Product Line Director
About the role
We are seeking a visionary Product Director to lead our Motion / Power Access product line located in Auburn Hills, Michigan. You will own the strategic direction, new product development, market positioning, and pricing strategy for our award-winning power access systems—shaping the future of vehicle motion and powered-entry experiences.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership (Own & Drive): Lead new product development roadmap for Power Access systems
Define and execute product strategy for powered-entry solutions across OEM segments
Monitor competitive landscape and position Strattec's Power Access as the industry leader
Develop and own pricing strategies; conduct portfolio performance reviews
Drive innovation pipeline for next-generation motion technologies
Product Portfolio Management: Own Power Access product roadmaps aligned with OEM platform timelines
Develop 5-year margin roadmaps and product family financial forecasts
Drive portfolio decisions: invest/grow, reposition, harvest, or exit strategies
Define strategy for Software (SaaP) and Hardware product platforms
Champion Invis-A-Rise™ and other patented technologies to expand market share
Partner with Engineering on integrated motor/hardware/software system development
Support Sales Directors in business development and pipeline management
Collaborate on quote processes, costing, and business case development for new business opportunities
Work with Operations on manufacturing footprint and capacity planning
Support program management through 4-phase development (Design, Develop, Validate, Launch)
Strategic Planning Support: Contribute to annual budgets and 5-year strategic plans
Support organic and inorganic (M&A) growth objectives
Drive quarterly product reviews and strategy progress reporting
What You'll Bring
Education: Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Business, or related field (required)
MBA or Master's degree in Engineering (preferred)
Experience: 10+ years in product management, product development, or systems engineering
5+ years in automotive closure systems, power access, or mechatronic systems (strongly preferred)
Proven track record leading new product development from concept through launch
Experience with integrated systems (motors, actuators, ECUs, software controls)
OEM program management experience with major automotive manufacturers
Technical Knowledge
Power access systems: sliding doors, liftgates, endgates, decklids
Mechatronic integration (motors, sensors, ECUs, embedded software)
Vehicle architecture trends: EVs, autonomous vehicles, software-defined vehicles
APQP, DVP&R, and automotive quality standards (IATF 16949)
Skills & Competencies
Strategic vision with ability to translate market trends into product opportunities
Financial acumen (margin analysis, business cases, pricing strategies, P&L ownership)
Strong technical aptitude to engage with engineering teams on system design
Executive presence and ability to present to OEM customers and leadership
Cross-functional influence without direct authority