Project Manager - Software-Defined Vehicle (SDV)
Job Description
SDV Lead - Strategy & Program Management
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Role Summary
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Lead the definition, planning, and execution of the Software-Defined Vehicle (SDV) strategy and roadmap, aligning regional and global objectives to deliver next-generation connected vehicle capabilities. Drive cross-functional collaboration across business, engineering, IT, and digital teams while enabling scalable SDV platforms, connected services, and lifecycle management.
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Key Responsibilities
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1. SDV Strategy & Roadmap
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· Define and drive the Software-Defined Vehicle (SDV) vision, strategy, and execution roadmap aligned with global OEM objectives.
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· Translate business goals into prioritized SDV initiatives, programs, and milestones.
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· Lead phased SDV transformation across vehicle platforms, applications, and lifecycle capabilities.
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· Benchmark industry and competitor SDV strategies to maintain technological leadership and competitiveness.
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· Establish long-term plans for software-driven vehicle innovation and digital services.
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2. Cross-Functional Program Planning
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· Identify, define, and prioritize SDV use cases including:
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o Infotainment Systems
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o Over-the-Air (OTA) Updates
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o Digital Key Solutions
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o Voice User Interface (VUI)
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o Connected Vehicle Services
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· Collaborate with product management, engineering, business, and digital teams to define priorities and delivery plans.
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· Define program KPIs, success metrics, and value realization targets.
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· Establish governance frameworks, milestone tracking, risk management, and executive reporting mechanisms.
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3. SDV Architecture & Platform Planning
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· Partner with engineering teams to define and evolve SDV architecture covering:
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o Central Compute Platforms
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o Zonal Architecture
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o Vehicle Operating Systems
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o Middleware Platforms
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o APIs and Service Integration
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o Cloud Connectivity
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o OTA Infrastructure
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· Ensure alignment with industry-leading SDV ecosystems and platforms such as:
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o Arene
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o QNX
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o Android Automotive
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o Cloud Platforms
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· Enable hardware-software decoupling for scalable software deployment and feature delivery.
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4. Ecosystem & Partner Management
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· Drive collaboration with:
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o Global engineering teams
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o Business stakeholders
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o Tier-1 suppliers
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o Technology partners
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· Lead joint planning activities and ensure integration alignment across the partner ecosystem.
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· Facilitate strategic partnerships supporting SDV platform development and deployment.
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5. Connected Operations & Lifecycle Management
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· Define and manage vehicle lifecycle capabilities including:
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o OTA Software Updates
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o Feature Activation/Deactivation
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o Subscription-Based Features
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o Software Monetization Models
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· Establish frameworks for:
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o Release Management
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o Feature Rollout Planning
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o Post-Launch Monitoring
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o Continuous Improvement
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· Utilize vehicle and customer data analytics to improve feature adoption and operational performance.
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6. Business Case Development & Value Realization
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· Develop and maintain business cases and ROI models supporting:
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o ECU Consolidation
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o Cost Optimization
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o Software Reuse
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o Subscription Revenue
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o Feature Monetization
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· Align SDV investments with:
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o Product Strategy
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o Vehicle Volumes
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o Pricing Models
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o Customer Lifetime Value (CLV)
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· Track benefits realization against business objectives and targets.
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7. Capability Building & Organizational Development
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· Assess capability gaps and drive development in:
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o Embedded Software Engineering
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o Cloud Technologies
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o DevOps
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o Engineering Tools & Automation
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o Validation & Testing Frameworks
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· Support establishment of:
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o SDV Innovation Labs
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o Prototyping Environments
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o Simulation & Validation Platforms
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· Promote SDV best practices, standards, and organizational readiness.
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Required Qualifications
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Experience
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· 10+ years of experience in:
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o Automotive Product Planning
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o Program Management
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o Technology Strategy
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o Connected Vehicle Programs
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o Software-Defined Vehicle (SDV) Initiatives
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· Experience with OEMs or Tier-1 suppliers preferred.
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· Proven track record in developing and executing large-scale technology roadmaps.
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Education
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· Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, preferably in:
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o Computer Science Engineering
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o Electronics & Communication Engineering
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o Automotive Engineering
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· Master's degree preferred.
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Technical Competencies
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SDV & Connected Vehicle Expertise
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Strong understanding of:
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· Software-Defined Vehicle (SDV) Architecture
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· Centralized Computing
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· Zonal ECU Architectures
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· OTA Update Systems
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· Vehicle Operating Systems
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· Middleware Platforms
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· Cloud Integration
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· Connected Vehicle Ecosystems
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Platform Knowledge
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Exposure to:
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· Arene Platform
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· QNX
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· Android Automotive
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· Cloud Ecosystems
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· API and Service-Oriented Architectures
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Program Leadership
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· Experience leading cross-functional programs involving:
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o Business Teams
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o Engineering Organizations
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o IT Functions
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o Digital Transformation Teams
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· Strong program governance, planning, risk management, and stakeholder alignment capabilities.
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· Ability to execute global platform strategies while addressing regional market requirements.
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Connected Vehicle Lifecycle Management
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Experience in:
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· OTA Release Planning
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· Feature Deployment & Enablement
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· Subscription Service Management
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· Post-Launch Analytics & Monitoring
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· Continuous Product Improvement
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Business & Commercial Acumen
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Ability to develop and evaluate ROI models around:
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· ECU Consolidation Savings
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· Software Reuse Benefits
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· Subscription Revenue Models
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· Software Feature Monetization
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· Vehicle & Product Lifecycle
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Stakeholder Management
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Strong experience managing and influencing:
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· Global Affiliates
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· Regional Organizations
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· Executive Leadership Teams
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· Engineering and Product Stakeholders
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· External Technology Partners
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Expertise in:
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· KPI Definition & Tracking
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· Executive Reporting
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· Cross-Regional Governance
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· Strategic Partnership Management
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Preferred Qualifications
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· Experience with QNX and Android Automotive ecosystems.
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· Exposure to SDV platform transformation programs.
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· Knowledge of cloud-native vehicle software architectures.
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· Experience in connected vehicle business models and software monetization strategies.