Head of Product Development & Strategy, BA AM, Segment Americas

The Head of Product Development & Strategy at Continental is responsible for overseeing engineering activities in North America, managing project budgets, and driving product development. This role includes leading cross-functional teams, conducting market analyses, developing business strategies, and ensuring the successful execution of regional roadmaps that align with global business objectives.

To apply for the Head of Product Development & Strategy role at Continental, candidates should have a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, or a related field, along with a minimum of 7 years of relevant work experience, including 5 years in Automotive Sales and Program Management. Proven leadership experience and expertise in market analysis, business strategy, and managing customer relationships are essential.

As the Head of Product Development & Strategy at Continental, your role is pivotal in driving product innovation. By leading engineering teams and collaborating with internal and external stakeholders, you will create and analyze business cases that support innovative product development initiatives, positioning Continental as a leader in the autonomous mobility market.

The team structure for the Head of Product Development & Strategy role at Continental involves managing cross-functional teams that include engineers, market analysts, and business developers. It is essential to foster a collaborative environment that encourages innovation while aligning team efforts with the broader goals of the Business Unit and Continental’s global strategies.

Working as Head of Product Development & Strategy at Continental comes with an array of benefits, including immediate benefits, a robust total rewards package, paid time off, volunteer time off, tuition assistance, a competitive bonus program, 401k matching, and a diverse work environment with numerous employee resource groups, along with growth opportunities for personal and professional development.

In approaching budget management for product development projects, I prioritize aligning the budget with project goals and strategic objectives. I ensure a thorough review of resource allocation and expense tracking throughout the project lifecycle, making adjustments where necessary to meet financial targets while maintaining project quality.

I have extensive experience leading cross-functional teams, where I focus on fostering open communication and collaboration. By leveraging each member's strengths, I ensure that all departments are aligned and motivated towards shared goals, which has led to successful project completions and innovation.

I utilize a combination of quantitative and qualitative research methods for market analysis, including competitor benchmarking, customer feedback, and industry trends. This allows me to formulate data-driven strategies that inform product development and enhance customer acquisition efforts.

To ensure product development aligns with global business objectives, I maintain regular communication with key stakeholders and conduct strategic reviews. I align team efforts with the company’s vision and goals, adjusting our regional strategies to support overall organizational success.

To drive innovation within my engineering teams, I encourage a culture of creativity and experimentation. I implement regular brainstorming sessions and allocate time for team members to explore new ideas and technologies, while also fostering an environment where risk-taking is supported.

I measure the success of product development initiatives through clearly defined KPIs, including project delivery timeframes, budget adherence, product quality, and market reception. Regular feedback from stakeholders and post-launch analyses are critical in assessing overall success.

Certainly! In one project, we faced significant resource constraints that threatened timelines. I organized a cross-departmental meeting to address the issue, allowing for transparent discussion of our challenges. By reallocating resources and adjusting project milestones collaboratively, we successfully delivered the project just in time.

Customer feedback is paramount in my product development process. I actively seek input through surveys, focus groups, and user testing. This information informs design choices and feature prioritization, ensuring that our products truly meet user needs and expectations.

Handling negotiations with external partners requires a strategic approach. I focus on building strong relationships based on mutual benefit and trust. I prepare thoroughly, identifying key negotiation points, and remain flexible to find compromises that serve both parties well.

My vision for the future of mobility revolves around sustainability, safety, and connectivity. This vision drives my decisions in product development, ensuring our initiatives innovate towards environmentally friendly solutions and enhanced user experiences, ultimately positioning Continental as a leader in the evolving landscape.