DESCRIPTION

Reporting to the Senior Manager, Strategic Planning, the Manager, Connected Car leads the strategic direction, development, and execution of Kia Canada’s Connected Car initiatives, including Kia Connect and related services. This role is responsible for driving innovation, monetization, and operational excellence while managing a cross-functional team to deliver best-in-class connected experiences for customers. The Manager also plays a key role in shaping the future of digital mobility services and business models.

SKILLS / KNOWLEDGE / EXPERIENCE / EDUCATION REQUIRED

• 7+ years of experience in the automotive industry, with a focus on Connected Car
• Proven experience in team leadership and cross-functional project management.
• University degree in Engineering, Business, IT or a related field.
• Excellent Project Management skills and ability to meet tight deadlines
• Excellent organizational skills with superior attention to detail
• Strong communication skills (both written and verbal) – the ability to “think complexly; speak simply”
• Familiarity with digital product lifecycle management and software development processes
• Hands-on experience with project and collaboration tools such as Jira, Confluence, and other
• Proficiency using Microsoft Office (Word, Excel PowerPoint & Outlook)

• Leadership & Team Management
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing Connected Car team, fostering a culture of innovation, accountability, and collaboration.
• Set clear goals, provide regular feedback, and support professional development for team members.
• Coordinate cross-functional efforts with Product Planning, IT, Marketing, Sales, After Sales, Customer Experience and external vendors.
• Strategic Planning & Execution
• Define and implement the Over-the-Air (OTA) strategy, including feature roadmap, pricing models, dealer integration, and long-term vision.
• Drive monetization strategies for paid subscriptions and OTA technologies.
• Oversee Connected Car pricing strategy, including cost analysis, MSRP integration, and profitability targets.
• Project & Vendor Management
• Lead project management for all Connected Car initiatives (e.g., Billing Platform, OTA, etc.), ensuring timely delivery and alignment with business goals.
• Manage relationships with external vendors, including RFP creation, contract negotiation, and performance monitoring.
• Innovation & Market Intelligence
• Maintain deep industry knowledge of current and emerging Connected Car technologies and services.
• Benchmark against competitors and adjacent industries to identify opportunities for innovation and differentiation.
• Advocate for the development and implementation of new features and services that enhance customer value.