Product Strategy & Planning Mgr. – Specialist III

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Product Strategy & Planning Manager – Specialist III

Company: Daimler Truck AG

Location: Gaffney, SC; Fort Mill, SC; High Point, NC – United States

Job Type: Full time

Category: Product Strategy & Planning (GTM Operations Alignment)

Date Posted: 2026-07-27

Experience Level: 5-10 years

Remote Status: Hybrid (4 days in-office, 1 day remote)

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive the end-to-end product lifecycle roadmap and strategy, from ideation through successful implementation and quality gate approvals.

• Lead cross-functional teams, ensuring alignment on specifications, cost, time, quality, and profitability targets to maintain market competitiveness and legal compliance.

• Manage critical product components, including powertrain, electronic architecture, and advanced technology features (Safety/ADAS/HMI/Telematics).

• Align product strategy with internal divisions (DTSV) and external partners (DTNA) to ensure consistency and clarity across all product lines.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this role is titled "Product Strategy & Planning Manager," its emphasis on product lifecycle management, cross-functional team coordination, and ensuring business targets (cost, quality, profitability) are met positions it within the broader GTM (Go-To-Market) operations framework. Success will heavily rely on the candidate's ability to translate strategic product vision into executable plans that impact sales, marketing, and operational readiness.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and manage the comprehensive product lifecycle roadmap, guiding the product from conception to market launch and beyond.

• Conduct in-depth market analysis, including customer voice (VOC), competitor assessments, and future market trend analysis to define product priorities and key selling points.

• Establish robust product performance targets, ensuring they align with customer needs, competitive benchmarks, and future market dynamics.

• Oversee the planning, monitoring, and management of product development from initiation through the rigorous quality gates process.

• Ensure project outcomes meet stringent requirements for technical quality, reliability, schedule adherence, and cost efficiency.

• Monitor product performance against targets, recommending adjustments to schedules, costs, or resource allocation as needed.

• Identify emerging market opportunities and translate them into actionable new product strategies and value propositions.

• Develop new product value propositions and targeted feature sets that resonate with customer needs and market demands.

• Prepare complexity optimization proposals for chassis/body options to enhance efficiency and reduce costs.

• Collaborate with manufacturing facilities and interfacing departments to analyze and streamline existing structures, methods, systems, and workflows for cost improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong need for process optimization and cross-functional operational alignment. The candidate must not only strategize but also ensure operational execution, impacting manufacturing, supply chain, and engineering processes.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Engineering, Business Administration, or a closely related field. Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in Product Strategy or Product Management, with a strong focus on lifecycle management. Required Skills:

• Product Strategy & Lifecycle Management: Proven ability to define, develop, and execute comprehensive product roadmaps from inception to end-of-life.

• Cross-functional Leadership: Demonstrated track record of leading diverse, cross-functional teams (sales, engineering, finance, operations) to successfully execute product development and implementation.

• Strategic Thinking & Problem Solving: Ability to operate with minimal guidance, applying strategic thinking and robust problem-solving skills to navigate complex challenges.

• Business Acumen: Strong understanding of business principles to ensure decisions are aligned with company goals, profitability targets, and market positioning.

• Market & Customer Analysis: Proficiency in utilizing market data, customer surveys, and VOC analysis to identify customer priorities and define key selling points.

• Stakeholder Management & Influence: Excellent ability to lead and influence within a matrixed, cross-functional organization, collaborating effectively with key stakeholders.

• Communication Skills: Strong written and verbal communication abilities, essential for presenting strategies, influencing decisions, and coordinating teams.

• Results & Detail Orientation: A meticulous approach with a focus on achieving results and paying close attention to project details and quality standards.

Preferred Skills:

• MBA or postgraduate degree.

• Experience within the automotive industry, ideally with heavy-duty vehicles.

• Good technical/mechanical understanding of chassis, engines, bus, and RV systems.

• Experience in Marketing, including value proposition development and go-to-market planning.

📝 Enhancement Note: The preferred skills indicate a strong advantage for candidates with direct automotive product experience, particularly in heavy-duty vehicles. This suggests a need for understanding the technical nuances of powertrain and chassis systems to effectively strategize and communicate with engineering teams.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Product Lifecycle Case Studies: Showcase examples of products managed from concept through launch, detailing the strategy, planning phases, and key decisions made.

• Cross-functional Project Leadership: Provide evidence of leading teams through complex projects, highlighting collaboration with engineering, sales, marketing, and operations.

• Market Analysis & Strategy: Present examples of market research, VOC analysis, and competitor assessments that informed product strategy and roadmap development.

• Metrics & KPI Demonstration: Include case studies demonstrating how performance targets (cost, quality, schedule, profitability) were set and achieved, with clear metrics and outcomes.

• Process Optimization Initiatives: Highlight any contributions to streamlining workflows, improving efficiency, or optimizing costs within product development or lifecycle management processes.

