Manager Product Planning (All genders welcome)

Join the movement and find new inspiration.

We have an exciting opportunity for you as:

Manager Product Planning (all genders welcome) within our Product Planning & Pricing Department at the Kia Europe Headquarters in Frankfurt/Main, Germany.

Job mission:

As a Manager, you will take primary responsibility for two/three production/upcoming models while supporting additional projects and market tracking activities.

The Product Planning Team is responsible for shaping the future of Kia’s vehicle lineup by developing new car lines and product enhancements that will enter the market within the next two to six years.

Through product proposals and strategic negotiations with Global HQ, Finance, R&D and the European engineering teams, the team ensures that future models align with European customer preferences and contribute positively to Kia’s market coverage, sales targets, and brand positioning.

Additionally, the team plays a crucial role in market trend analysis, providing insights to Management and other internal teams to support data-driven decision-making.

Main responsibilities:

1. Product Development & Strategic Planning

• Lead the upstream development of new car lines and product enhancements, ensuring alignment with Kia Europe’s strategic objectives.

• Identify and capitalize on market opportunities to expand Kia’s brand equity, sales volume, and profitability in the medium-to-long term.

• Define target customers and positioning strategies in line with Kia’s brand direction.

• Serve as the ‘voice of the European customer’ in discussions with Global HQ, advocating for product features that best meet consumer needs.

• Work alongside Product Marketing, Pricing, and Cross-Carline teams to ensure consistency across Kia’s product lineup.

1. Pricing positioning & Market Research

• Collaborate with Product Marketing and Pricing teams to develop the pricing strategy for future models.

• Coordinate and participate in research activities, including concept and product positioning clinics.

  
  

1. Design & Engineering Coordination

• Evaluate design proposals to ensure alignment with the vehicle concept, Kia’s brand identity, and European customer expectations.

• Participate in discussions with R&D and Engineering teams to ensure that technical specifications align with market needs.

  
  

1. Market/Product Intelligence & Reporting

• Continuously monitor industry trends, competitor activities, demand shifts, and regulatory changes.

• Prepare insightful reports and tools to keep Management and internal teams informed on key market developments.

  
  

  
  

Your talents:

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, or Economics (Master’s degree is a plus).

• Minimum five years of relevant experience, preferably in the automotive industry with exposure to product-related roles or in product planning at a Pan-European level.

Technical & Analytical Skills

• Strong data analysis and market research abilities to support decision-making.

• Experience with automotive market analysis tools (e.g., Jato, New Car Buyer Survey, IHS) is a plus.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel (data analysis) and PowerPoint (presentation development)

  
  

Industry & Market Knowledge

• Passion for the automotive industry, including cars, motorsports, and emerging mobility trends.

• Strong awareness of European market dynamics and consumer preferences.

  
  

Communication & Interpersonal Skills

• Fluent in English (written and spoken). Additional European languages are a plus.

• Experience presenting to internal or external stakeholders is a plus.

• Strong interpersonal skills with experience working in cross-cultural environments.

• Familiarity with Asian business cultures is a plus.

Work Style & Flexibility

• Organized and detail-oriented, with the ability to take initiative and work independently while collaborating with a team.

• Willingness to travel internationally (e.g., business trips to South Korea, major auto shows, and key stakeholder meetings).

Who are we?

At Kia, we are a global mobility brand with more than 75 years of experience. Since our founding in 1944, we have grown from manufacturing bicycles, motorcycles and cars to becoming a provider of mobility solutions, always guided by the changing needs of our customers.

Today, we continue to expand our portfolio of electrified and battery electric vehicles while developing new mobility services. Guided by our brand slogan, Movement that Inspires, we are exploring new ways to make mobility more convenient and relevant for people’s everyday lives. Through continuous innovation and a customer-centric approach, we aim to create products and services that inspire new possibilities and meaningful connections.

As the European sales and manufacturing arm of Kia Corporation, we support 39 markets across Europe and the Caucasus from our headquarters in Frankfurt, Germany. Together, we are more than 5,500 colleagues, including around 3,500 team members at our manufacturing facility in Žilina, Slovakia.

At our European headquarters, more than 50 nationalities work side by side, bringing different perspectives, experiences and ideas. This diversity is one of our strengths and contributes to the way we work, learn, and grow together. Every day brings opportunities to collaborate, develop new skills, and contribute to our shared success.

If you are looking for an environment where curiosity, collaboration, and continuous learning are valued, we would love to hear from you. Join us and be part of the movement that inspires.

Should you still have doubts, we also offer:

• A vibrant international atmosphere where our workforce represents 50+ nations.

• Playing a pivotal role in shaping Kia's culture in Europe, actively contributing to its development.

• Exploring new solutions, where your creative input matters significantly.

• Enjoying a competitive compensation package, including a Job ticket, consistent on-the-job training, a complimentary staff restaurant, and engaging company events.

  
  

If you’re interested to become part of our Kia team, please apply via our online portal. We are looking forward to getting to know you.