NASI R&D Business Development Manager

Subaru

About The Position

Maintains responsibility for driving innovation and transforming research outcomes into commercially viable products, services, or business models. Bridges technical development and strategic business planning, ensuring that research and development (R&D) initiatives align with market needs and corporate growth objectives. Serves as a liaison between multiple internal stakeholders such as Subaru Corporation (SBR), Subaru of America (SOA), North American Subaru Inc (NASI), and Subaru of Indiana Automotive (SIA), as well as external stakeholders such as suppliers, start-up companies, universities, and other research institutions. This role demands deep engineering and technology expertise, with a comprehensive understanding of both software and hardware systems in Subaru vehicles. Market analysis and business development skills are important but remain secondary to the technical foundation required for success.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree in engineering, science, or related field – Required
At least 6–8 years of experience in research and development (R&D), business development, or product strategy role – Required
Ability to work in a fast-paced, pressured environment in which short-term deadlines and unpredictable extended working hours are a norm.
Experience analyzing and interpreting large amounts of qualitative and quantitative data in order to develop proposals and recommendations.
Ability to think creatively and anticipate questions and to proactively address issues.
Ability to clearly and concisely communicate the results of complex analysis and recommendations to North American Subaru Inc (NASI) and Subaru of America (SOA) senior management.
Experience building consensus within organization (SOA) and with Subaru Corporation (SBR) counterparts for proposed strategies.
Strong project management skills. Ability to work cross-functionally.
Experience managing people or leading teams.
Automotive industry experience and passion.

Nice To Haves

Master's Degree such as Masters in Business Administration (MBA) or equivalent business qualification – Preferred

Responsibilities

Strategic Innovation & Business Development:
Identifies and capitalizes on emerging technologies and market trends to drive new business opportunities.
Evaluates new technologies for potential integration into products or services.
Conducts competitive product analysis and identifies gaps in current offerings. Presents insights to North American Subaru, Inc. Research and Development (NASI R&D) leadership to build consensus on which R&D projects offer Subaru a strategic advantage.
Makes recommendations to the Vice President (VP) of NASI R&D Engineering to ensure that R&D project portfolios are aligned with Subaru's business objectives and market demands.
Develops robust business cases for new products and aftermarket revenue streams, including market analysis, financial projections, and risk assessments.
Scouts and evaluates new technologies within the R&D team; presents innovative features to Subaru of America's (SOA’s) Carline team for integration into Subaru’s next-generation model lineup.
Collaborates with R&D leadership (VP, General Managers [GMs], Associate Directors [ADs], Managers) to maintain deep expertise in NASI R&D capabilities around advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), Human-Machine Interface (HMI), cockpit design, sound design, electric vehicle (EV) features, sustainable material use in the car parts and accessories, software updates, smartphone app integration, etc.
In collaboration with NASI Government Relations and Affairs (GRA) team, monitors regulatory and compliance requirements for new business initiatives.
Collaboration & Networking:
Collaborates with internal stakeholders (SOA Product Development, Marketing, Sales, Operations) and Subaru Corporation's (SBR’s) North American Sales & Marketing (NASM) to maintain a clear, up-to-date understanding of Subaru’s target consumer personas, brand attributes, and target price range. Communicates the insights to the R&D team.
Supports R&D team in prioritizing projects that align with Subaru’s business strategies.
Ensures clear, accurate communication of new technologies and features to all stakeholders during the transition to mass production and market launch, enabling internal stakeholders (Corporate Communication, Sales, Service, Quality, etc.) to effectively leverage technical knowledge in their operations.
Serves as a contact person when any departments at SOA have questions regarding the new technical feature, design, service, etc.
Builds strategic partnerships with universities, research institutions, and industry leaders. Identifies opportunities for NASI R&D to represent the company at industry conferences and innovation forums.
NASI R&D Project Management:
Acts as Project Management Organization (PMO) to follow up with projects' timeline and progress. Supports VP of NASI R&D Engineering by executing various requests.