Manager, Product Strategy

Hyundai Motor Company
Full-timeβ€’$91k-130k/year (USD)β€’Fountain Valley, United States

πŸ“ Job Overview

Job Title: Manager, Product Strategy

Company: Hyundai Motor Company

Location: Fountain Valley, California, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Product Strategy & Operations

Date Posted: 2026-08-25

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

πŸš€ Role Summary

  • Develop and execute advanced product concepts and strategies, ensuring synergy with brand vision and business objectives.

  • Drive market share growth and establish Hyundai as a leader in electrified vehicles through strategic model line-up research and planning.

  • Analyze evolving electrification trends, including battery innovations and consumer purchase considerations, to inform future product development.

  • Identify and promote innovation opportunities by staying abreast of consumer, technology, and business trends.

  • Foster strategic partnerships by developing compelling business cases and collaborating cross-functionally across all HMA business units.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within Product Strategy, which has significant overlap with Revenue Operations and Go-To-Market (GTM) operations by influencing product roadmap, pricing strategies, and market positioning that directly impact sales and revenue. The focus on market analysis, competitive intelligence, and strategic planning aligns with the analytical and strategic pillars of operations roles.

πŸ“ˆ Primary Responsibilities

  • Proactively develop advanced product concepts, strategies, and plans that are synergistic with brand strategy, sales plans, and overall business objectives.

  • Conduct comprehensive market research, including competitor analysis, consumer opinion, purchase behavior, and brand strategic positioning, to inform product development.

  • Support model line-up research, with a specific emphasis on electrified vehicle strategies, to enhance market share and profitability.

  • Monitor and analyze electrification trends, including battery innovations, consumer adoption patterns, pricing dynamics, and regulatory requirements (e.g., battery recycling), providing actionable recommendations.

  • Identify emerging consumer, technology, and business trends to pinpoint and champion innovation opportunities within the product portfolio.

  • Collaborate closely with leadership to identify and evaluate new strategic partnership opportunities, developing robust business cases to support proposals.

  • Partner cross-functionally with all HMA business units to ensure alignment and integrated execution of product strategies.

  • Strengthen relationships with key stakeholders at Hyundai America Technical Center, Inc. (HATCI) to ensure a unified approach to Hyundai Motor Company (HMC).

  • Prepare and deliver presentations of complex analyses in clear, digestible formats to influence executive decision-making.

  • Respond to ad-hoc requests and contribute to broader organizational strategic initiatives.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize strategic foresight, market intelligence gathering, and cross-functional leadership, which are critical for effective GTM operations. The focus on electrification and future mobility aligns with current industry shifts, requiring operations professionals to possess both strategic vision and analytical rigor to translate market insights into actionable product plans.

πŸŽ“ Skills & Qualifications

Education:

  • High school graduate required.

  • Bachelor’s degree required.

  • Master’s degree is a plus. Experience:

  • Six or more years of Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) experience, with at least three years in a strategic role.

  • Two to three years of experience in future mobility or MECA (Middle East, Central Asia) related automotive experience.

  • Supervisory experience is desired. Required Skills:

  • Excellent analytical skills, utilizing both quantitative and qualitative data to develop dynamic market views and synthesize insights.

  • Adept at identifying key consumer insights and translating them into actionable strategies.

  • Effective knowledge of automotive strategy and market research activities.

  • Strong oral and written communication skills, with the ability to influence various management levels.

  • Proven track record of presenting complex analyses in straightforward, digestible formats to influence executive decision-making.

  • Thorough computer skills, with high proficiency in PowerPoint, Excel, and MTAB.

  • Ability to manage multiple simultaneous projects in a fast-paced environment. Preferred Skills:

  • Experience in product planning and pricing strategy.

  • Deep understanding of electrified vehicle technologies and market dynamics.

  • Familiarity with strategic partnership development and business case creation.

  • Experience working with international stakeholders (e.g., HMC, HATCI).

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The requirement for strong analytical skills, data synthesis, and presentation capabilities directly aligns with the core competencies expected of operations professionals. Proficiency in tools like PowerPoint, Excel, and MTAB is essential for data analysis, reporting, and strategic communication within an operations context. The emphasis on OEM experience and automotive strategy indicates a need for industry-specific knowledge.

