Job Description

The Manager, Emerging Business - Software Business Development, is responsible for shaping and executing the software product strategy to advance CX goals and deliver profit. This role combines business acumen, strategic planning, and an understanding of the software landscape to guide software-enabled product development and standalone software product solutions. This role will influence go-to-market strategies, partnerships and revenue growth initiatives, while collaborating cross functionally with Product Planning, IT, Data Intelligence, R&D, and executive leadership to translate market trends into actionable strategies that drive scalable growth.

Major Responsibilities

• (35%) Product Software Strategy
  • Analyze market trends, customer needs, and competitive landscape to identify high-impact opportunities that drive CX improvement and profit growth.
  • Assess emerging technologies and technical enablers to support new software and digital initiatives.
  • Develop and execute business development strategies for new software products, features, or applications that align with CX and profitability goals.
  • Create and maintain strategic roadmaps and go-to-market plans that support business objectives and long-term growth.

• (25%) Product Innovation
  • Provide market insights, define product requirements, and shape the software product roadmap in alignment with Mazda brand and broader MNAO product offerings.
  • Evaluate build-versus-buy opportunities to optimize resource allocation and accelerate product delivery.

• (20%) Partnership Development & Management
  • Identify and develop strategic alliances, channel partnerships, and ecosystem collaborations to advance the software strategy and products.
  • Initiate and manage partnership opportunities that expand market reach, enhance product offerings, or accelerate growth.
  • Work cross-functionally with Legal, Procurement, and executive teams to establish partnership frameworks and licensing agreements.

• (10%) Performance Monitoring & Reporting
  • Define and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the effectiveness of business development initiatives.
  • Track performance and progress against strategic goals to ensure alignment with overall business objectives.
  • Deliver regular performance reports, insights, and recommendations to senior leadership to inform strategic decision-making.

• (10%) Leadership & Department Management
  • Set department priorities, allocate resources, and hold staff accountable for results.
  • Drive staff development, performance management, and adherence to company policies.
  • Manage department budget, reporting, and performance metrics.
  • Promote the Mazda Pride Point culture with a focus on collaboration, continuous improvement, quality and accountability.

• Perform other duties as assigned
• Comply with all policies and standards

• The preceding functions have been provided as examples of the types of work performed by employees assigned to this job classification. Management reserves the right to add, modify, change or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job

Work Experience

• 6+ years of working experience in auto/OEM industry, software, or technology related fields is preferred including:
  • New business development in automotive/OEM industry or software/technology
  • Growth strategy/innovation consulting
  • Market analysis/strategic planning
  • Business planning and/or operations
  • Vehicle connectivity/telematics development
  • Computer system development

Education

• Bachelor Degree in Arts/Sciences (BA/BS) Business Administration/Management
• Bachelor Degree in Arts/Sciences (BA/BS) Computer and Information Science
• An equivalent mix of education, training, and/or work experience may be considered in place of a degree Required

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Ability to build and foster teamwork among all groups and at all levels. (Intermediate-Advanced)
• Must be able to utilize appropriate interpersonal styles and methods to influence and guide individuals/department or groups towards task accomplishment. (Intermediate-Advanced)
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with all levels of management, employees, customers, and external vendors. (Intermediate-Advanced)
• Must be able to clearly and effectively communicate both orally and in writing using good grammatical form, both in general correspondence, as well as on technical issues. (Intermediate-Advanced)
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize tasks are essential. Must be able to establish a course of action for others/department to accomplish specific goals; must plan and prioritize proper assignments of personnel and/or appropriate allocation of resources. (Intermediate-Advanced)
• Ability to independently organize work processes, set priorities and make critical decisions. (Intermediate-Advanced)
• Proficiency with computer applications, including Microsoft Excel, Word, Project Access, PowerPoint and Outlook, as well as the ability to learn and effectively utilize other software applications used within the Company. (Intermediate-Advanced)

Physical Demands

• Stationary Position/Seated: Constantly
• Communicate/Talking: Constantly
• Communicate/Hearing: Constantly
• Repetitive Motions: Frequently
• Coordination: Frequently
• Seeing/Observing: Constantly

#LI-Remote

We support Remote work in the following states:

Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin

Pay Range

$104,200.00 - $158,950.00

Salary to be determined by education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities of the applicant, internal equity, and alignment with market data.

Learn more about MNAO’s comprehensive benefits package here