Process Documentation:

• Strategic Planning Frameworks: Demonstrate familiarity with structured approaches to product strategy development and roadmap planning.

• Quality Gates Process: Illustrate understanding and experience with structured approval processes for product development milestones.

• VOC Integration: Explain how customer feedback and market insights were systematically integrated into product planning and decision-making.

• Cross-functional Alignment Mechanisms: Detail methods or processes used to ensure alignment and buy-in from diverse stakeholder groups.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio demonstrating a structured approach to product strategy, lifecycle management, and cross-functional execution is crucial. Candidates should be prepared to articulate their process for translating market needs into actionable product plans and managing them through development to meet business objectives.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $104,000 - $133,000 USD per year.

Benefits:

• Financial: Annual bonus program, competitive 401k with company contribution (up to 6% match and 3-7% non-elective contribution based on age).

• Time Off: Generous paid time off starting at 4 weeks of vacation, plus 13+ calendar holidays.

• Family Support: 8 weeks of paid parental leave.

• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive healthcare plans, wellness programs, employee assistance program, and onsite fitness facilities (at select locations).

• Professional Development: Tuition assistance and paid time off for volunteer activities.

• Insurance: Short-term and long-term disability plans.

Working Hours:

• Standard 40-hour work week. The role is designated as Hybrid, requiring 4 days per week in the office and 1 day remote.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is a strong indicator for the Specialist III level within the automotive/heavy-duty vehicle sector. The extensive benefits package, particularly the generous PTO, parental leave, and retirement contributions, reflects Daimler Truck's commitment to employee well-being and long-term retention. The hybrid schedule emphasizes a balance between in-person collaboration and individual work flexibility.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Automotive Manufacturing (specifically Heavy-Duty Trucks and related components). Daimler Truck AG is a global leader in commercial vehicles, with a focus on sustainability, electrification, and autonomous driving technologies. This context means operations professionals must be adaptable to rapid technological advancements and evolving market demands.

Company Size: Large Enterprise (Daimler Truck AG is a global entity with thousands of employees worldwide). This size implies structured processes, established hierarchies, and significant resources, but also potential for bureaucracy. Operations roles often involve navigating complex organizational structures.

Founded: 2021 (as a spin-off from Daimler AG). This relatively recent formation as an independent entity suggests a dynamic environment focused on future growth and innovation, while leveraging a long history of automotive expertise.

Team Structure:

• Product Strategy & Planning Team: Likely composed of product managers, strategists, and analysts responsible for defining and guiding the product portfolio. This team will work closely with engineering, marketing, sales, finance, and operations departments.

• Reporting Structure: The "Specialist III" title suggests a senior individual contributor or a manager of a small, specialized team. The role will likely report into a Director or Vice President of Product Management or Product Strategy.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Integral to the role. The Product Strategy Manager will act as a central hub, coordinating efforts across various departments to ensure successful product development and launch. This requires strong interpersonal skills and the ability to influence without direct authority.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Emphasis on market data, customer insights (VOC), and competitive analysis to inform strategic decisions.

• Agile/Stage-Gate Product Development: The mention of "quality gates" indicates a structured, phased approach to product development, common in automotive and manufacturing.

• Customer-Centric Innovation: Focus on understanding evolving customer needs and market trends to drive the development of future-ready solutions (e.g., electric, autonomous).

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

📝 Enhancement Note: As a global leader in the automotive industry, Daimler Truck AG operates with a high degree of technical sophistication and market influence. Operations professionals in this environment need to be adept at managing complex projects, collaborating across diverse teams, and staying abreast of cutting-edge technologies and regulatory changes.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Specialist III indicates a senior-level individual contributor role. This position is beyond entry-level or mid-level, requiring significant experience and the ability to operate with a high degree of autonomy. It often serves as a stepping stone to management or principal-level technical expert roles within operations or product strategy.

Reporting Structure: The role will likely report into a Director or VP of Product Management, Product Strategy, or a related GTM function. This provides exposure to senior leadership and strategic decision-making within the organization.

Operations Impact: This role has a direct impact on the company's revenue and market position by defining the product portfolio that drives sales. Strategic planning ensures that new products meet market demands, maintain profitability, and align with the company's long-term vision for sustainability and technology leadership.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Progression: Potential to move into a Product Management Lead, Director of Product Strategy, or similar management roles overseeing larger teams or portfolios.

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific product areas like electrification, autonomous systems, or powertrain technology, becoming a subject matter expert.

• Cross-Functional Mobility: Opportunities to transition into related GTM roles, such as Strategic Planning, Business Development, or Marketing leadership, leveraging product expertise.

