Software Business Development Manager - Automotive

The Software Business Development Manager role is based in Novi, MI, with a hybrid schedule of 3 days in the office and 2 days remote. This position plays a crucial role in driving NXP’s growth by engaging with OEMs and Tier1s to advance a software-first approach.

About the Role

This role is critical to NXP’s success in transforming the automotive industry through software-defined vehicles. The manager will build strong relationships with key stakeholders and secure early entry points for new software programs.

Responsibilities

• Support account managers in expanding the footprint at key OEMs and Tier1s and securing early entry points for new SW programs.
• Establish strong relationships with SW R&D leaders, system architects, technical program owners, and platform strategists within OEMs, Tier1s, and ecosystem partners.
• Identify, qualify, and pursue new software opportunities across NXP’s entire automotive portfolio, aligning with regional and global sales strategy.
• Leverage NXP’s software portfolio, including standard software like real-time drivers and RTOS, and premium software products, to position NXP solutions within customer roadmaps.
• Develop strategies to make software a control point for NXP to enable system sell and ensure NXP solutions remain sticky in the long term.
• Lead and support CI/CD initiatives to funnel growth and ensure smooth handovers internally.
• Build a robust opportunity pipeline across prioritized accounts, leading early-stage discussions and ensuring successful handovers to internal teams.
• Engage both technical and commercial stakeholders in large-scale serial program pursuits.
• Collaborate closely with account managers, FAEs, Product Line, and SW R&D teams to contribute to training and enablement of regional Sales teams.
• Monitor SDV market evolution, competitive landscape, and customers’ SW architecture strategies to provide structured feedback to Sales, Product Line, and Marketing organizations.

Requirements

• Strong experience (10-15 years) in automotive software, ECU domains, or SDV-related technical sales.
• Bachelor's degree in EE/CSE or related field.
• Proven ability to sell complex technical/software offerings to OEM and Tier1 R&D communities.
• Strong influencing skills with technical and management stakeholders.
• Experience working with international, cross-functional teams.
• Results-driven, autonomous, able to navigate ambiguity and drive early-stage engagements.
• Business fluency in English.
• Availability for frequent customer travel.
• Experience in DevOps, CI/CD is a plus.