Director, Strategic Planning

General Summary

The Director, Strategic Planning is responsible for leading the company's strategic direction in Canada, overseeing corporate strategy, product planning, commercial performance, digital mobility, and regulatory readiness. The role translates global objectives into Canadian market strategies to drive growth, profitability, competitiveness, and long-term business success.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

1. Strategic Planning & Business Performance

• Lead Canadian strategic planning, annual business plans, and long-term business priorities.
• Advise executive leadership on market trends, growth opportunities, profitability, and competitive positioning.
• Oversee strategic budgets, investments, business cases, and performance metrics.
• Identify business opportunities, assess risks, and drive strategic initiatives.

2. Product Planning & Commercial Strategy

• Lead product portfolio strategy, vehicle positioning, pricing, specifications, and lifecycle planning.
• Oversee competitive analysis, customer insights, and residual value strategies.
• Align product strategies with Sales, Marketing, Finance, and Aftersales objectives.
• Collaborate with Global and Regional Headquarters on product strategies and launches.
• Assess electrification, emerging technologies, and new mobility opportunities.

3. Connected Vehicle Services & Digital Mobility

• Oversee connected vehicle services, digital platforms, and mobility strategies to drive adoption, customer engagement, and recurring revenue.
• Lead Canadian strategic planning for global initiatives, including OneApp implementation.
• Oversee digital infrastructure investments, including approximately $7 million in estimated fixed asset investments.
• Ensure appropriate governance of customer data privacy, payment information, vendor relationships, and contractual risks.

4. Regulatory Strategy & Emerging Business

• Lead strategic planning for Canadian automotive regulations, including Zero-Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandates.
• Assess regulatory exposure and develop compliance and risk mitigation strategies.
• Lead business readiness for emerging product categories, including Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) launches.
• Evaluate the business impact of electrification, charging solutions, and evolving regulatory requirements.

5. Leadership & Stakeholder Management

• Lead and develop the Strategic Planning & Product Planning function, establishing priorities and performance objectives.
• Drive cross-functional alignment across Sales, Marketing, Aftersales, Finance, IT, and Legal.
• Represent Canadian market priorities with Global and Regional Headquarters.
• Present strategic recommendations, investment proposals, and business performance to executive leadership.
• Manage key external partnerships and strategic vendor relationships.

Skills/Knowledge/Experience/Education Requirement

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Commerce, Economics, Engineering, or a related field; MBA preferred.
• 10–15+ years of progressive automotive industry experience in strategic planning, product planning, or commercial strategy.
• Proven experience leading strategic initiatives, product portfolios, and cross-functional projects.
• Strong knowledge of the Canadian automotive market, pricing, residual values, electrification, and regulatory requirements.
• Strong financial acumen, including budgeting, investment evaluation, and business case development.
• Excellent strategic thinking, leadership, analytical, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and PowerPoint.
• Power BI and SAP experience are an asset.

Why Kia?

• We operate as a lean and agile team, recognizing the value of each individual's contributions.
• Experience the excitement of a fast-paced and growing organization.
• Gain exposure and a deeper understanding of your function and the business.
• Benefit from employee development and educational offerings.
• Join a workplace that fosters a sense of belonging and family.
• Be a part of the team behind AJAC's Best Car of the Year award.

Perks and Benefits

• Subsidized on-site company catered lunches and a hot beverage program.
• Employer-paid company health benefits, spending allowance, and RRSP matching program.
• Flexible work schedules and summer hours.
• Vehicle programs.
• Employee development programs and tuition reimbursement.
• SMART Casual Dress code.
• Employee lease and car purchase discounts; Friends of Kia discounts.
• On-site gym, ping-pong, basketball, and badminton court.
• Other company-provided perks.

Kia Canada Inc. is an equal opportunity employer who provides an inclusive and accessible environment for everyone. As such, we will accommodate disabilities during the selection process and we will collaborate with you to meet your needs. We thank all candidates for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. No agencies or phone calls please.