Product Strategy Manager, Automotive Connectors

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Product Strategy Manager, Automotive Connectors

Company: Eaton Corporation

Location: Lathrup Village, MI; Galesburg, MI; Marshall, MI; Carol Stream, IL; Tualatin, OR

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Product Strategy / Product Management

Date Posted: 2026-04-14T01:45:04

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid (3 office days/week)

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive global product strategy and long-term growth initiatives for the automotive connector product line, focusing on the evolving needs of the electrified vehicle market.

• Lead technical sales and marketing activities, translating market insights and Voice of Customer (VOC) into actionable product plans and roadmaps.

• Manage the entire product lifecycle from inception to phase-out, ensuring profitable growth and market share expansion within the connection systems segment.

• Collaborate cross-functionally with sales, engineering, marketing, and finance teams to define product requirements, develop commercial strategies, and achieve targeted business outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is critical for Eaton's Mobility Group, specifically within the Power Connections business, and is positioned to capitalize on the significant shift towards electric and advanced vehicle technologies. The emphasis on "connection systems" and "automotive connectors" within the context of "electrified future of mobility" signifies a strategic focus on the critical components enabling high-voltage and data transfer in EVs.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and execute comprehensive global product strategies and long-term growth initiatives for the automotive connector product line.

• Lead product planning processes, including market analysis, competitive landscape assessment, and identification of evolving regulatory requirements and market trends.

• Drive the development of product roadmaps, prioritizing new product innovations and enhancements based on customer needs and Voice of Customer (VOC) feedback.

• Partner with sales organizations to develop and execute customer engagement strategies, aiming to achieve targeted commercial wins and expand market share.

• Provide functional leadership to MarCom (Marketing Communications) and build organizational capability within the global product group functions.

• Manage product launches, support, and problem resolution throughout the product lifecycle, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives.

• Lead the annual strategic planning process for the product line, presenting key priorities, growth opportunities, risks, and competitive insights to leadership.

• Drive accountability for growth and standard profit within the product group, with a primary focus on North American market activities.

• Analyze and articulate underlying market trends and evolving regulatory requirements that create new opportunities in specific segments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic thinking, market analysis, customer engagement, and cross-functional leadership. The role demands a proactive approach to identifying and capitalizing on market shifts, particularly in the EV space, and translating these insights into tangible product plans that drive revenue and profit.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.

Experience:

• Minimum seven (7) years of experience in the Automotive or Electrical Sector, encompassing system design, testing, manufacturing, product management, product planning, or sales-related roles.

• Minimum two (2) years of direct experience within the Automotive Connector sector is required.

• Five (5) years of experience in the Automotive Connector sector is preferred.

• Minimum two (2) years of experience with automotive wire harness design is preferred.

• Prior experience in a manufacturing environment is preferred.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated ability to foresee market trends and propose solutions with confidence.

• Knowledge of automotive electrical systems, components, and performance objectives.

• Strong understanding of regional Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and their product portfolios.

• Proficiency in developing business cases with key metrics impacting program profitability.

• Proven ability to communicate market trends and their impact on business strategy.

• Ability to articulate logical interpretations of multiple perspectives and scenarios.

• Demonstrated experience in developing recommendations based on aggregated variables and market conditions.

• Ability to forecast with an open view of leading market drivers and indicators.

• Experience in driving aligned actions through cross-functional groups without direct reporting authority.

• Strong analytical skills and business acumen.

• Ability to manage multiple projects/activities with a results-driven approach.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience building strong partnerships and influencing cross-functional stakeholders in sales, finance, product line leaders, and HR.

• Working knowledge of electric vehicle high voltage systems and industrial power management and storage.

• Strong leadership skills with proven capability to deliver results and build high-performance teams.

• Strong operational and financial acumen, with the ability to engage across businesses internally and externally.

• Ability to drive key metrics: Wins, Pipeline, Profitability, Product Portfolio Prioritization, Project Timeline, Product Strategy execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for specific experience in Automotive Connectors and automotive wire harness design is crucial. Candidates should highlight any experience with high-voltage systems and EV-specific applications. The preferred skills emphasize leadership, financial acumen, and the ability to influence without direct authority, which are key for a strategy-focused role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Case studies demonstrating successful product strategy development and execution within the automotive or electrical sector.

• Examples of market analysis, competitive intelligence, and strategic planning documents that led to tangible business outcomes.

• Documentation showcasing product roadmap development and prioritization methodologies.

• Evidence of successfully managing product lifecycles, including product launches and end-of-life strategies.