πŸ“Š Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

  • Demonstrations of strategic planning processes, including market analysis, competitive landscaping, and roadmap development.

  • Case studies showcasing the development of product concepts and strategies, highlighting the process from ideation to proposal.

  • Examples of business case development for strategic initiatives or partnerships, detailing financial projections and ROI analysis.

  • Documentation of cross-functional collaboration efforts and how consensus was built among diverse stakeholders. Process Documentation:

  • Evidence of structured methodologies used for market research and consumer insight generation.

  • Workflow examples illustrating how product strategies were translated into actionable plans and recommendations.

  • Documentation of experience in analyzing complex data sets (quantitative and qualitative) to derive strategic insights.

  • Examples of presentations developed to communicate complex findings and influence executive decisions.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: For a Manager, Product Strategy role, a portfolio should showcase strategic thinking, analytical rigor, and the ability to translate complex data into actionable plans. Operations candidates should highlight projects demonstrating process optimization, data-driven decision-making, and successful cross-functional collaboration. The focus is on demonstrating a structured approach to strategy development and execution, including how data and analytics were leveraged.

πŸ’΅ Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $91,000 - $130,000 annual base salary.

Benefits:

  • Monthly Hyundai/Genesis vehicle lease allowance (including insurance and maintenance).

  • Holiday Pay - company-wide shutdown with pay between Christmas and New Year's.

  • Vacation and sick time off.

  • Comprehensive Healthcare insurance (medical, dental, and vision).

  • 401(K) company match.

  • Additional 401(K) Employer Enhanced Contribution program (eligible after 1 year of employment).

  • Basic life insurance, short-term and long-term disability.

  • Mental health, wellbeing, and employee assistance program.

  • Health advocate services for care coordination and benefits assistance.

Working Hours: Standard 40 hours per week, with potential for overtime based on project needs. The role requires flexibility and the ability to manage multiple simultaneous projects.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is specific to the Fountain Valley, CA location and the Manager level experience. This range is competitive for a Product Strategy Manager in the automotive industry in Southern California, considering the cost of living and industry benchmarks. The benefits package is comprehensive, offering significant perks beyond standard offerings, such as the vehicle lease allowance and extended holiday shutdown.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏒 Company Culture

Industry: Automotive Manufacturing and Sales. Hyundai Motor Company is a global leader, known for its focus on performance, quality, design, and innovation. The company is actively investing in future mobility solutions, including electrification and sustainable technologies.

Company Size: Large Enterprise. Hyundai Motor Company is a global corporation with a significant workforce, indicating a structured environment with established processes and opportunities for large-scale impact.

Founded: 1967. With a long history, Hyundai has a deep legacy in automotive manufacturing, evolving significantly over the decades to become a major player in the global market.

Team Structure:

  • The Product Strategy team likely operates within a larger Product Planning or Marketing division, comprising specialists in market analysis, competitive intelligence, and strategic forecasting.

  • Reporting structure typically involves a direct line to a Sr. Group Manager, with potential for mentorship and guidance from senior leadership within the product development lifecycle.

  • Cross-functional collaboration is essential, involving close partnerships with Engineering, Design, Marketing, Sales, Finance, and Legal departments, as well as international counterparts like HMC and HATCI. Methodology:

  • Data-driven decision-making is a cornerstone, utilizing quantitative and qualitative market data, consumer insights, and competitor analysis to inform strategic recommendations.

  • Strategic planning involves a forward-looking approach, focusing on long-term market trends, technological advancements (especially in electrification), and evolving consumer preferences.

  • Process optimization is inherent in refining product roadmaps, optimizing model line-ups for profitability and market share, and ensuring efficient collaboration across diverse business units.

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

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: Understanding Hyundai's focus on innovation, quality, and its aggressive push into electrification is key. For operations professionals, this means the role is likely dynamic, data-intensive, and requires a forward-thinking mindset. The company's scale suggests opportunities to influence major strategic decisions and work on impactful projects.

