Role Overview for Chief Product Officer with an Automotive Digital Platform – Detroit, MI
JRG Partners is proud to lead the exclusive executive search for a transformative Chief Product Officer (CPO) on behalf of our client, a pioneering automotive technology company poised to redefine the future of mobility. Based in the vibrant automotive and tech hub of Detroit, MI, this is a rare opportunity to join a well-funded, dynamic organization at a pivotal moment in its growth. Our client is at the forefront of developing an integrated digital platform that will revolutionize the in-car experience, connectivity, and vehicle ownership lifecycle for millions of users globally.
As the Chief Product Officer, you will be the visionary force behind the company’s entire product portfolio. Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer and serving as a key member of the executive leadership team, you will hold ultimate responsibility for product strategy, roadmap, design, and execution. You will be tasked with building and leading a world-class product organization that can deliver innovative, user-centric solutions that captivate customers and drive significant business value. This role is not just about managing a product line; it’s about architecting the digital soul of the next generation of vehicles. You will be instrumental in shaping how people interact with their cars, transforming a mode of transportation into a personalized, connected, and intelligent companion. Your leadership will directly impact the company’s market position, competitive advantage, and long-term success in an industry undergoing unprecedented technological disruption.
Key Responsibilities of Chief Product Officer with an Automotive Digital Platform – Detroit, MI
The Chief Product Officer will have a broad and impactful mandate, overseeing every facet of the product lifecycle. Success in this role requires a blend of strategic vision, operational excellence, and inspirational leadership. Key responsibilities include:
Product Vision and Strategic Leadership
Develop, articulate, and evangelize a clear and compelling long-term product vision and strategy that aligns with the company’s ambitious goals. Continuously analyze the competitive landscape, market trends, and customer insights to identify new opportunities for innovation and growth. Your vision will serve as the north star for the entire organization.
Roadmap Development and Execution
Translate the product strategy into a tangible, prioritized, and data-driven product roadmap. Oversee the end-to-end product development lifecycle, from ideation and requirements gathering to launch, iteration, and end-of-life. Ensure timely and high-quality delivery of products that exceed customer expectations and meet business objectives.
Team Building and Mentorship
Recruit, lead, and mentor a high-performing, global team of product managers, UX/UI designers, and user researchers. Foster a culture of excellence, innovation, continuous learning, and radical customer-centricity. Empower your team to take ownership and make data-informed decisions while providing the guidance and support they need to succeed.
Cross-Functional Collaboration and Influence
Serve as the primary bridge between business, technology, and design. Build strong, collaborative relationships with key stakeholders across the organization, including Engineering, Marketing, Sales, Data Science, and Operations. Ensure seamless alignment and communication to facilitate efficient product development and successful go-to-market strategies.
Data-Driven and Customer-Obsessed Mindset
Champion a deeply analytical approach to product management. Define, monitor, and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) for the product portfolio. Utilize both quantitative data and qualitative user feedback to make informed decisions, validate hypotheses, and continuously improve the user experience.
User Experience (UX) Advocacy
Be the ultimate advocate for the user within the organization. Drive a relentless focus on creating intuitive, seamless, and delightful user experiences across all digital touchpoints, including in-vehicle infotainment systems, mobile applications, and web platforms.
Industry and Technology Expertise
Act as the company’s thought leader on product innovation within the automotive sector. Stay at the absolute forefront of emerging technologies and trends, understanding the future of connected vehicles and autonomous technology, AI/ML, IoT, and evolving consumer behaviors to inform the product roadmap and maintain a significant competitive edge.
Financial and Business Acumen
Take ownership of the product portfolio’s business performance. Collaborate with the finance and executive teams to develop business cases, manage budgets, forecast revenue, and ensure product initiatives deliver a strong return on investment.
Requirements for the Chief Product Officer with an Automotive Digital Platform – Detroit, MI
We are seeking an exceptional and proven product leader with the experience, passion, and drive to build something truly transformative. The ideal candidate will possess a unique combination of strategic intellect, technical depth, and leadership charisma.
Executive Product Leadership Experience
A minimum of 15+ years of progressive experience in product management, with at least 7 years in a senior leadership capacity (e.g., VP of Product, Head of Product, CPO) managing multiple product lines and leading teams of 20+ individuals.
Proven Track Record of Success
Demonstrated success in conceiving, developing, and launching large-scale, successful B2C or B2B2C digital products that have achieved significant market traction and user adoption. Experience managing products through their entire lifecycle is essential.
Industry Domain Expertise
Deep experience within the automotive technology sector is highly preferred. A strong background in connected car platforms, telematics, in-vehicle infotainment (IVI), EV technology, or mobility-as-a-service (MaaS) is a significant advantage. Candidates with experience in complex, integrated hardware and software ecosystems (e.g., IoT, consumer electronics, smart home) will also be strongly considered.
Inspirational Leadership and Communication Skills
An exceptional people leader with a proven ability to attract, develop, and retain top-tier product talent. You must be a compelling communicator and storyteller, capable of inspiring your team, aligning stakeholders, and articulating your vision to the board, investors, and the entire company.
Strategic and Analytical Mindset
Superior strategic thinking skills with the ability to see the bigger picture and connect market trends to product strategy. You must be highly analytical and data-fluent, comfortable with complex data sets and adept at using them to drive decision-making.
Technical Fluency
A strong technical foundation and understanding of modern software development practices, cloud computing, data architecture, and API-driven platforms. While not a hands-on coding role, you must be able to engage in deep technical discussions with engineering counterparts and command their respect.
Educational Background
A Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Business, or a related field is required. An MBA or other advanced technical degree is highly desirable.
Location
This role is based at the company’s headquarters in the Detroit, MI metropolitan area. A willingness to relocate is required, and a comprehensive relocation package is available.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining the very best talent by offering a world-class compensation and benefits package designed for a C-level executive.
Executive Compensation Package
A highly competitive compensation package that includes a substantial base salary, a significant annual performance-based bonus, and a meaningful long-term equity stake in the company.
Comprehensive Health and Wellness
Premium medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your dependents. Access to wellness programs, mental health support, and a fitness stipend.
Retirement Savings
A robust 401(k) retirement plan with a generous company matching contribution.
Generous Time Off
A flexible and generous paid time off (PTO) policy, supplemented by numerous company-paid holidays, to ensure a healthy work-life balance.
Relocation Support
A comprehensive, white-glove relocation package for you and your family to ensure a smooth transition to the Detroit area.
Professional Growth
A dedicated budget for executive coaching, industry conferences, and continued learning to support your professional development.
Unique Perks
Access to employee vehicle programs, a state-of-the-art work environment, and the invaluable opportunity to be a key architect of a company that is shaping the future of an entire industry.
How to Apply
This is a retained search being conducted exclusively by JRG Partners. If you are a visionary product leader with a passion for automotive innovation and the proven ability to build and scale world-class digital products, we encourage you to apply.
To express your interest, please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and why you are the ideal candidate for this transformative opportunity. All inquiries and applications will be handled with the strictest confidence.
Learn more about our executive search capabilities by visiting our automotive technology executive search practice page. We look forward to hearing from you.
