Automotive Accessory Development Manager Jobs in Dearborn, MI

The Jeep Accessory Product Planner is responsible for the ideation, planning, pricing, and lifecycle management of Mopar Accessories and Performance components supporting current and future Ram vehicle programs. This role develops accessory products, packages, and upfit solutions that enhance vehicle capability, enable customer personalization, and strengthen Jeep’s competitive position in the SUV and off-road marketplace. The planner works cross-functionally with Engineering, Marketing, Supply Chain, Purchasing, Finance, and Product Planning teams to ensure accessory portfolios align with vehicle program milestones and broader portfolio strategies.

A core responsibility of the role is competitive benchmarking and aftermarket portfolio strategy. The planner continuously evaluates accessory offerings from OEM competitors as well as key aftermarket suppliers, to identify portfolio gaps, emerging trends, and opportunities to expand Mopar accessory offerings. This includes assessing competitor configurators, trim-level accessory content, factory-installed options, and dealer-installed accessory programs to inform capability, protection, lifestyle, and appearance product strategies for Jeep vehicles.

Insights from competitive benchmarking are translated into actionable accessory portfolio plans, including new Mopar Authentic accessory development, affiliated supplier partnerships, and engineering-driven product opportunities. The role requires strong analytical and financial acumen, including development of business cases, pricing strategies, and margin models to support new accessory programs and portfolio expansion initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

Accessory Portfolio Strategy

· Develop and manage the accessory product roadmap for Ram vehicles across appearance, protection, capability, lifestyle, and performance categories.

· Identify opportunities to expand the Jeep accessory portfolio through new product development, supplier partnerships, and affiliated accessory programs.

· Align accessory development plans with vehicle program timing to ensure accessory readiness at vehicle launch and throughout the vehicle lifecycle.

· Define accessory packages and bundled offerings that enhance vehicle capability and customer personalization.

Competitive Benchmarking & Market Gap Analysis

· Conduct comprehensive benchmarking of OEM competitor accessory portfolios and key aftermarket brands.

· Evaluate competitor vehicle configurators, trim strategies, factory-installed accessories, and dealer-installed option programs.

· Identify capability, lifestyle, and appearance accessory gaps within the Ram portfolio and develop actionable plans to close them.

· Translate competitive insights into new Mopar Authentic accessory development opportunities or affiliated supplier proposals.

· Monitor aftermarket trends, emerging accessory technologies, and customer lifestyle shifts to inform future accessory portfolio planning.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business, Engineering, or similar discipline
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in one or more of the following: product planning, brand management, product/marketing strategy, engineering or other roles demonstrating leadership and ability to work in a team orientated environment
• Demonstrated cross-functional leadership managing complex strategic projects
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple initiatives in a fast-paced environment
• Strong presentation and communication skills
• Organized self-starter with strong leadership and multi-tasking capabilities
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with ability to translate data into strategic insights
• Ability to communicate product vision through compelling storytelling and executive-level presentations
• Passion for the automotive industry and truck/off-road market
• Experience mining and analyzing data to identify trends that support portfolio strategy and profitability
• Ability to travel

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master of Business Administration (MBA)
• Automotive technical and product knowledge
• Experience interacting with Mopar field teams, dealers, and upfit partners
• Ability to interpret customer insights, competitive trends, and industry developments
• In-depth knowledge of Stellantis vehicles and technical specifications and capabilities