πŸ“ˆ Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is a mid-to-senior level management position, focusing on strategic product planning and market analysis. It requires a blend of analytical expertise, strategic foresight, and strong communication skills. The scope extends beyond tactical execution to influencing long-term product direction and business objectives.

Reporting Structure: The Manager, Product Strategy reports to a Sr. Group Manager, indicating a clear hierarchy within the Product Strategy department. This structure allows for mentorship from experienced leaders and provides a pathway for career advancement within the organization.

Operations Impact: This role has a significant impact on revenue and business decisions by shaping the future product portfolio, identifying new market opportunities, and influencing strategic direction. The insights generated directly affect sales forecasts, market positioning, and long-term brand perception, all of which are critical drivers of financial performance.

Growth Opportunities:

  • Product Strategy Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific product segments (e.g., EVs, future mobility) and advance to Senior Manager or Director roles within Product Strategy or Product Planning.

  • Cross-Functional Leadership: Transition into broader GTM strategy, market analysis leadership, or even business development roles by leveraging a strong understanding of market dynamics and strategic partnerships.

  • Operations Management: Develop leadership skills by managing teams, overseeing complex projects, and contributing to the overall operational efficiency of the product development lifecycle.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: This role is a strategic stepping stone, offering significant exposure to high-level decision-making in the automotive sector. The emphasis on future mobility and electrification presents unique growth avenues. For operations professionals, this role bridges the gap between data analysis and strategic business direction, enhancing their value proposition for future leadership roles.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site position, requiring regular presence at the Fountain Valley, California office. The work environment is likely professional and collaborative, typical of a corporate automotive headquarters.

Office Location(s): Fountain Valley, California, USA. This location serves as a key hub for Hyundai Motor America operations, offering access to a vibrant business community and talent pool in Southern California.

Workspace Context:

  • The workspace is expected to be a standard office setting, facilitating collaboration with team members and other departments.

  • Access to necessary technology and tools, including advanced analytics software, presentation tools (PowerPoint, Excel), and internal communication platforms, will be provided to support daily tasks and strategic initiatives.

  • Opportunities for direct interaction with colleagues in Product Planning, Marketing, Sales, and potentially Engineering will be abundant, fostering a dynamic and collaborative exchange of ideas.

Work Schedule: The role is based on a standard 40-hour work week. However, given the nature of product strategy and the fast-paced automotive industry, flexibility may be required to meet project deadlines, attend critical meetings, or respond to urgent market developments. Travel, approximately 10%, is also expected for industry events, supplier meetings, or collaboration with international teams.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement suggests a preference for in-person collaboration and team synergy, which can be beneficial for complex strategic discussions and relationship building. The mention of travel indicates an expectation for active engagement with external partners and internal stakeholders across different locations.

πŸ“„ Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

  • Initial Screening: HR or a recruiter will review applications to ensure basic qualifications (education, years of experience) are met.

  • Hiring Manager Interview: A conversation with the Sr. Group Manager or hiring manager to assess fit, experience, and understanding of product strategy principles. Expect questions about past strategic projects and market analysis experience.

  • Case Study/Presentation: Candidates may be asked to present a strategic analysis or proposal, similar to what would be expected in their portfolio. This assesses analytical skills, presentation abilities, and strategic thinking. Be prepared to discuss market trends, competitive landscapes, and potential product strategies.

  • Cross-Functional Interviews: Interviews with key stakeholders from other departments (e.g., Marketing, Sales, Engineering) to evaluate collaboration skills and the ability to integrate diverse perspectives.

  • Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership to discuss overall fit with company culture and strategic vision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

  • Strategic Focus: Highlight projects demonstrating strategic planning, market analysis, and product concept development.

  • Data-Driven Insights: Showcase how you used quantitative and qualitative data to derive actionable insights and inform decisions.

  • Impact & Results: Quantify the impact of your strategies or analyses whenever possible (e.g., market share increase, profitability improvement).

  • Process Clarity: Clearly articulate your methodology for market research, strategic planning, and business case development.

  • Presentation Excellence: Include examples of well-structured presentations that effectively communicate complex information to executive audiences.