Process Documentation:

• Workflows illustrating how Voice of Customer (VOC) is collected, analyzed, and translated into product requirements.

• Examples of collaboration with sales and marketing teams to develop and execute customer engagement strategies.

• Documentation of strategic planning processes, including leadership reviews and prioritization frameworks.

• Case studies detailing how market trends and regulatory changes were identified and leveraged for product innovation.

• Examples of cross-functional project management, demonstrating coordination across engineering, sales, manufacturing, and finance.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should be prepared to showcase their strategic thinking through structured case studies. The portfolio should emphasize how they've translated market insights into actionable product plans that drive growth and profitability, particularly in complex, technical industries like automotive connectors.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• The expected annual salary range for this role is $130,000 - $190,000 USD.

• Note: This is a general guideline. Actual salaries will be based on candidate skills, experience, qualifications, market conditions, and business considerations.

Benefits:

• Health Insurance

• Welfare Benefits

• Retirement Benefits

• Paid Time Off (PTO) programs

• Note: Specific programs and options may vary based on eligibility factors like geographic location, date of hire, and collective bargaining agreements. Eaton also offers programs for paid and unpaid time away from work.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours are expected, likely around 40 hours per week. This is a hybrid role, requiring approximately 3 days per week in the office.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is competitive for a Product Strategy Manager role with significant experience requirements, especially within the automotive sector. Candidates should research industry benchmarks for similar roles in the specified locations to understand how their experience aligns with this range. The hybrid nature of the role requires balancing remote work with in-office collaboration.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Electrical Components and Equipment Manufacturing; Automotive Supplier (Mobility Group). Eaton operates in diverse markets, providing power management solutions. This specific role is within the Mobility Group, focusing on the automotive sector, which is undergoing rapid transformation due to electrification.

Company Size: Large (Eaton is a global company with a substantial employee base, typically in the tens of thousands). This implies structured processes, significant resources, and opportunities for cross-functional collaboration.

Founded: Eaton Corporation was founded in 1911. Its long history suggests stability, established market presence, and deep industry knowledge.

Team Structure:

• The role reports to the Global Product Line Director (Power Connections).

• The Product Strategy Manager will likely lead a virtual team or influence cross-functional teams composed of individuals from Sales, Marketing, Engineering, R&D, and Manufacturing.

Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making, leveraging market analysis, competitive intelligence, and Voice of Customer (VOC) feedback.

• Strategic planning frameworks are used for long-term product growth and initiative development.

• Customer-centric approach, focusing on identifying and solving customer needs.

• Emphasis on collaboration and influencing stakeholders across various departments and regions.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Eaton's long history and global presence indicate a corporate environment with established processes. The specific emphasis on the "Mobility Group" and its impending separation suggests a dynamic period of change and opportunity within this division, offering a chance to influence strategy during a pivotal time.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior-level individual contributor role, often considered a mid-to-senior management track position within product strategy and management. It requires significant experience and strategic oversight.

Reporting Structure: Reports directly to a Global Product Line Director, indicating a clear line of sight to senior leadership and strategic decision-making. This position is key to the success of the Power Connections product line.

Operations Impact: The role directly impacts revenue growth, market share, and profitability for the automotive connector product line. By shaping product strategy and roadmaps, the manager influences the company's competitive positioning and long-term success in the critical and rapidly evolving electric vehicle market.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise within the automotive connector market, high-voltage systems, and EV technology.

• Leadership: Potential to advance into senior product management roles, such as Global Product Line Director, or move into broader divisional leadership positions within the Mobility Group.

• Cross-functional Mobility: Opportunity to move into related areas such as business development, global marketing, or general management within the automotive sector.

• Industry Influence: Contribute to shaping the future of automotive connectivity through strategic product development and market engagement.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a significant opportunity for career advancement, particularly for individuals looking to specialize in the high-growth area of electric vehicle components. The strategic nature of the position and its direct impact on business results make it a valuable stepping stone for leadership roles.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work model, requiring approximately 3 days per week in the office. This suggests a collaborative office environment designed for teamwork, brainstorming, and in-person stakeholder interactions, balanced with the flexibility of remote work for focused individual tasks.

Office Location(s): The role can be based in Lathrup Village, MI; Galesburg, MI; Marshall, MI; Carol Stream, IL; or Tualatin, OR. This offers flexibility for candidates located in these regions.

Workspace Context:

• Collaboration: The hybrid model necessitates strong collaboration skills to ensure effective communication and project execution with both in-office and remote team members.

