About the Role

The Product Development Manager – Automotive Aftermarket is responsible for identifying high-potential aftermarket automotive products and sourcing them through white-label and private-label partnerships. The role focuses on expanding and managing a competitive aftermarket portfolio across vehicle segments by aligning market demand, vehicle parc analysis, and supplier capabilities with business and profitability goals.

This position plays a critical role in delivering quality, cost-competitive, and regulation-compliant automotive products for independent workshops, distributors, retailers, and OEM-alternative channels.

Job Description

• Automotive Product Identification & Strategy:
  • Identify aftermarket product opportunities based on vehicle parc data, replacement cycles, and failure rates
  • Analyze market trends across passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, and construction & Agri equipment
  • Define product range strategy by vehicle model, platform, engine type, and year
  • Benchmark competitor products, pricing, coverage, and warranty terms
  • Define product positioning (OEM-equivalent, value, premium)
• White Label & Supplier Sourcing:
  • Identify and evaluate automotive component manufacturers for white-label and private-label sourcing
  • Assess suppliers for IATF 16949, ISO 9001, and other automotive quality standards
  • Lead supplier negotiations on pricing, tooling, MOQs, packaging, exclusivity, and delivery timelines
  • Develop regional and global supplier base (India / Asia / Europe, as applicable)
• Product Development & Validation:
  • Define technical specifications aligned with OEM standards and aftermarket performance expectations
  • Coordinate product development activities including samples, PPAP (where applicable), testing, and approvals
  • Ensure compatibility and fitment accuracy across vehicle applications
  • Work with Quality and Engineering teams to validate durability, performance, and safety
  • Manage packaging, labeling, and branding compliant with automotive aftermarket norms
• Regulatory Compliance & Quality Assurance:
  • Ensure products comply with local and export market regulations (AIS, BIS, ECE, SAE, etc.)
  • Monitor supplier quality performance, warranty claims, and field failures
  • Drive corrective actions, supplier improvement plans, and cost-quality optimization
  • Support audits and technical reviews with suppliers
• Product Lifecycle & Portfolio Management:
  • Manage product lifecycle from launch to phase-out
  • Analyze sales performance, warranty trends, and customer feedback
  • Lead cost-reduction initiatives through localization, alternate sourcing, and VA/VE
  • Rationalize SKUs to improve inventory turns and profitability
• Cross-Functional Collaboration:
  • Work closely with Sales, Marketing, Supply Chain, Quality, and Finance teams
  • Support Sales with technical training, product catalogs, and application guides
  • Provide inputs for demand forecasting, stocking norms, and launch planning
  • Support marketing initiatives including promotions, product launches, and trade shows

Technical Knowledge Required

• Automotive components such as filters, brakes, suspension, electricals, bearings, engine parts, and consumables
• Vehicle application mapping and cataloging
• OEM vs aftermarket standards and performance benchmarks
• Supplier audits, PPAP, and automotive quality systems
• Costing, tooling, and margin management

Experience Required

• 6–12 years of experience in the following:
• Automotive aftermarket product development or sourcing
• White-label / private-label automotive components
• Working with Tier-1 / Tier-2 automotive suppliers
• Understanding vehicle systems and replacement parts lifecycle

Personal skills

• Strong analytical and market-driven mindset
• Excellent supplier negotiation and relationship management
• Project management and execution focus

Functional skills

• Ability to work cross-functionally in a fast-paced aftermarket environment
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills
• Willingness to travel extensively for supplier and market visits

Key Interactions

Internal (Key interactions within the organization):

• Sales, Marketing, Supply Chain, Quality, and Finance teams
• Engineering and Product teams for technical validation

External (Key interactions outside the organization):

• Automotive component manufacturers and suppliers
• Distribution partners and aftermarket networks