  • Automotive Relevance: Tailor examples to showcase understanding of the automotive industry, especially trends like electrification.

Challenge Preparation:

  • Market Analysis: Be ready to analyze a specific automotive market segment, identify key trends, and propose strategic directions.

  • Competitive Benchmarking: Prepare to discuss competitor strategies and identify opportunities for Hyundai.

  • Electrification Strategy: Understand current EV market dynamics, battery technology, and consumer adoption challenges.

  • Business Case Justification: Practice building a concise and compelling business case for a new product initiative or strategic partnership.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The interview process for a role like this emphasizes strategic thinking, analytical rigor, and communication skills. A strong portfolio that demonstrates these capabilities, particularly within the automotive sector, will be crucial. Be prepared to articulate your thought process and the rationale behind your strategic recommendations.

πŸ›  Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

  • Microsoft PowerPoint: Essential for developing and delivering strategic presentations to influence executive decision-making. Proficiency in creating compelling visuals and structuring complex narratives is key.

  • Microsoft Excel: Critical for quantitative data analysis, financial modeling, market sizing, and creating detailed reports. Advanced functions, pivot tables, and data visualization skills are highly valued.

  • MTAB: This is a specific tool likely used within Hyundai for market analysis, competitive intelligence, or product planning. Familiarity or the ability to quickly learn and leverage this tool effectively will be important.

Analytics & Reporting:

  • Experience with market research databases and automotive industry data providers (e.g., IHS Markit, JD Power) may be beneficial for gathering relevant insights.

  • Ability to interpret and synthesize data from various sources to create comprehensive market assessments and performance reports. CRM & Automation:

  • While not directly a CRM role, understanding how product strategies influence sales and marketing operations, and how CRM data can inform product planning, is advantageous.

  • Familiarity with project management tools (e.g., Asana, Monday.com) might be helpful for managing multiple simultaneous projects.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: Proficiency in standard office productivity suites (PowerPoint, Excel) is a baseline requirement. The specific mention of "MTAB" indicates a proprietary or specialized tool within Hyundai's operations. Candidates should highlight their ability to quickly adapt to new software and demonstrate strong analytical capabilities that can be applied across various platforms.

πŸ‘₯ Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

  • Innovation: A drive to explore new ideas, technologies (especially in electrification), and market opportunities to keep Hyundai at the forefront of the automotive industry.

  • Collaboration: A strong emphasis on working effectively across diverse departments and with international teams to achieve unified strategic goals.

  • Data-Driven Decision Making: A commitment to using rigorous analysis of market, consumer, and competitive data to inform all strategic planning and recommendations.

  • Customer Focus: An underlying dedication to understanding consumer needs, preferences, and behaviors to develop products that resonate with the market.

  • Efficiency and Profitability: A focus on developing strategies that not only enhance brand position but also contribute to market share growth and financial success.

Collaboration Style:

  • Cross-Functional Integration: The role requires seamless collaboration with various business units, necessitating strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build consensus among diverse teams with potentially competing priorities.

  • Stakeholder Engagement: Proactive communication and engagement with internal stakeholders (Sr. Group Manager, department leadership, other HMA units) and external partners (HATCI, HMC) are essential for alignment and effective strategy execution.

  • Open Communication: An environment that encourages sharing of insights, feedback, and challenges to foster continuous improvement in product strategy and execution.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: Hyundai's emphasis on innovation, particularly in electrification, aligns with forward-thinking operations professionals. The collaborative nature of the role means that strong interpersonal skills and the ability to influence without direct authority are highly valued. Operations candidates should demonstrate how they embody these values in their work.

⚑ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

  • Pace of Technological Change: The automotive industry, especially in electrification, is rapidly evolving. Staying ahead of battery innovations, charging infrastructure developments, and new mobility solutions requires continuous learning and adaptation.

  • Global Coordination: Aligning product strategies with global counterparts (HMC) and regional market needs can be complex, requiring effective communication and negotiation skills across different cultures and business units.

  • Balancing Innovation and Profitability: Developing cutting-edge products while ensuring they meet profitability targets and consumer purchase considerations is a constant strategic challenge.