• Tools & Technology: Access to standard office technology, communication platforms, and potentially specialized product management/CRM software. The role requires leveraging data and analytics tools for market and product performance assessment.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular interaction with a diverse set of professionals across engineering, sales, marketing, and leadership, fostering a dynamic and knowledge-rich environment.

Work Schedule: Standard business hours, with a hybrid arrangement. The nature of product strategy may require occasional flexibility to accommodate global time zones or critical project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role requires candidates to be comfortable with both independent work and collaborative team activities. Proximity to one of the listed office locations is a key requirement, indicating a need for physical presence for a portion of the work week.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and application to assess alignment with required qualifications (education, experience, specific sector knowledge).

• Hiring Manager Interview: Discussion focusing on experience, strategic thinking, understanding of the automotive connector market, and leadership capabilities. Preparation for behavioral questions related to past successes and challenges.

• Cross-functional/Panel Interview: Interaction with key stakeholders from sales, engineering, and marketing. This stage assesses collaboration skills, technical understanding, and ability to articulate product strategy to different audiences.

• Case Study/Presentation: Candidates may be asked to present on a relevant topic, such as a market analysis, product strategy proposal, or a review of a past successful product launch. This is a critical opportunity to showcase portfolio elements.

• Final Interview: May involve senior leadership to discuss strategic vision and cultural fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Quantify Impact: For each project or initiative showcased, clearly articulate the results using metrics (e.g., revenue growth, market share increase, cost savings, new product adoption rates).

• Structure Case Studies: Present product strategy successes using a STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) or a similar framework. Highlight your specific role and contributions.

• Demonstrate Strategic Thinking: Showcase your ability to analyze market trends, identify opportunities, and develop actionable roadmaps. Include examples of competitive analysis and VOC integration.

• Tailor to the Role: Emphasize experience in automotive connectors, EV systems, and working with OEMs. Highlight any experience with high-voltage systems or wire harness design.

• Visual Aids: Use clear, concise visuals (charts, graphs, roadmaps) to support your presentation and portfolio.

Challenge Preparation:

• Market Analysis: Be prepared to discuss current trends in automotive connectors, the impact of electrification, and future challenges/opportunities.

• Product Strategy: Develop a hypothetical product strategy for a new connector solution or a plan to address a specific competitive threat.

• VOC Integration: Explain how you gather and incorporate customer feedback into product development and strategy.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Prepare examples of how you've successfully worked with sales, engineering, and marketing to achieve product goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio and potential case study presentation suggests that candidates need to go beyond simply listing responsibilities. They must demonstrate tangible achievements and strategic thinking through concrete examples.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CRM: Experience with CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics) for managing customer interactions, sales pipelines, and market intelligence is likely expected.

• Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) Software: Familiarity with systems for managing product data, configurations, and development processes.

• Project Management Software: Tools like Jira, Asana, Trello, or Microsoft Project for tracking initiatives, timelines, and cross-functional tasks.

• Collaboration Platforms: Microsoft Teams, Slack, Zoom for daily communication and virtual meetings.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Business Intelligence (BI) Tools: Proficiency in BI platforms such as Tableau, Power BI, or QlikView for data analysis, trend identification, and performance reporting.

• Spreadsheet Software: Advanced skills in Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets for data manipulation, financial modeling, and analysis.

• Market Research Tools: Experience with industry-specific databases or research platforms to gather competitive intelligence and market trends.

CRM & Automation:

• Marketing Automation Platforms: Familiarity with tools like HubSpot or Marketo may be beneficial for understanding go-to-market strategies.

• ERP Systems: Understanding of enterprise resource planning systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle) is helpful for comprehending manufacturing and supply chain aspects.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific tools aren't listed, a strong foundation in data analysis, project management, and CRM systems is implied. Candidates should highlight proficiency in tools that support market analysis, strategic planning, and cross-functional communication. Experience with BI tools for data visualization and reporting is particularly valuable.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation: A drive to develop new solutions and adapt to rapidly changing market dynamics, especially in electrification.

• Customer Focus: Deep commitment to understanding and meeting customer needs through effective product solutions and engagement.

• Collaboration: Emphasis on teamwork, cross-functional partnerships, and open communication to achieve shared goals.

• Accountability: Taking ownership of product strategy, execution, and business results (growth, profit, market share).

• Integrity: Upholding high ethical standards in business practices and decision-making.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Actively works with diverse teams (sales, engineering, marketing, finance) to ensure alignment and integrated execution of product strategies. This involves influencing without direct authority.

• Data-Driven Dialogue: Engages in discussions backed by market data, customer insights, and financial analysis to support strategic recommendations.

• Proactive Communication: Maintains open lines of communication with stakeholders to provide updates, address concerns, and gather input throughout the product lifecycle.

