Program Variant Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Become part of an iconic brand that is set to revolutionize the electric pick-up truck & rugged SUV marketplace by achieving the following:

• Support the management and maintenance of the hardware and software variant landscape across Scout vehicle programs. 
• Define and maintain part variant status, ensuring consistency across engineering, purchasing, manufacturing, and aftersales 
• Develop and govern buildable vehicle combinations, ensuring feasibility across all configurations and lifecycle stages 
• Support definition and implementation of software and OTA variant concepts and associated configuration processes. 
• Manage complexity over time and align with overall project lifecycle strategy (introduction, consolidation, phase-out) for variants 
• Define, track, and report complexity KPIs (e.g. number of variants, combinatorics, cost impact, manufacturing feasibility) 
• Participate in the development, implementation, and enhancement of software tools used to assess and report variant complexity. 
• Ensure data transparency and consistency of variants across all affected systems (PLM, ERP, software configuration management, OTA platforms) 
• Support established governance processes and facilitate cross-functional alignment on variant decisions. 
• Collaborate cross-functionally with engineering, product management, purchasing, manufacturing, IT, and finance to ensure alignment on variant strategy and execution 
• Analyze complexity drivers and provide recommendations regarding product differentiation, cost, and operational efficiency. 
• Support product definition and release processes by ensuring variant readiness and integrity at key milestones 
• Manage internal and external stakeholders involved in variant definition, configuration logic, and system integration 
• Serve as a key resource for variant-related topics within assigned vehicle programs and cross-functional teams. 
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to reduce unnecessary complexity while maintaining customer value 

Location & Travel Expectations:

• This role may be based out of the Scout Motors corporate headquarters in Charlotte, NC or Novi, Michigan. 
• This role requires 4-5 days per week in the office, with regular in-person meetings and events. Hybrid work is possible with limited flexibility per week. 
  
• Applicants should expect that the role will require the ability to convene with Scout colleagues in person and travel to participate in events on behalf of the company from time to time.
• Travel: Applicants should expect occasional domestic and international travel. Valid driver's license required. Passport required.

We expect all Scout employees to have integrity, curiosity, resourcefulness, and strive to exhibit a positive attitude, as well as a growth mindset. You'll be comfortable with change and flexible in a fast-paced, high-growth environment. You'll take a collaborative approach to achieve ambitious goals. Here's what else you'll bring: 

• 4+ years of professional experience in automotive product management, vehicle configuration, systems engineering, or related fields 
• Strong experience with vehicle variants, product configuration, or complexity management (hardware and/or software) 
• Solid understanding of E/E architecture, software configuration, and OTA concepts 
• Experience defining and managing buildable combinations and configuration rules 
• Proven experience working with PLM, ERP, or configuration management systems 
• Experience in defining and tracking KPIs related to product complexity and variant management 
• Exposure to or experience in developing or implementing software tools for data analysis, configuration, or reporting 
• Strong analytical and structured thinking skills with the ability to handle highly complex datasets and interdependencies 
• Excellent cross-functional collaboration skills and ability to align stakeholders across multiple domains 
• Strong problem-solving capabilities and ability to identify trade-offs between complexity, cost, and customer value 
• Excellent communication and presentation skills 
• Experience in automotive program development from concept to production is a plus 
• German language skills are a plus 

The benefits of joining Scout include the chance to build products and a company from the ground up.  This is a chance to create something new and lasting - with an iconic brand at its foundation.  In addition, Scout provides competitive compensation and benefits to support your physical, mental, and financial wellbeing. Program specifics are detailed in company policies and employee benefit guides, select highlights:

• Competitive insurance including:
  • Medical, dental, vision and income protection plans
• 401(k) program with:
  • An employer match and immediate vesting
• Generous Paid Time Off including:
  • 20 days planned PTO, as accrued
  • 40 hours of unplanned PTO and 14 company or floating holidays, annually
  • Up to 16 weeks of paid parental leave for biological and adoptive parents of all genders
  • Paid leave for circumstances related to bereavement, jury duty, voting time, or military leave

This is a full-time, exempt position eligible to receive a base salary and to participate in an annual performance bonus program. Final salary offered will be determined based on factors including but not limited to the candidate's skills and experience. The annual performance bonus program is preset and not candidate dependent.

Initial base salary range = $110,000.00 - $135,000.00

Internal leveling code: IC9