Purpose of Job
The Business Planning Product Assistant Manager supports the Head of Business Planning Product by coordinating defined business planning, product planning, pricing, market intelligence and supply planning work packages for Kia Ireland.
The role turns internal and external data into clear insights and recommendations, supports cross-functional project delivery and helps ensure that product and business plans are competitive, customer-focused and aligned with Kia Ireland's objectives.
Business Planning Corporate Strategy
Coordinate inputs to Kia Ireland's annual business planning process and support the review of strategic priorities, management goals and action plans.
Analyse economic, policy, regulatory, competitor and automotive industry developments and summarize their potential business impact.
Prepare accurate, decision-ready reports, presentations, and recommendations for the Head of Business Planning Product and senior management.
Track agreed actions, risks, dependencies, and KPIs, escalating issues in a timely manner.
Product Planning Lifecycle Management
Coordinate assigned vehicle product planning work packages from market assessment through launch and ongoing lifecycle activity.
Assess model competitiveness, target customers, product positioning, specification, powertrain, colour and trim, and pricing considerations.
Support product and pricing proposals designed to strengthen sales volume, market share, profitability, and brand equity.
Monitor existing and future product performance and recommend lifecycle actions where opportunities or risks are identified.
Represent Irish market and customer requirements in discussions with Kia Europe and Kia Global Headquarters.
Market Intelligence Customer Insight
Conduct market, competitor and customer analysis to identify trends, white-space opportunities and changing customer needs.
Benchmark competitor products, specifications, pricing, technologies and propositions, presenting findings in a clear and consistent format.
Coordinate or support product research, evaluation and customer feedback activity, including clinics where applicable.
Maintain awareness of electrification, mobility, regulatory and vehicle value-chain developments relevant to future business planning.
Cross-Functional Launch Project Coordination
Coordinate with Sales, Marketing, Finance, PR, Network Development, Aftersales and other stakeholders to deliver aligned product and business planning activities.
Develop and maintain project plans, milestones, responsibilities and decision logs for assigned launches and work packages.
Facilitate planning and review meetings, document outcomes and follow through on agreed actions.
Support consistent and timely information flow between Kia Ireland, Kia Europe and Kia Global Headquarters.
Supply, Demand Commercial Planning
Support vehicle demand forecasting, supply planning, allocation and stock analysis for assigned models or programmes.
Coordinate supply planning meetings and provide clear reporting on availability, risks, constraints and potential mitigation actions.
Analyse sales, financial and operational information to support volume, mix, pricing and profitability decisions.
Support the development and review of pricing strategies in collaboration with relevant stakeholders.
Governance, Reporting Continuous Improvement
Monitor product, market, financial and operational KPIs and provide timely, accurate reporting.
Maintain high standards of data quality, version control and confidentiality in all analysis and documentation.
Ensure assigned activities comply with applicable legislation, industry requirements and Kia policies and procedures.
Identify opportunities to simplify processes, reduce manual effort and improve the quality and speed of decision support.
Undertake structured troubleshooting and root-cause analysis when issues arise, recommending and coordinating practical solutions.
Education
Essential: Relevant degree-level qualification, or equivalent practical experience, in Business, Economics, Marketing, Engineering or a related discipline.
Desirable: Postgraduate qualification or recognised training in strategy, product management, analytics or project management.
Experience
At least 3 years of relevant experience in business planning, product management, commercial planning, market analysis or a related role.
Automotive industry experience, including product, pricing, forecasting or market intelligence, is strongly desirable.
Experience coordinating cross-functional projects or work packages with multiple stakeholders.
Experience preparing analysis and recommendations for senior decision-makers.
Experience working in a European, global or multicultural business environment is desirable.
Knowledge Technical Skills
Strong numerical and analytical capability, with the ability to gather facts from varied sources and present clear, consistent conclusions.
Strong knowledge of Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint; experience with market analysis, forecasting or business intelligence tools is desirable.
Commercial understanding of product positioning, pricing, profitability, market share and vehicle lifecycle management.
Strong project coordination, organisation and prioritisation skills, with attention to detail and deadlines.
Excellent written, verbal and presentation skills, with the confidence to communicate across functions and levels.
Fluent English, written and spoken, to support direct communication and documentation across Kia Ireland, Kia Europe and Kia Global Headquarters. Proficiency in written and spoken Korean is desirable; however, it is not a requirement for the role.
Ability and willingness to travel where required for meetings, product events, market visits and training.
Kia Ireland is an equal opportunities employer and are a Certified Great Place to Work 2026 - 2027.
For informal enquiries, please contact Rachel Nolan, PO Manager, at [email protected]
Closing date Friday 11th September 2026
*Interviews will be held on Tuesday 22nd September 2026*
