Executive Advisor - Planning & Strategy

We are CARIAD, an automotive software development team with the Volkswagen Group. Our mission is to make the automotive experience safer, more sustainable, more comfortable, more digital, and more fun. To achieve that we are building the leading tech stack for the automotive industry and creating a unified software platform for over 10 million new vehicles per year. We're looking for talented, digital minds like you to help us create code that moves the world. Together with you, we'll build outstanding digital experiences and products for all Volkswagen Group brands that will transform mobility. Join us as we shape the future of the car and everyone around it.

Role Summary:

The Executive Advisor, Planning & Strategy serves as the key advisor to the Senior VP of IIX and will lead a team responsible for the interfaces with internal (Group, CARIAD) and external stakeholders, day to day operations, governance & operating model between the VW group brands and CARIAD in the context of Infotainment platform for 1.1 and 1.2 as well as communication in all matters regarding the infotainment vertical to all board level. The team is spread across locations in Germany, China and the US.

Role Responsibilities:

IIX Setup, Day to Day Operations & Strategy:

• Guide the ramp up of IIX in US as well as Germany and China.
• Lead the day-to-day operational business of IIX, including meeting preparation (CARIAD internal and Group) stakeholder management, German liaison for scheduling and calendar management.
• Shape the messaging and oversee strategic content for all matters related to IIX.
• Define and steer the governance model between the IIX and the brands.
• Define and oversee the decision-making process and -committees inside IIX
• Structure and organize strategic meetings, as well as actively contribute to defining strategies for CARIAD's E/E architecture and automotive software excellence.
• Address and direct issues for operational and procedural efficiency across locations and liaise with CARIAD's divisions & central units.
• Serve as part of the management team and proactively take ownership for tasks beyond own area of responsibility.

Group, Brand and Regional Interfaces & Governance:

• Set up and lead the governance and operating model for IIX in the Germany, China & US locations.
• Establish brand partner engineering teams, its working model and milestones to interface and ensure integration of IIX in the customer (VW & Audi) vehicles to reach the required milestones.

Program Management:

• Oversee program management for strategic IIX projects and ensure seamless information exchange and collaborative project planning.
• Define internal and external milestones with IIX Technical and Product teams across locations.
• Escalate necessary issues from the programs via established decision-making paths or ad hoc escalation to the board member.

General Skills:

• Exercises good judgment and discretion in a variety of situations
• Strong written and verbal communication.
• Outstanding organizational skills, as well as the ability to maintain a realistic balance amongst multiple competing priorities across the areas of automotive software excellence
• Maintain confidentiality, trustworthiness and integrity in handling sensitive and personal information related to the organization
• Ability to work in a dynamic environment, high-level of professionalism, proactiveness, resilience and service orientation.

Required Specialized Skills:

• Strong and empathetic communication
• Solution-oriented mindset
• Strong leadership and executive stakeholder management skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work under pressure
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities

Desired Skills:

• Proficiency in German (verbal and written)

Workplace Flexibility:

• Calls, (virtual and in-person) meetings & workshops (overlapping with German and China business hours as needed) to align with stakeholders and development teams in Germany, China and US.
• International and domestic travel to provide on-site support and planning/integration workshops with internal and external stakeholders

Years of Relevant Experience:

• 8+ years' experience in a technical field, preferably automotive software and electronics

Required Education:

• Bachelor's degree in business administration, Economics, Engineering

Desired Education:

• Master's degree in business administration, Economics, Engineering

Compensation

Salary range is dependent on factors such as geographical differentials, credentials or certifications, industry-based experience, qualification and training. In the state of California, the salary range for this position is $136,300 - 184,000.

CARIAD, Inc. provides performance based merits and annual bonus along with a competitive benefits package. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, 401k with employer match and defined contribution plan, short and long term disability, basic life and AD&D insurance, employee assistance program, tuition reimbursement and student loan repayment plans, maternity and non-primary caregiver leave, adoption assistance, employee referral program and vacation and paid holidays. We also offer a unique vehicle lease program that covers registration and insurance fees.

CARIAD is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome and encourage applicants from all backgrounds, and do not discriminate based on race, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, color, gender identity/expression, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by applicable laws.