• Industry Exposure: Continuous learning through exposure to cutting-edge automotive technology, market trends, and global operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: For operations professionals aiming for leadership, this role offers a strategic vantage point. The ability to influence product direction and understand the commercial implications of technical decisions is key for advancement into senior GTM or operational leadership positions.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work arrangement (4 days in-office, 1 day remote). This model aims to balance the benefits of in-person collaboration and team building with the flexibility of remote work.

Office Location(s): The role is open to candidates in Gaffney, SC; Fort Mill, SC; and High Point, NC. Relocation assistance is not provided, suggesting candidates should ideally be local or willing to relocate at their own expense.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model and emphasis on "OneTeamBestTeam" culture suggest a workplace that values in-person interaction for brainstorming, problem-solving, and team cohesion.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Expect access to standard enterprise software, project management tools, CRM systems (likely Salesforce or similar), and potentially specialized product lifecycle management (PLM) software. Access to robust data analytics and reporting tools will be crucial for market analysis and performance tracking.

• Team Interaction: Frequent interaction with product managers, engineers, marketing specialists, sales teams, and operational leads from various departments.

Work Schedule:

• The hybrid schedule (4 days office/1 day remote) requires a structured approach to managing time and ensuring productivity across different work settings. This schedule is designed to foster collaboration while allowing for focused individual work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model is a key characteristic of the work environment. Operations professionals must be adept at managing their time effectively, ensuring seamless communication and collaboration regardless of location, and leveraging technology to maintain productivity.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or recruiter call to assess basic qualifications, interest, and salary expectations.

• Hiring Manager Interview: In-depth discussion with the hiring manager focusing on experience, strategic thinking, leadership capabilities, and fit with the team's objectives. Be prepared to discuss product lifecycle examples.

• Cross-functional Interviews: Interviews with key stakeholders from engineering, sales, marketing, or operations to assess collaboration skills and ability to influence. Expect questions about handling conflicting priorities.

• Case Study/Presentation: A common step for product strategy roles. Candidates may be asked to present a case study on a past product strategy, market analysis, or a hypothetical product challenge.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader (e.g., Director/VP) to confirm overall fit and strategic alignment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 2-3 of your strongest product strategy or management projects that best align with the job description.

Focus on impact and quantifiable results.

• Structure Your Case Studies: For each project, clearly outline:

  • The Challenge/Opportunity
  • Your Role & Responsibilities
  • The Strategy & Plan Developed
  • Key Cross-functional Collaborations
  • The Execution & Implementation
  • The Results (use metrics: e.g., market share increase, revenue growth, cost reduction, customer satisfaction improvement)

• Highlight Operations Alignment: Emphasize how your product strategies considered operational feasibility, manufacturing constraints, supply chain implications, and GTM readiness.

• Demonstrate Data Proficiency: Showcase how you used data (market, customer, financial) to drive decisions and measure success.

• Practice Your Presentation: Be ready to walk through your portfolio with clarity and confidence, answering detailed questions about your decision-making process.

Challenge Preparation:

• Product Strategy Case: Be prepared for a hypothetical scenario where you need to define a strategy for a new product or improve an existing one. Focus on market analysis, target audience, value proposition, and key features.

• Operational Feasibility: Consider how your proposed product strategy would translate into operational plans for manufacturing, supply chain, and support.

• Stakeholder Alignment: Think about how you would gain buy-in from different departments for your strategic recommendations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process for a role like this is rigorous. A well-prepared portfolio is not just a resume supplement; it's a critical tool for demonstrating your strategic thinking, execution capabilities, and understanding of operational impact. Be ready to articulate your "why" behind every decision.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) Software: Likely tools like Siemens Teamcenter, PTC Windchill, or similar for managing product data, configurations, and development processes.

• Project Management Software: Tools such as Jira, Asana, Microsoft Project, or Monday.com for tracking project timelines, tasks, and resource allocation.

• CRM Systems: Salesforce is a strong possibility, used for understanding customer segments, sales pipelines, and market feedback.

• Collaboration Platforms: Microsoft Teams, Slack, for communication and real-time collaboration across dispersed teams.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Business Intelligence (BI) Tools: Tableau, Power BI, or QlikView for creating dashboards and reports on market performance, product KPIs, and sales trends.

• Spreadsheet Software: Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets for data analysis, modeling, and scenario planning.

• Market Research Tools: Access to industry-specific market intelligence platforms (e.g., IHS Markit, JD Power) or internal market research databases.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM (as above): For managing customer data and sales interactions.

• Marketing Automation Platforms (Potentially): While not primary, understanding how product strategies integrate with platforms like HubSpot or Marketo can be beneficial.

