Manager-Product line & Market Intelligence

SKF has been around for more than a century and today we are one of the world’s largest global suppliers of bearings and supporting solutions for rotating equipment. Our products can be found literally everywhere in society. This means that we are an important part of the everyday lives of people and companies around the world.

In September of 2024, SKF announced the separation of its Automotive business, with the objective to build two world-leading businesses. The role you are applying for will be part of the automotive business. This means you will have the opportunity to be a part of shaping a new company aimed at meeting the needs of the transforming global automotive market. 

Would you like to join us in shaping the future of motion?  We are now looking for a …

Portfolio Strategy & Business Intelligence

India Automotive Business

Position Title: Manager – Product Lines and Market Intelligence

Reports To: Head – Portfolio Strategy & Business Intelligence

Role Type: Individual Contribution

Location: Pune

The Product Management and Market Intelligence function plays a pivotal role in defining and driving the company's product vision and strategy. The role is responsible for the entire product lifecycle, from conception to end-of-life, ensuring that the product portfolio aligns with market needs, technological trends, and business objectives to drive profitable growth. The role serves as a central hub, collaborating across Strategy, Sales, Engineering, Supply chain, Operations, Controlling, Sustainability & ESG, Marketing & Communications and People Experience functions to steer “What to build, for Whom, Why and Where” over time.

By combining deep market intelligence with a strategic approach to product planning and execution, the role will ensure the company's offerings deliver superior value to customers and secure a long-term competitive advantage in the India automotive industry.

Job Responsibilities

Product Strategy & Road mapping (30%)

1. Product & Portfolio Strategy: Develop and articulate a compelling product vision and long-term strategy that aligns with the company's overall goals. Define and manage the product portfolio, making data-driven decisions on product lifecycle, investment, and divestment to maximize profitability and market share.
2. Product Planning & Road mapping: Translate the product strategy into a clear and actionable product roadmap. Prioritize features and initiatives based on customer needs, business value, and technical feasibility, ensuring alignment across all stakeholder groups.
3. Offer & Value Proposition Management: Define and manage the value proposition for each product, ensuring it is clearly differentiated and effectively communicates the benefits to target customer segments. Develop compelling product offerings that address specific market needs and create a sustainable competitive advantage.

Commercial & Financial Performance (25%)

1. Pricing Strategy and Financial Performance: Develop and implement a pricing strategy that optimizes profitability, market share, and customer value. Monitor and analyse the financial performance of the product portfolio, identifying opportunities to improve margins and drive revenue growth.
2. Go-to-Market & Sales Steering: Collaborate with sales, engineering and communication teams to develop and execute effective go-to-market strategies. Provide sales teams with the necessary tools, training, and support to effectively sell the product portfolio and achieve sales targets.
3. Support to Marketing & Communications: Work closely with the marketing and communications teams to ensure that product messaging is clear, consistent, and compelling. Provide technical and market expertise to support the development of marketing collateral, press releases, and other external communications.

Cross-Functional Leadership & Execution (20%)

1. Cross-Functional Orchestration for Capacity Development and Investments: Lead cross-functional teams to align product strategy with manufacturing capacity and capability. Drive investment planning to ensure that the company has the necessary resources to deliver the product roadmap.
2. Manufacturing Capacity and Capability Investment Planning: Collaborate with operations and engineering to assess current manufacturing capabilities and identify future needs. Develop business cases for capital investments required to support new product introductions and portfolio growth.
3. Continuous Improvement & Capability Building: Foster a culture of continuous improvement within the product management function. Develop and implement best practices, tools, and processes to enhance the team's effectiveness and build a high-performing organization.

Market Intelligence & Insight (25%)

1. Market Intelligence for Full Value Chain: Establish and lead a comprehensive market intelligence function that provides actionable insights to stakeholders across the entire value chain (Sales, Engineering, Supply Chain). Monitor and analyse market trends, customer behaviours, competitor activities, and regulatory changes to identify risks and opportunities.
2. Automotive Technology Trends and Business Models: Serve as the subject matter expert on emerging automotive technologies (e.g., electrification, autonomous driving, connectivity) and evolving business models. Assess the impact of these trends on the company's product portfolio and recommend strategic responses.
3. Mergers & Acquisitions Support: Provide critical market and product intelligence to support the evaluation of potential M&A targets. Assess the strategic fit of potential acquisitions and their impact on the company's product portfolio and market position.

Qualifications and Experiences

Education:

1. Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a related field.
2. Master’s degree in business administration (MBA) or equivalent advanced business qualification is preferred.

Professional Experience:

1. Minimum of 8-10 years of progressive experience in product management, product marketing, or strategic planning within the automotive industry.
2. Minimum of 5 years of direct experience in product management and business development function for a Tier supplier or OEM or reputed Management Consulting Firm.
3. Demonstrated track record of successfully launching new products and driving portfolio profitability.
4. Extensive experience in market analysis, competitive intelligence, and translating customer insights into successful product strategies.
5. Deep understanding of the automotive value chain, including OEM procurement processes, supplier dynamics, and manufacturing operations.

Knowledge and Skills:

1. Deep technical knowledge of automotive systems, materials, and manufacturing processes, with a strong understanding of powertrain, chassis, and other vehicle systems.
2. Strong understanding of automotive industry trends, including electrification, autonomous driving, connected vehicles, and new mobility models.
3. Proficiency in business intelligence and artificial intelligence tools for market analysis and financial modelling.
4. Excellent communication, presentation, and negotiation skills, with the ability to influence and align stakeholders at all levels of the organization.
5. Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a data-driven approach to decision-making.

You will enjoy working here if you (are/have) 

Ideal profile would be someone keen to learn, grow and work in fast paced environment. Someone who is:

• Strategic and Visionary: Sees the big picture and connects CSR and sustainability goals to long term business strategy and brand image.
• Curious & Data oriented: Makes decisions based on data and continuously learn on new trends and reporting standards.
• Excellent Communicator: Coordinates between departments, executives, and external stakeholders.
• Passionate & Resilient: Handles multiple tasks and thrives in dynamic environments.

SKF is committed to creating a diverse environment, and we firmly believe that a diverse workforce is essential for our continued success. Therefore, we only focus on your experience, skills, and potential. Come as you are – just be yourself. #weareSKF 

Some additional information 

This position will be located in Pune

If you have any questions about the position or regarding the recruitment process, please contact Sonam Dalal, Consultant, RPO by email sonam.dalal@skf.com.   

Is this you?  
If the answer is yes, submit your application with your CV in English no later than 30-May-2026.   Please note that we can't accept applications via email. 
We will screen candidates continuously throughout the application period, so make sure to submit your application as soon as possible.

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At SKF, we are committed to promoting fairness and inclusivity throughout our recruitment process. To achieve this, we may include assessments and verify the information in your application in compliance with country-specific laws and regulations. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact the recruiter.