Role Overview for SVP, Corporate Strategy with a Global Auto OEM – Detroit, MI
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a premier, globally recognized automotive original equipment manufacturer (OEM) in their search for a visionary and transformative Senior Vice President (SVP) of Corporate Strategy. Based at their corporate headquarters in the heart of the automotive world, Detroit, MI, this executive will serve as a key architect of the company’s future. This is a rare opportunity to steer a multi-billion-dollar enterprise through the most profound period of change the automotive industry has ever witnessed.
The automotive landscape is undergoing a seismic shift, driven by the convergence of electrification (EV), autonomous driving technology, connectivity, and shared mobility (CASE). Our client is not just responding to these changes; they are committed to leading them. The SVP of Corporate Strategy will be at the epicenter of this transformation, reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer and working in close collaboration with the Board of Directors and the entire C-suite. This role demands a leader who can not only analyze the present but also envision and build the future, ensuring the company’s long-term growth, profitability, and market leadership in a rapidly evolving ecosystem.
You will be responsible for developing and championing a cohesive, forward-looking corporate strategy that integrates market intelligence, competitive analysis, and technological trends. Your mandate will extend beyond traditional planning to include identifying and executing high-impact mergers, acquisitions, strategic alliances, and venture investments that will accelerate the company’s transition into a mobility technology powerhouse. This position requires a unique blend of strategic acumen, financial expertise, inspirational leadership, and a deep passion for the future of transportation. If you are a dynamic leader ready to make a lasting impact on a global scale, we invite you to explore this career-defining role.
Key Responsibilities of SVP, Corporate Strategy with a Global Auto OEM – Detroit, MI
The SVP of Corporate Strategy will have a broad and impactful remit, responsible for guiding the company’s strategic direction and ensuring its successful execution. Key responsibilities are extensive and include, but are not limited to, the following areas:
Strategic Planning and Long-Range Vision
- Lead the annual and long-range strategic planning process in collaboration with executive leadership, ensuring alignment across all business units, functions, and geographic regions.
- Develop and maintain a comprehensive corporate strategy that addresses market dynamics, competitive threats, technological disruptions, and growth opportunities.
- Conduct in-depth analysis of the global automotive and mobility markets, identifying key trends, customer behaviors, and industry shifts to inform strategic decision-making.
- Prepare and present strategic plans, business cases, and performance updates to the CEO, executive team, and the Board of Directors, providing clear, data-driven recommendations.
- Champion a culture of strategic thinking and foresight throughout the organization, challenging conventional wisdom and fostering innovation.
Business Transformation and Portfolio Management
- Spearhead the strategic initiatives that underpin the company’s transformation, particularly in areas of electrification, autonomous systems, software development, and mobility services.
- Continuously evaluate the company’s business portfolio, identifying opportunities for optimization, divestiture of non-core assets, and investment in high-growth segments.
- Partner with product development, engineering, and marketing teams to ensure the product roadmap is aligned with the long-term corporate strategy and market opportunities.
- Develop frameworks and metrics to assess the viability and potential of new business models, such as subscription services, data monetization, and fleet management solutions.
Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) and Strategic Partnerships
- Direct the entire M&A lifecycle, from target identification and strategic rationale development to due diligence, valuation, negotiation, and post-merger integration planning.
- Build and cultivate a robust pipeline of potential acquisition targets, joint venture partners, and strategic alliances that align with the company’s strategic goals.
- Forge and manage key relationships with investment banks, venture capital firms, technology startups, and other industry players to gain access to unique opportunities.
- Lead cross-functional teams in the rigorous evaluation of potential deals, ensuring financial, operational, and cultural alignment.
Market and Competitive Intelligence
- Establish and lead a world-class market and competitive intelligence function to provide actionable insights on competitors’ strategies, product portfolios, and market positioning.
- Monitor and analyze global macroeconomic, geopolitical, and regulatory trends that could impact the automotive industry and the company’s strategic plans.
- Synthesize complex information from diverse sources into clear, concise intelligence reports and presentations for senior leadership. Understanding the complex dynamics of the future of mobility is crucial to anticipating market shifts and informing proactive strategic adjustments.
Leadership and Executive Collaboration
- Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing corporate strategy team, fostering a collaborative and results-oriented environment.
- Serve as a trusted advisor to the CEO and other C-suite executives on all strategic matters.
- Drive alignment and consensus on strategic priorities across the organization, effectively communicating the vision and rationale to stakeholders at all levels.
- Represent the company in strategic discussions with key external stakeholders, including investors, analysts, partners, and industry forums.
Requirements for the SVP, Corporate Strategy with a Global Auto OEM – Detroit, MI
The ideal candidate is a seasoned and sophisticated strategist with a proven history of driving growth and transformation within large, complex, global organizations. We are seeking an individual with exceptional intellect, executive presence, and the ability to influence at the highest levels.
Required Qualifications:
Education
An MBA or other advanced degree in Business, Finance, Economics, or a related field from a top-tier institution is required.
Experience
A minimum of 20 years of progressive experience in corporate strategy, corporate development, investment banking, private equity, or top-tier management consulting.
Industry Expertise
Significant experience within the automotive, industrial manufacturing, technology, or a related capital-intensive industry is essential. Direct experience with a major OEM is highly valued.
M&A Track Record
Demonstrable, hands-on experience leading and closing multiple complex M&A transactions, joint ventures, and strategic partnerships.
Leadership
Proven ability to lead, develop, and inspire a team of strategy professionals. Experience managing significant budgets and resources.
Executive Communication
World-class communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to articulate complex strategic concepts to a wide range of audiences, including the Board of Directors.
Analytical Skills
Superior analytical, quantitative, and financial modeling skills, with a talent for translating data into strategic insights and actionable recommendations.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Deep subject matter expertise in emerging automotive technologies, including electric vehicles (EVs), battery technology, autonomous driving systems (ADAS/AV), connectivity, and mobility-as-a-service (MaaS).
- Experience operating in a global capacity, with a strong understanding of international markets, particularly in North America, Europe, and Asia.
- An established network of senior-level contacts within the automotive, technology, and investment communities.
- Experience in a public company setting, with exposure to investor relations and capital markets.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining the very best executive talent and offers a comprehensive and highly competitive compensation and benefits package, including:
Executive Compensation
A highly competitive base salary, a significant annual performance-based bonus, and a substantial long-term incentive plan (equity/stock options).
Health & Wellness
Premier medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your family. Comprehensive wellness programs, including an executive physical program.
Retirement Planning
A best-in-class 401(k) retirement savings plan with a generous company match and other deferred compensation opportunities.
Executive Perquisites
A generous executive vehicle program, providing access to the company’s latest products.
Relocation
A comprehensive, white-glove relocation package for the successful candidate and their family to the Detroit metropolitan area.
Work-Life Balance
Generous paid time off, company holidays, and progressive parental leave policies.
Professional Growth
A commitment to continuous learning with opportunities for executive coaching, professional development, and board-level exposure.
How to Apply
This is an exclusive, retained search conducted by JRG Partners. We are seeking a truly exceptional leader to fill this critical role. If you are a visionary strategist with the experience and drive to shape the future of a global automotive leader, we encourage you to express your interest.
To be considered for this confidential opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and strategic accomplishments. All inquiries and applications will be handled with the utmost discretion. Please direct your applications to our team for review. You can learn more about our expertise in this sector by visiting the homepage for JRG Partners’ Automotive Executive Search practice.
Our client is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We celebrate diversity and are dedicated to creating an environment where all employees feel valued, respected, and empowered.
