Product Director - Commercial Vehicle Brakes

MAT Holdings•Long Grove, IL

9d•Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a strategic and analytically driven Product Director to lead the development, expansion, and commercial performance of our Commercial Vehicle brake portfolio. This role owns the full product lifecycle—from concept and business case creation through PPAP qualification, launch execution, pricing strategy, and ongoing portfolio optimization—while ensuring competitive positioning and strong margin performance across OE, OES, and Aftermarket channels. The ideal candidate brings deep CV brake expertise, strong commercial acumen, and the ability to collaborate across engineering, operations, supply chain, finance, and customer teams to drive successful program execution and deliver sustained business growth.

Requirements

7–10+ years of experience in Commercial Vehicle braking, heavy‑duty components, or closely related OE/Aftermarket product categories.
Proven track record managing full product lifecycle, including PPAP, validation, and launch execution.
Strong commercial acumen with experience in pricing strategy, margin analysis, and customer negotiations.
Demonstrated ability to manage complex customer programs and cross‑functional initiatives.
Advanced analytical skills with proficiency in cost modeling, financial analysis, and competitive benchmarking.
Deep understanding of channel dynamics across OE, OES, WD, Retail, and Fleet segments.
Bachelor’s in operations management, Supply Chain Management, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Business Administration, or a related technical or analytical field.
7-10+ years of progressive experience in product management, program management, or commercial leadership within the commercial vehicle, automotive, or heavy‑duty components sector.
Background in Commercial Vehicle OE and Aftermarket channels, with familiarity across new and remanufactured product lines, customer types, and channel pricing structures.
Demonstrated success managing full product lifecycles, including concept development, business case creation, PPAP qualification, validation, launch execution, and post‑launch optimization.
Experience in pricing strategy, margin analysis, and customer program management, including quote development, cost modeling, and competitive positioning.
Proven ability to manage cross‑functional programs involving Engineering, Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, and Finance, with a track record of delivering on‑time, cost‑aligned product launches.
Strong analytical capability, including experience with market analysis, competitive benchmarking, cost‑down initiatives, and VA/VE activities to improve product profitability.
Experience working with global manufacturing or sourcing teams, including understanding of qualification requirements, supplier readiness, and cost‑structure alignment.
History of implementing tools, processes, or systems that improve product performance, pricing governance, or program execution discipline.

Nice To Haves

Experience with both new and remanufactured product lines is highly preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead the full lifecycle of new product introductions (NPI), including concept development, feasibility analysis, business case creation, and cross‑functional alignment.
Drive execution through all phases of development: engineering, tooling, validation, PPAP, pilot builds, launch readiness, and post‑launch performance.
Ensure all new and existing products meet OE and Aftermarket qualification standards, including full PPAP documentation and compliance.
Maintain a multi‑year product roadmap aligned with market trends, customer needs, and strategic growth priorities.
Serve as the program owner for major customer initiatives, ensuring on‑time delivery, cross‑functional coordination, and commercial success.
Lead program reviews, risk assessments, and mitigation planning with Operations, Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and Finance.
Manage product changes, cost‑downs, VA/VE initiatives, and continuous improvement activities.
Own pricing strategy for the entire CV brake portfolio across all customer segments: OE, OES, WD, Retail, Buying Groups, and Fleets.
Develop and maintain a balanced price architecture that aligns competitiveness, channel dynamics, and margin requirements.
Conduct margin analysis, cost modeling, and scenario planning to support pricing decisions and customer negotiations.
Lead customer quote responses, including cost breakdowns, value propositions, and commercial justification.
Act as the primary commercial interface for product‑related discussions with key customers.
Manage customer program launches, product transitions, and ongoing performance reviews.
Support sales teams with product expertise, competitive positioning, and strategic account planning.
Lead customer‑specific pricing strategies, ensuring alignment with broader portfolio objectives.
Monitor market trends, competitive activity, pricing movements, and technology developments in the CV wheel-end space.
Translate market insights into actionable product and pricing strategies.
Maintain a deep understanding of OE, OES, and Aftermarket dynamics, including reman vs. new product positioning.
Partner closely with Operations and Engineering to ensure manufacturability, cost competitiveness, and quality performance.
Collaborate with Supply Chain and global manufacturing partners to align sourcing, capacity, and cost structures with product strategy.
Work with Finance to validate business cases, margin targets, and profitability performance.
Support Marketing with product messaging, launch materials, and competitive positioning.
Lead the development of a multi‑year cost-to-pricing roadmap tied to sourcing, VA/VE, and operational improvements.
Own the competitive analysis program to benchmark cost, design, and performance.
Develop a standardized pricing governance model to ensure consistency and discipline across the organization.
Build a customer‑facing product strategy narrative to support sales and executive engagement.
Serve as the internal “voice of the customer” to guide engineering and operations priorities.