• Strategic Partnership: Builds strong relationships internally and externally to foster a collaborative environment for product development and market penetration.

📝 Enhancement Note: Eaton's culture emphasizes results, integrity, and customer focus. For this role, the ability to collaborate effectively across diverse functions and regions, while driving strategic initiatives, is paramount. The company's commitment to innovation is particularly relevant given the focus on automotive electrification.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Rapid Market Evolution: The automotive industry, especially EV technology, is evolving at an unprecedented pace. Staying ahead of technological advancements, regulatory changes, and competitor moves presents a continuous challenge.

• Global Strategy Execution: Aligning product strategy and execution across different regions, each with unique market dynamics and customer needs, requires strong cross-cultural and strategic management skills.

• Balancing Short-term vs. Long-term Goals: Managing immediate commercial demands while simultaneously investing in and planning for long-term product innovation and market positioning.

• Influencing Without Authority: Effectively driving product initiatives and gaining buy-in from cross-functional teams and stakeholders who do not report directly to this role.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Industry Expertise: Deepen knowledge in cutting-edge automotive technologies, particularly high-voltage systems, EV charging infrastructure, and advanced connector technologies.

• Strategic Leadership: Develop advanced strategic planning, market analysis, and business development skills through hands-on experience and potential training programs.

• Cross-functional Exposure: Gain comprehensive understanding of manufacturing, sales, and marketing operations within a global industrial company.

• Networking: Build relationships with key players across the automotive ecosystem, including OEMs, tier-1 suppliers, and technology partners.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are characteristic of a fast-paced, technology-driven industry. Successfully navigating these challenges will provide significant opportunities for professional growth and skill development, making the candidate highly valuable within Eaton and the broader automotive sector.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for developing a global product strategy for a new component in the automotive sector." (Focus on market analysis, VOC, competitive landscape, roadmap development, and execution planning).

• "How do you identify and prioritize product portfolio needs for profitable growth, especially in a rapidly evolving market like electric vehicles?" (Highlight data-driven approaches, ROI analysis, and strategic alignment).

• "Walk us through a time you had to influence cross-functional stakeholders (sales, engineering, marketing) to adopt your product strategy. What was the outcome?" (Use STAR method, emphasizing communication, negotiation, and alignment).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Eaton's Mobility Group and its position in the automotive market, particularly regarding electrification?" (Demonstrate research into Eaton's strategy, products, and recent news, like the planned separation).

• "How would you contribute to our culture of innovation and continuous improvement?" (Connect your experience with company values and mention your approach to problem-solving and process optimization).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Executive Summary: Start with a concise overview of your key achievements and strategic contributions.

• Case Study Deep Dive: Select 2-3 impactful projects that best represent your strategic thinking, market analysis, and product lifecycle management skills. For each:

  • Clearly define the Situation/Problem.
  • Detail your Task/Objective.
  • Explain your Action/Strategy (including market insights, VOC, competitor analysis, and roadmap decisions).
  • Quantify the Result/Impact (use specific metrics).

• Focus on Automotive Connectors: If possible, highlight specific experience with automotive connectors, wire harnesses, or high-voltage systems.

• Visuals: Use clear, professional slides with charts, graphs, and roadmaps to illustrate your points.

• Q&A Readiness: Anticipate questions about your decision-making process, challenges faced, and how you would apply your experience to Eaton's specific context.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating strategic depth, a thorough understanding of the automotive connector market, and strong execution capabilities. Candidates should be ready to articulate their thought process and quantify their impact with specific examples.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Product Strategy Manager position:

• Submit your application through the Eaton careers portal via the provided URL.

• Portfolio Customization: Curate your resume and any supplementary materials to highlight your experience in product strategy, automotive connectors, market analysis, and driving growth initiatives, especially within the context of electrification.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly outlines your years of experience in the automotive/electrical sector and specifically within automotive connectors. Use keywords from the job description, such as "Product Strategy," "Automotive Connectors," "EV," "VOC," and "Market Analysis."

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Eaton Corporation, its Mobility Group, the Power Connections business, and recent news (including the planned separation). Understand their market position, key products, and strategic direction in the automotive sector.

• Interview Practice: Prepare for behavioral and strategic questions by practicing your responses, focusing on quantifying your achievements and articulating your thought process. Prepare your portfolio presentation, ensuring it's concise, impactful, and tailored to the role.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights based on industry standards and available data. While comprehensive, it is recommended to verify specific details, such as exact salary ranges, benefits, and interview processes, directly with Eaton Corporation during the application and interview stages.