Job Description:

The primary responsibilities of Program Manager, Accessory Planning are to lead the accessory portfolio and business plan creation for all model lines, ensure the successful launch of all accessories through intensive collaboration with various launch teams, and the on-going strategic management of existing accessory business plans to ensure alignment with Mazda’s overall business goals. This position manages the accessory program financials, leads key milestone reviews with MNAO senior management, and identifies new item opportunities to fulfill Mazda customer needs and increase our product appeal to enhance the Mazda brand.

Major Areas of Responsibility (MAR):

Accessory Planning - 60%

Lead accessory product strategy creation to support all future U.S. vehicle model lines, including all-new J-code programs and Interim Product Measures/IPMs.
Create accessory plans that are aligned with vehicle concepts, product assumptions, key values, and customer requirements through coordination with MNAO related departments and Mazda Japan headquarters team members.
Perform business case analyses and utilize customer/dealer research data/benchmarking as needed for accessory item “Go/No-Go” decision-making.
Partner with Mazda Corporate (MC) and global regions to determine accessory product sourcing and development roles & responsibilities for enterprise efficiencies.
Lead accessory program kick-off activity to begin parts development phase with MNAO cross-functional team and suppliers.
Identify new accessory opportunities for MNAO through team collaboration, research resources, and competitor benchmarking. Lead product roadmap implementation.
Support vehicle program requests for standard equipment/limited edition accessory.
Evaluate sales results, industry data, customer studies, and field feedback to update the accessory market equations and/or interim accessory product updates.
Create yearly financial reviews and market equation updates to ensure on-going achievement of business and financial goals.

Launch Planning - 20%

Develop accessory launch plans with the goal of achieving both initial and sustained accessory sales targets.
Lead the MNAO cross-functional accessory team/departments in executing accessory plans to support vehicle launch timing. Support weekly review meetings.
Communicate key details across various departments, Regions/Field, and dealers to guarantee the accessory portfolio is accurately represented, supported, and understood.
Support Accessories in Brand Value Launch Process (BVLP).

Serve as the subject matter expert for all accessory launch initiatives.

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Communication - 20%

Collaborate with Accessory Purchasing, Port Ops, Accessory Sales & Supply, Accessory Development, Design, TSD, etc. to ensure all cross-functional decisions support the accessory market equation.
Collaborate with R&D / Design team members and provide ongoing decision-making support within planning area. Share relevant business updates that may impact our team’s work activities.
Assist with MC RPPD planning requests. Support bi-weekly MC meetings.
Communicate key details across various departments, Regions/Field, and dealers to guarantee the accessory portfolio is accurately represented, supported, and understood.
Present accessory plans to MNAO executive team at key milestones and support management requests as needed.

Qualifications and Other Requirements:

Education (Minimum):

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Economics, Finance, Statistics, or related field, or equivalent combination of education, training, and work experience.

Experience:

Minimum five (5) years of project management or supervisory experience in product planning.

Preferred but not required:

Automotive industry knowledge.
Solid understanding of vehicle line planning and business case analysis.
Proficiency in research study cross-tabulation software (mTAB).

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

Strong leadership skills with ability to lead and communicate effectively within a cross-functional team environment.
Excellent communication skills with ability to present findings and recommendations clearly and concisely to executive management.
Strong financial analytical skills.
Excellent organization and time-management skills.
Ability to collaborate effectively with different departments and other Mazda group companies.

Proficiency with computer applications, including Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Power BI and Outlook, as well as the ability to learn and effectively utilize other software applications used within the Company.
Must be analytical and a problem solver with the ability to identify problems and/or cause-effect relationships; identify key issues; secure relevant information from all appropriate sources; identify possible root causes of problems and develop and implement corrective actions for resolution.
Strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize tasks in accordance with established standards and deadlines required.
Self-motivated and capable of working with minimal supervision and/or direction.

Travel:

Required Quarterly

#LI-Remote

We support Remote work in the following states:

Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin

Pay Range:

$91,400.00-$139,400.00

Salary to be determined by education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities of the applicant, internal equity, and alignment with market data.

Learn more about MNAO’s comprehensive benefits package here