• Data Integration Tools (Awareness): Familiarity with how data flows between different systems (e.g., CRM to PLM, ERP to CRM) is advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job description doesn't list specific tools, candidates should infer the need for proficiency in enterprise-level PLM, CRM, and BI tools common in large manufacturing organizations. Demonstrating adaptability and a strong understanding of data flow and integration is key.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Focus: A deep understanding of customer needs (VOC) and market trends is paramount, driving product development that delivers value and solves real problems.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Reliance on analytics, market research, and performance metrics to guide strategy and measure success, ensuring objectivity and accountability.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Strong emphasis on working effectively across diverse departments (engineering, sales, marketing, operations, finance) to achieve common goals.

• Innovation & Future Orientation: Commitment to developing cutting-edge solutions, particularly in areas like electrification and autonomous driving, to maintain market leadership.

• Efficiency & Optimization: A continuous drive to streamline processes, optimize costs, and improve product performance and lifecycle management.

Collaboration Style:

• Matrixed Influence: The role requires influencing stakeholders across various departments and potentially different business units (DTSV, DTNA). This necessitates strong negotiation, communication, and relationship-building skills.

• Process-Oriented: A structured approach to collaboration, utilizing established quality gates and project management methodologies to ensure clarity and accountability.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging open communication and sharing of insights across teams to foster collective problem-solving and continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: Daimler Truck AG's values likely emphasize innovation, sustainability, and customer satisfaction. For operations professionals, this translates to a need for strategic thinking, a proactive approach to problem-solving, and a strong ability to collaborate within a complex, global organization.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Stakeholder Needs: Managing diverse and potentially conflicting requirements from engineering, sales, marketing, and finance teams while staying true to product strategy.

• Navigating Complex Organization: Working within a large, global enterprise like Daimler Truck AG requires understanding internal structures, processes, and decision-making hierarchies.

• Rapid Technological Evolution: The automotive industry is undergoing rapid transformation (electrification, autonomy). Staying ahead of these trends and integrating them into product strategy is a continuous challenge.

• Market Volatility: Responding to fluctuating market demands, economic conditions, and competitive pressures requires agility and robust strategic planning.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Training: Opportunities for advanced training in product management methodologies, automotive technology (EVs, ADAS), and market analysis.

• Industry Conferences & Events: Exposure to leading industry events, conferences, and supplier showcases to stay current on trends and network.

• Mentorship Programs: Potential access to mentorship from senior leaders within Daimler Truck AG, offering guidance on career development and strategic insights.

• Cross-functional Exposure: Opportunities to gain deeper understanding of other operational areas (e.g., manufacturing, supply chain, engineering) through collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for senior product strategy roles in rapidly evolving industries. Embracing continuous learning and proactively seeking opportunities to develop expertise in new technologies and operational areas will be crucial for success and growth.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you developed a product strategy for a new product. What was your process, and what were the key outcomes?" (Focus on market analysis, VOC, target audience, value proposition, and how you aligned with operations/GTM.)

• "How do you balance competing priorities from different departments (e.g., engineering's desire for advanced features vs. sales' need for faster time-to-market)?" (Highlight your negotiation, influence, and decision-making framework.)

• "Walk us through a product that failed or didn't meet expectations. What did you learn, and how would you approach it differently?" (Demonstrate self-awareness, analytical skills, and ability to adapt.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Daimler Truck AG's strategy regarding electrification or autonomous driving, and how would your role contribute?" (Research their recent announcements and strategic pillars.)

• "How do you see the hybrid work model impacting your ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams on product planning?" (Emphasize strategies for effective remote and in-office collaboration.)

• "How do you ensure your product strategies are not only innovative but also operationally feasible and profitable?" (Connect product vision with business realities and operational constraints.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Lead with Impact: Start each case study with the most significant outcome or achievement.

• Tell a Story: Frame your projects as narratives with a clear beginning (challenge), middle (your actions/strategy), and end (results).

• Quantify Everything: Use metrics (market share, revenue, cost savings, efficiency gains) to demonstrate tangible impact.

• Highlight Collaboration: Explicitly mention the teams you worked with and how you fostered alignment.

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use visuals if appropriate (e.g., simplified process flows, market trend charts) to enhance understanding.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your decisions, assumptions, and the data you used.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviews for this role will heavily assess strategic thinking, leadership, and the ability to translate vision into executable plans that consider operational realities. Your portfolio presentation should clearly articulate your process, impact, and collaborative approach.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Product Strategy & Planning Manager position:

• Submit your application through the Daimler Truck North America careers portal.

• Tailor Your Resume: Customize your resume to highlight experience in product strategy, lifecycle management, cross-functional leadership, market analysis, and GTM alignment. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate 2-3 impactful case studies showcasing your product strategy development, execution, and results. Focus on quantifiable achievements and how you collaborated across departments.

• Research Daimler Truck AG: Understand their current product lines, strategic initiatives (especially in electrification and sustainability), and recent company news.

• Practice Your Presentation: Rehearse walking through your portfolio and answering common product strategy interview questions, focusing on clarity, impact, and strategic rationale.

⚠️ 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.