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Director Automotive Strategy Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Supply Chain Director

Elkhart, IN · On-site +1

$174K - $197K/yr

It's a chance to shape strategy, modernize how work gets done, and deliver measurable results that ... What will make you stand out • Recent experience supplying to automotive OEMs or in chemical ...

Director, Quality

Nappanee, IN · On-site

$100 - $130/hr

Do you thrive on process improvement and providing strategic leadership for the organization ... Experience leading quality in manufacturing, engineering, or regulated industries (e.g., automotive ...

Showing results 21-40

Director Automotive Strategy information

What is the difference between Director Automotive Strategy vs Product Manager Automotive?

AspectDirector Automotive StrategyProduct Manager Automotive
Primary FocusDeveloping long-term automotive industry strategies and market positioningManaging specific automotive products from development to launch
ResponsibilitiesMarket analysis, strategic planning, stakeholder engagementProduct lifecycle management, feature definition, cross-functional coordination
Required SkillsStrategic thinking, industry knowledge, leadershipProduct development, technical understanding, project management
Work EnvironmentCorporate strategy teams, executive meetingsProduct teams, engineering, marketing departments

The main difference is that the Director Automotive Strategy focuses on high-level industry and market strategies, while the Product Manager Automotive concentrates on managing specific automotive products. Both roles require industry knowledge, but the strategy role emphasizes long-term planning and market positioning, whereas the product manager handles product development and execution.

How does a director automotive strategy typically collaborate with engineering and product development teams?

A Director of Automotive Strategy works closely with engineering and product development teams to align business objectives with technical capabilities. This collaboration often involves regular strategy meetings, joint planning sessions, and cross-functional workshops to ensure new products or features meet market demands and company goals. By bridging the gap between market trends and technical execution, the director helps prioritize projects, allocate resources, and resolve potential roadblocks, fostering a collaborative environment that drives innovation and efficiency.

What does a director automotive strategy do?

A Director of Automotive Strategy is responsible for developing and implementing long-term strategies that guide a company’s position and growth in the automotive industry. This role involves analyzing market trends, identifying opportunities for innovation, and collaborating with executive leadership to set business priorities. They may oversee projects related to new vehicle technologies, partnerships, or market expansion, ensuring that the company remains competitive in the rapidly evolving automotive landscape. Additionally, they often manage cross-functional teams and communicate strategic plans to stakeholders.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a director automotive strategy?

To thrive as a Director Automotive Strategy, you need a strong background in business strategy, automotive industry knowledge, and a relevant degree such as an MBA or engineering. Familiarity with market analysis tools, data analytics platforms, and strategic planning frameworks is commonly required. Exceptional leadership, stakeholder management, and communication skills help drive cross-functional alignment and innovation. These capabilities are crucial for guiding long-term business growth and maintaining competitiveness in the rapidly evolving automotive sector.
What are popular job titles related to Director Automotive Strategy jobs in Indiana? For Director Automotive Strategy jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Indiana are hiring for Director Automotive Strategy jobs? Cities in Indiana with the most Director Automotive Strategy job openings:

Supply Chain Director

Kem Krest

Elkhart, IN • On-site, Remote

$174K - $197K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Kem Krest rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Director, Supply Chain
Lead the next evolution of a supply chain built to move fast and win.
Kem Krest is looking for a Director of Supply Chain who sees momentum where others see complexity.
This is a role for a confident, hands-on leader who knows how to build on real strengths, sharpen what's working, and unlock the next level of speed, precision, and performance across a multi-site operation. If you're energized by automation, lean thinking, and leading teams through meaningful change, keep reading.
Why this role matters
Supply chain is the engine of our business-and we're investing in making that engine faster, smarter, and more connected. You'll own the architecture of how we source, plan, purchase, and deliver across three Midwest locations, leading a team of up to 40 professionals. This isn't a maintain-the-status-quo seat. It's a chance to shape strategy, modernize how work gets done, and deliver measurable results that leadership and customers will notice.
You'll build on a capable, committed team and give them the tools, standards, and clarity to do their best work.
What you'll do
Set the strategy. Define and execute an enterprise supply chain vision centered on automation, predictive analytics, and end-to-end visibility across sourcing, procurement, forecasting, and inventory.
Optimize how work flows. Establish standard work, apply lean principles, and eliminate waste to improve inventory turns, on-time delivery, supplier performance, and cost-to-serve.
Drive digital enablement. Evaluate and deploy ROI-driven technology-RPA, machine learning, real-time dashboards-and translate data into decisions.
Lead and grow people. Coach managers and individual contributors, design roles for impact, and build a culture of ownership, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Partner across functions. Work shoulder-to-shoulder with Operations, Logistics, Finance, Sales, IT, and Solution Development to keep the whole system moving as one.
Deliver results. Own the KPIs, forecast the budget, manage supplier strategy and negotiations, and support new site launches, M&A, and strategic customer engagements.
What you'll bring
• 15+ years in manufacturing with a strong concentration in supply chain; operations experience strongly preferred.
• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, or related field; MBA a plus. (Equivalent experience considered.)
• Proven experience leading supply chain transformation and guiding teams through change.
• Depth in procurement, sourcing, inventory management, and supplier strategy.
• A bias for action, sound judgment under pressure, and a track record of turning strategy into measurable outcomes.
What will make you stand out
• Recent experience supplying to automotive OEMs or in chemical manufacturing.
• Success with AI-enabled procurement, predictive analytics, RPA, and/or machine learning.
• Experience in a directed-buy or category management environment.
• A leadership style that builds accountability through clarity and coaching-not pressure.
Total Rewards
• Immediate health benefits
• Free on-site clinics and prescriptions
• 401(k) match
• Tuition reimbursement
• Generous PTO and holidays
• Parental leave
• Supplier discounts
With our corporate headquarters located in Elkhart, IN, ideal candidates will reside in northern IN, southern MI or Chicagoland area. This position is considered hybrid/remote and offers no relocation assistance.
Ready to build what's next?
If you're a supply chain leader who's excited to modernize, energize, and deliver-we want to meet you. Apply today and help shape the future of how Kem Krest moves.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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