Product Category Manager

Based in Leatherhead, please check commute before applying 

Role Summary:

We are looking for a highly motivated and passionate Product Category Manager to join our growing Product Management department at an exciting time for Hyundai Motor UK. Hyundai has achieved a strong market position with a competitive product portfolio that has been fully renewed, positioning the brand as a leader in electric mobility and a key player in the UK automotive market. With a commitment to sustainable growth, Hyundai continues to be recognised for its innovation, quality, and advanced technology across multiple segments. The successful candidate will have experience managing product portfolios, with a sharp commercial mindset to focus on driving profitability, maximising sales volume, and improving market competitiveness for specific products within the portfolio.

This role will be responsible for managing a subset of products within the Hyundai UK product portfolio alongside other Product Category Managers, each contributing to the broader product strategy and ensuring commercial goals are met within their designated categories. The role will also involve line management responsibilities for one Product Analyst, supporting team development and achieving key objectives.

The role is also responsible for managing vehicle product planning and development across the assigned portfolio to support achievement of Hyundai’s Long Range Plan objectives. This includes planning pricing, specification, volume and product mix throughout the lifecycle to optimise contribution margin; delivering annual volume and profitability targets; coordinating cross-functional new product launches; steering production orders to manage stock effectively; and ensuring the successful run-out of existing models and introduction of new models, including evaluating appropriate sell-out incentives.

We want you to:

Commercial and Portfolio Management

• Own product performance across the assigned portfolio, delivering volume and profitability targets by model and channel.
• Champion product positioning, identify growth opportunities and lead quarterly campaign planning to maximise market competitiveness.
• Monitor performance, provide clear insight to stakeholders and coordinate corrective actions where required.

Product Planning and Lifecycle Management

• Define product specification, pricing, volume and mix forecasts in line with Hyundai UK’s market and business objectives.
• Maintain lifecycle plans and manage products from introduction through run-out, ensuring timely product actions and effective stock management.
• Use market analysis and forecasting to inform factory orders, sales plans and commercial decisions.

Launches and Cross-Functional Delivery

• Lead new model, facelift and tactical product launches, coordinating trim, pricing, communications and launch activity across HMUK, HME and HMC.
• Work with Sales Operations, Finance, Marketing, PR, Events, Training, Aftersales and the retailer network to deliver aligned product plans.
• Track pre- and post-launch measures to assess effectiveness and drive continuous improvement.

Customer, Compliance and Data

• Ensure products and launch plans comply with relevant environmental and legislative requirements.
• Support customer and pre-sales engagement through clear product propositions and presentations aligned with brand strategy.
• Maintain accurate product data and use insight to improve forecasting, performance and portfolio decisions.

About you:

• An experienced automotive professional with product management or Sales & Marketing experience, including time at a Product Manager level or another Commercial role.
• Strong project management and leadership skills.
• Commercial mindset and ability to act as a Product Portfolio Owner, making decisions based on market analysis and profitability.
• Ability to manage and interpret detailed financial, technical, and specification data.
• Strong customer service orientation.
• Numerate with good PC skills.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Understanding of automotive software packages.
• Confident manner with good presentation skills and telephone manner.
• Self-motivated with a positive attitude and strong team player qualities.

Rewards and Benefits

• Competitive Salary & Benefits Package
• Company Car
• Private Medical Insurance
• Pension 6% Matched
• 25 Days Holidays plus Bank holidays with option to buy/sell
• Group Income Protection & Life Assurance
• Flexible Benefits & Retail Discount
• Flexible Working
• Access to Hyundai & Genesis Sponsored events 
• Access to Employee Car Scheme (once passed probation)
• Office Lunch Allowance