Product Director - Commercial Vehicle Brakes

Job description

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. Key Responsibilities Product Lifecycle Ownership 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. Program Management & Execution 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. Pricing Strategy, Quote & Margin Management 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. Customer Program Leadership 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. Market Intelligence & Competitive Analysis 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. Cross‑Functional Leadership 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. 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. Experience with both new and remanufactured product lines is highly preferred. Critical Competencies Strategic Thinker: Able to see the full chessboard—market, customer, cost, and competitive dynamics. Analytical Rigor: Comfortable with data‑driven decision making, financial modeling, and scenario analysis. Commercial Leadership: Skilled at balancing competitiveness with profitability; confident in customer‑facing discussions. Technical Acumen: Understands brake systems, manufacturing processes, validation requirements, and PPAP. Program Discipline: Drives accountability, timelines, and cross‑functional execution. Market Awareness: In tune with industry shifts, pricing pressures, and customer expectations. Influence & Communication: Able to communicate clearly across all levels of the organization and customers as needed. Additional Value‑Add Responsibilities 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. Education & Experience 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. The posted salary range for this position is $150,000 to $175,000 annually, including bonus. Final compensation will be determined based on the candidate’s skills, experience, and qualifications. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines. Join our vertically integrated team at MAT Holdings, Inc., a leading global manufacturer with a 40-year history. We're proud to provide employment opportunities for more than 14,000 employees across 12 countries. Headquartered in Long Grove, Illinois, we have over 40 factories on three continents, including 2.1 million square feet of U.S. distribution and manufacturing space. You will find our products in home improvement centers, big box retailers, hardware stores and automotive chains. They're in the cars you drive, the trailers you tow, and the heavy-duty machinery you operate. MAT can maintain consistent expertise and solutions across the entire supply chain. We’re experts in engineering, manufacturing, quality assurance, logistics and distribution, marketing, design, and customer service — we don't just make it happen, we ensure it happens with excellence. We’re more than manufacturing, we’re MAT. Join MAT HD, a leader in heavy-duty braking solutions for commercial vehicles. We partner with distributors, fleet operators, and OEMs to deliver reliable, high-quality brake components that keep trucks and buses safely on the road. Our portfolio includes new and remanufactured brake shoes, brake shoe kits, air disc pads, calipers, rotors and hubs engineered for durability and performance. If you’re seeking a challenging leadership role in a company that values innovation, operational excellence, and customer success, MAT HD is the place for you. Benefits MAT Holdings Inc. and its subsidiaries offer a complete benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, and disability insurance after 60 days of employment Paid Time Off (PTO), including paid vacation, sick days, and paid holidays 401k Retirement Plan + Company Match Career Advancement Program, training and development Wellness Programs, including fitness reimbursements and mental health support Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) Voluntary Life / AD&D , Employer Provided Life/AD&D and More