  • Data Synthesis Complexity: Integrating vast amounts of market, consumer, and competitor data into coherent and actionable strategies requires sophisticated analytical capabilities and clear communication.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

  • Electrification Expertise: Opportunities to deepen knowledge in EV technology, battery management, charging ecosystems, and sustainable automotive practices.

  • Strategic Leadership Development: Gaining exposure to executive-level decision-making, refining strategic planning skills, and potentially developing leadership capabilities through mentorship and project ownership.

  • Cross-Cultural Business Acumen: Enhancing skills in international business communication and collaboration through work with global teams.

  • Industry Networking: Attending industry conferences and events to build a professional network and stay informed about emerging trends and best practices.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: This role presents significant challenges that are also opportunities for growth. Operations professionals who thrive in dynamic environments and are eager to tackle complex, forward-looking problems will find this position rewarding. The focus on electrification is a key growth area within the automotive industry.

πŸ’‘ Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

  • "Describe a time you developed a product strategy from concept to proposal. What was your process, and what were the key challenges?" (Focus on your structured approach, data utilization, and how you navigated obstacles.)

  • "How would you assess the market viability of a new electric vehicle concept for the US market, considering current trends and competitor offerings?" (Demonstrate your market analysis framework, understanding of EV dynamics, and ability to synthesize information.)

  • "Walk me through a situation where you had to influence executive decision-making with complex data. How did you present your findings, and what was the outcome?" (Highlight your presentation skills, ability to simplify complex data, and persuasive communication.)

  • "How do you stay current with automotive industry trends, particularly in electrification and future mobility?" (Showcase your proactive learning habits and sources of information.) Company & Culture Questions:

  • "What interests you about Hyundai's product strategy, especially regarding its electrification efforts?" (Research Hyundai's recent product launches, EV roadmap, and stated company goals.)

  • "How do you approach collaboration with cross-functional teams that may have different priorities?" (Emphasize your ability to build consensus, communicate effectively, and find common ground.)

  • "How would you align a product strategy with the broader company brand identity and sales objectives?" (Discuss your understanding of brand synergy and go-to-market alignment.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

  • Narrative Arc: Structure your portfolio presentation around a compelling story for each case study, starting with the challenge, detailing your strategic approach, the data you used, the execution, and the quantifiable results.

  • Visual Clarity: Use clear, concise visuals (charts, graphs, simplified diagrams) to illustrate data and strategic frameworks. Avoid overly text-heavy slides.

  • Focus on Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the business impact or outcome. Use metrics where possible to demonstrate ROI or strategic success.

  • Process Demonstration: Be prepared to walk through your methodology for market analysis, strategic planning, and business case development, highlighting your structured approach.

  • Tailor to Hyundai: Whenever possible, draw parallels between your experience and Hyundai's current strategic priorities, especially in electrification and market expansion.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily scrutinize strategic thinking, analytical skills, and the ability to communicate complex ideas effectively. Candidates should prepare specific examples that showcase their problem-solving approach, data-driven insights, and successful collaboration. A well-curated portfolio that demonstrates these competencies is essential.

πŸ“Œ Application Steps

To apply for this Manager, Product Strategy position:

  • Submit your application through the provided link on the Hyundai Careers website.

  • Tailor Your Resume: Highlight experience in product strategy, market analysis, automotive industry, electrification, and strategic planning. Quantify achievements with specific data and metrics where possible.

  • Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 key projects that best demonstrate your strategic thinking, analytical capabilities, and ability to develop and present product strategies. Focus on impact and process.

  • Prepare for Case Studies: Practice analyzing market trends, competitor landscapes, and developing strategic recommendations for automotive products, especially EVs.

  • Research Hyundai: Familiarize yourself with Hyundai's current product line, their electrification strategy (e.g., Ioniq brand), recent news, and their overall market position. Understand their brand identity and business objectives.

⚠️ 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.

Application Requirements

Requires a bachelor's degree and at least six years of OEM experience, including three years in a strategic role. Candidates must possess strong analytical skills and proficiency in automotive market research and strategy.