intelligence & Analytics Platforms: Familiarity with tools such as Tableau, Power BI, Qlik Sense, or similar for data analysis, market trend identification, and performance tracking.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Skills in Excel (advanced functions, pivot tables), SQL, or statistical software for analyzing market data, sales figures, and project performance.

• Reporting Dashboards: Ability to create and interpret dashboards that visualize key performance indicators (KPIs) related to business development, product adoption, and market penetration.

CRM & Automation:

• Sales Enablement Tools: Understanding of tools that support the sales process and provide insights into customer engagement.

• Collaboration Suites: Proficiency with tools like Microsoft 365 (Teams, SharePoint) or Google Workspace for communication, document sharing, and team collaboration.

• ERP Systems: General awareness of Enterprise Resource Planning systems (e.g., SAP) and how they integrate with product development and supply chain operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific tools are not listed, the role's nature implies a need for strong analytical and project management capabilities, often supported by standard enterprise software. Familiarity with CRM for opportunity tracking and project management tools for cross-functional initiatives would be essential.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Focus: A strong emphasis on understanding and meeting the evolving needs of automotive OEMs, Tier-1 suppliers, and commercial vehicle manufacturers.

• Innovation & Transformation: Embracing change and driving forward-thinking solutions, particularly in areas like electromobility and digital connectivity, aligning with LEONI's strategic direction.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering a cooperative environment where cross-functional teams work together effectively to achieve shared strategic goals.

• Efficiency & Quality: Commitment to optimizing processes, ensuring high product quality, and delivering competitive offerings in the market.

• Integrity & Responsibility: Upholding high ethical standards in business dealings and demonstrating accountability for strategic outcomes.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Proactive engagement with Sales, Engineering, Purchasing, and Manufacturing to ensure alignment and seamless execution of product strategies.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Utilizing market insights, performance metrics, and business case analyses to guide strategic discussions and decisions.

• Open Communication: Encouraging transparent dialogue, constructive feedback, and the sharing of knowledge across teams and departments to drive collective success.

• Global Mindset: Working effectively with international colleagues and partners, respecting diverse perspectives and adapting strategies to global market dynamics.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company values and collaboration style suggest an environment that is both professionally demanding and supportive of teamwork, with a clear focus on driving innovation and business growth within the automotive sector.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Rapid Market Evolution: Navigating the fast-paced changes in the automotive industry, especially the shift towards electric vehicles and advanced connectivity, requires continuous learning and agile strategic adjustments.

• Complex Stakeholder Management: Balancing the diverse needs and priorities of internal departments (Sales, R&D, Operations) and external customers (OEMs, Tier-1s) in a global context.

• Integration with Luxshare: Effectively leveraging the synergies and navigating the integration with the Luxshare Group to unlock new opportunities and optimize operations.

• Developing New Business Areas: Establishing and scaling new product fields and business models outside of traditional core competencies, which can involve higher risk and require significant market development efforts.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deep Dive into EV Technologies: Opportunities to become an expert in high-voltage systems, battery technology integration, charging infrastructure, and advanced vehicle networking.

• Strategic Leadership Training: Access to programs focused on advanced strategic planning, market analysis, financial modeling, and leadership development.

• Global Business Acumen: Exposure to international markets, diverse customer bases, and global supply chain dynamics through collaboration with LEONI's worldwide operations and Luxshare.

• Process Improvement Methodologies: Learning and applying best practices in GTM operations, product lifecycle management, and supplier relationship management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to a rapidly evolving, technology-driven industry. The growth opportunities are well-aligned with the role's strategic nature, offering deep specialization and broader leadership development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for identifying and evaluating new market opportunities in the automotive sector. How would you apply this to LEONI's high-voltage or data cable business?" (Focus on structured market analysis, competitive assessment, and strategic fit.)

• "Walk me through how you would develop a product roadmap for a new technology area. What key factors would you consider, and how would you gain buy-in from stakeholders?" (Highlight prioritization frameworks, market validation, and cross-functional collaboration.)

• "How do you build a compelling business case for a strategic investment? What are the critical components, and how do you mitigate risks?" (Emphasize financial modeling, ROI analysis, risk assessment, and persuasive presentation skills.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about LEONI and its strategic direction, particularly concerning electromobility and its partnership with Luxshare? How do you see your role contributing?" (Research LEONI's recent news, financial reports, and strategic priorities.)

• "Describe a situation where you had to collaborate with diverse teams (e.g., Engineering, Sales, Operations) to achieve a strategic objective. What were the challenges, and how did you overcome them?" (Prepare examples demonstrating strong communication, influencing, and teamwork skills.)

• "How do you stay updated on emerging trends in the automotive industry, especially in electrical systems and vehicle connectivity?" (Showcase proactive learning habits and industry awareness.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling with Data: Structure your portfolio around key achievements, using a narrative approach. For each project, clearly state the challenge, your strategy/actions, and the quantifiable results.

• Focus on Strategic Impact: Highlight how your work directly contributed to business growth, market penetration, or competitive advantage. Use metrics relevant to business development and product strategy.

• Demonstrate Process Rigor: Show your structured approach to market analysis, product planning, business case development, and opportunity management. Visual aids can be very effective here.

• Address Collaboration: Be ready to discuss your role in cross-functional teams and how you effectively managed stakeholders and fostered collaboration.

• Tailor to LEONI: Emphasize projects or experiences that align with LEONI's focus areas (high-voltage, data cables, electromobility) and demonstrate an understanding of their market position and strategic goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating strategic thinking, a structured approach to business development and product management, and strong collaborative abilities, all within the context of the evolving automotive industry.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

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

• Tailor Your Resume: Customize your resume to highlight quantifiable achievements in business development, product strategy, market analysis, and project management within the automotive sector. Use keywords from the job description, such as "electromobility," "high-voltage systems," and "product roadmap."

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 key projects that best showcase your ability to drive growth strategies, develop product roadmaps, build business cases, and manage cross-functional initiatives. Prepare to present these with a clear focus on strategic impact and measurable results.

• Prepare for Case Studies: Anticipate potential case study questions related to market entry, product strategy, or business case development. Practice articulating your thought process and strategic approach concisely.

• Research LEONI: Thoroughly research LEONI's current business, strategic objectives (especially regarding electromobility and the Luxshare integration), and recent industry news. Understand their competitive landscape and key challenges.

⚠️ 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.