Head Of Product & Planning - Volkswagen Passenger Cars

Volkswagen are looking to appoint a customer focused Head of Product & Planning who will lead the Product & Planning Department to deliver the brand's qualitative and quantitative objectives both short and long term. In this role, you will be a central player in shaping Volkswagen Ireland's future digital footprint as we embark on a new era of mobility.

About the Role:

The successful candidate will be responsible for implementing the optimal product specification and price for each segment and model line, whilst optimising the overall portfolio. They will also manage the launch and lifecycle strategy plans for each model to achieve market share and image positioning objectives.

This role is further responsible for the implementation of vehicle planning processes from long range Planning Rounds to monthly sales and order intake forecasts, ensuring at all times that maximum advantage is taken of all opportunities and any stocking risks are minimised

As a member of the Volkswagen Passenger Cars leadership team in Ireland this role has responsibility for coaching and management of direct reports and their teams to enable the individuals to develop their roles and themselves whilst ensuring that the Brand strategy and objectives are delivered.

The role is also responsible for;

General:

• Contributing towards the strategic direction of the Volkswagen Passenger Car brand, as part of the Irish management team
• Monitoring the market and to strategically analyse, position and price new and existing products to ensure market competitiveness.
• Interfacing regularly with OEM regional team to ensure accurate and timely information.

Product Activities:

• Ensuring all models are competitively positioned to deliver strong sales and segment share performances, and maximise profit contribution
• Supporting marketing team with on communication to promote our products and services
• Managing product lifecycle to ensure all products are attractive to customers
• Developing programmes to enhance and develop dealer product knowledge of the current and future Volkswagen product, particularly EVs with new technologies
• Maintaining market intelligence by monitoring competitor product and price movements on a monthly basis

Planning Activities:

• Overseeing the vehicle ordering process
• Strategically analysing competition and managing volume planning
• Managing the long term Sales Plan (PRs, monthly forecasts) to ensure brand performance objectives are reached
• Overseeing the derivative mix planning and associated planning tools to ensure sufficient and timely supply of Products
• Managing the short term sales plan and production
• Ensuring the Irish management team is informed of potential sales risks and opportunities

About You:

• Previous experience of either Product Management or Sales Planning
• People Management experience with the ability to grow and develop team members
• Proven project management experience
• Analytical mind-set - able to provide insight from statistics and spot opportunities
• Highly organised - able to work to tight deadlines with multiple projects
• Customer orientated - able to understand and identify needs of different customer groups and segments
• Proven track record of building strong interpersonal relationships with colleagues across different departments
• Proven track record of managing budgets and third-party suppliers
• Passion for innovation and change

Closing date for application is 16th January, 2024.