Corporate Planning Manager

Alps Alpine•Auburn Hills, MI

About The Position

Alps Alpine, a leading manufacturer of electronic components and automotive infotainment systems, has brought the world numerous “First 1” and “Number 1” products since its founding in 1948. The Alps Alpine Group currently operates 110 bases in 26 countries and regions, supplying roughly 40,000 different products and solutions to around 2,000 companies worldwide. Those offerings include devices such as switches, sensors, data communication modules, touch input panels, actuators, and power inductors; electronic shifters, remote keyless entry systems, and other automotive units; consumer electronics like car navigation and audio-visual systems; and systems and services such as digital keys based on smartphone apps and blockchain technology, and remote monitoring. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Strategic Planning & Analysis Lead the development and execution of annual strategic plans and mid-term business plans in alignment with corporate objectives Conduct comprehensive market research, competitive analysis, and industry trend assessments to identify growth opportunities Develop financial models and scenario analyses to support strategic decision-making Monitor and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) and provide actionable recommendations to executive leadership Business Planning & Budgeting Facilitate the annual budgeting process across all departments and consolidate organizational budget plans Monitor budget performance, conduct variance analysis, and provide regular reporting to executive management Develop business cases and ROI analyses for new initiatives, investments, and capital expenditures Cross-Functional Project Management Lead and coordinate strategic cross-functional projects and initiatives that span multiple departments Facilitate communication and alignment between North American operations and global headquarters Manage project timelines, deliverables, and stakeholder expectations to ensure successful execution Executive Support & Board Reporting Prepare executive presentations, board materials, and strategic reports for senior leadership and parent company Support executive management in strategic decision-making through data analysis and recommendations Coordinate and facilitate strategic planning meetings, board meetings, and management review sessions Business Development & M&A Support Identify and evaluate potential business development opportunities, partnerships, and acquisition targets Conduct due diligence and financial analysis for potential investments and strategic partnerships Support post-merger integration activities and synergy realization efforts Performance Management & Continuous Improvement Establish performance metrics and management systems to track organizational effectiveness Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance operational efficiency and profitability Benchmark performance against industry standards and best practices Confidentiality & Discretion This position falls under the functions of Executive Management and is required to exercise a higher level of confidentiality and discretion in handling sensitive strategic and financial information the position has access to NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Support special projects and ad hoc analysis as requested by executive leadership Contribute to corporate communications and internal stakeholder engagement initiatives QUALIFICATIONS EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE AND/OR TRAINING Master of Business Administration (MBA) from an accredited institution Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Finance, Economics, Engineering, or related field Minimum 7-10 years of progressive experience in corporate planning, strategy consulting, business development, or related field Minimum 3-5 years of management or team leadership experience LICENSES OR CERTIFICATIONS Valid U.S. driver’s license required Project Management Professional (PMP) certification preferred KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES Strategic Thinking & Business Acumen Ability to think strategically and translate strategy into actionable plans, with a strong understanding of business operations, finance, and competitive dynamics. Leadership & Influence Ability to lead and influence without direct authority, with strong executive presence and the capability to build alignment across stakeholders. Communication Skills Strong verbal and written communication skills, including executive-level presentations and reports; fluent in business English (Japanese preferred). Project & Change Management Proven ability to manage multiple initiatives, deliver results on time, and support change management and organizational transformation. Interpersonal & Cross-Cultural Skills Strong relationship-building skills, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to work effectively in a global, collaborative environment. Technical & Systems Skills Advanced proficiency in Excel and PowerPoint, experience with BI tools, databases, and ERP systems (SAP preferred). Quantitative & Computer Skills Advanced mathematical and statistical capabilities, including forecasting and quantitative analysis, with proficiency in standard business and project management software.

Requirements

Master of Business Administration (MBA) from an accredited institution
Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Finance, Economics, Engineering, or related field
Minimum 7-10 years of progressive experience in corporate planning, strategy consulting, business development, or related field
Minimum 3-5 years of management or team leadership experience
Valid U.S. driver’s license required
Ability to think strategically and translate strategy into actionable plans, with a strong understanding of business operations, finance, and competitive dynamics.
Ability to lead and influence without direct authority, with strong executive presence and the capability to build alignment across stakeholders.
Strong verbal and written communication skills, including executive-level presentations and reports; fluent in business English (Japanese preferred).
Proven ability to manage multiple initiatives, deliver results on time, and support change management and organizational transformation.
Strong relationship-building skills, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to work effectively in a global, collaborative environment.
Advanced proficiency in Excel and PowerPoint, experience with BI tools, databases, and ERP systems (SAP preferred).
Advanced mathematical and statistical capabilities, including forecasting and quantitative analysis, with proficiency in standard business and project management software.

Nice To Haves

Project Management Professional (PMP) certification preferred

Responsibilities

Lead the development and execution of annual strategic plans and mid-term business plans in alignment with corporate objectives
Conduct comprehensive market research, competitive analysis, and industry trend assessments to identify growth opportunities
Develop financial models and scenario analyses to support strategic decision-making
Monitor and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) and provide actionable recommendations to executive leadership
Facilitate the annual budgeting process across all departments and consolidate organizational budget plans
Monitor budget performance, conduct variance analysis, and provide regular reporting to executive management
Develop business cases and ROI analyses for new initiatives, investments, and capital expenditures
Lead and coordinate strategic cross-functional projects and initiatives that span multiple departments
Facilitate communication and alignment between North American operations and global headquarters
Manage project timelines, deliverables, and stakeholder expectations to ensure successful execution
Prepare executive presentations, board materials, and strategic reports for senior leadership and parent company
Support executive management in strategic decision-making through data analysis and recommendations
Coordinate and facilitate strategic planning meetings, board meetings, and management review sessions
Identify and evaluate potential business development opportunities, partnerships, and acquisition targets
Conduct due diligence and financial analysis for potential investments and strategic partnerships
Support post-merger integration activities and synergy realization efforts
Establish performance metrics and management systems to track organizational effectiveness
Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance operational efficiency and profitability
Benchmark performance against industry standards and best practices
Support special projects and ad hoc analysis as requested by executive leadership
Contribute to corporate communications and internal stakeholder engagement initiatives