Project Manager - Software-Defined Vehicle (SDV)

SDV Lead - Strategy & Program Management

Role Summary

Lead the definition, planning, and execution of the Software-Defined Vehicle (SDV) strategy and roadmap, aligning regional and global objectives to deliver next-generation connected vehicle capabilities. Drive cross-functional collaboration across business, engineering, IT, and digital teams while enabling scalable SDV platforms, connected services, and lifecycle management.

Key Responsibilities

1. SDV Strategy & Roadmap

· Define and drive the Software-Defined Vehicle (SDV) vision, strategy, and execution roadmap aligned with global OEM objectives.

· Translate business goals into prioritized SDV initiatives, programs, and milestones.

· Lead phased SDV transformation across vehicle platforms, applications, and lifecycle capabilities.

· Benchmark industry and competitor SDV strategies to maintain technological leadership and competitiveness.

· Establish long-term plans for software-driven vehicle innovation and digital services.

2. Cross-Functional Program Planning

· Identify, define, and prioritize SDV use cases including:

o Infotainment Systems

o Over-the-Air (OTA) Updates

o Digital Key Solutions

o Voice User Interface (VUI)

o Connected Vehicle Services

· Collaborate with product management, engineering, business, and digital teams to define priorities and delivery plans.

· Define program KPIs, success metrics, and value realization targets.

· Establish governance frameworks, milestone tracking, risk management, and executive reporting mechanisms.

3. SDV Architecture & Platform Planning

· Partner with engineering teams to define and evolve SDV architecture covering:

o Central Compute Platforms

o Zonal Architecture

o Vehicle Operating Systems

o Middleware Platforms

o APIs and Service Integration

o Cloud Connectivity

o OTA Infrastructure

· Ensure alignment with industry-leading SDV ecosystems and platforms such as:

o Arene

o QNX

o Android Automotive

o Cloud Platforms

· Enable hardware-software decoupling for scalable software deployment and feature delivery.

4. Ecosystem & Partner Management

· Drive collaboration with:

o Global engineering teams

o Business stakeholders

o Tier-1 suppliers

o Technology partners

· Lead joint planning activities and ensure integration alignment across the partner ecosystem.

· Facilitate strategic partnerships supporting SDV platform development and deployment.

5. Connected Operations & Lifecycle Management

· Define and manage vehicle lifecycle capabilities including:

o OTA Software Updates

o Feature Activation/Deactivation

o Subscription-Based Features

o Software Monetization Models

· Establish frameworks for:

o Release Management

o Feature Rollout Planning

o Post-Launch Monitoring

o Continuous Improvement

· Utilize vehicle and customer data analytics to improve feature adoption and operational performance.

6. Business Case Development & Value Realization

· Develop and maintain business cases and ROI models supporting:

o ECU Consolidation

o Cost Optimization

o Software Reuse

o Subscription Revenue

o Feature Monetization

· Align SDV investments with:

o Product Strategy

o Vehicle Volumes

o Pricing Models

o Customer Lifetime Value (CLV)

· Track benefits realization against business objectives and targets.

7. Capability Building & Organizational Development

· Assess capability gaps and drive development in:

o Embedded Software Engineering

o Cloud Technologies

o DevOps

o Engineering Tools & Automation

o Validation & Testing Frameworks

· Support establishment of:

o SDV Innovation Labs

o Prototyping Environments

o Simulation & Validation Platforms

· Promote SDV best practices, standards, and organizational readiness.

Required Qualifications

Experience

· 10+ years of experience in:

o Automotive Product Planning

o Program Management

o Technology Strategy

o Connected Vehicle Programs

o Software-Defined Vehicle (SDV) Initiatives

· Experience with OEMs or Tier-1 suppliers preferred.

· Proven track record in developing and executing large-scale technology roadmaps.

Education

· Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, preferably in:

o Computer Science Engineering

o Electronics & Communication Engineering

o Automotive Engineering

· Master's degree preferred.

Technical Competencies

SDV & Connected Vehicle Expertise

Strong understanding of:

· Software-Defined Vehicle (SDV) Architecture

· Centralized Computing

· Zonal ECU Architectures

· OTA Update Systems

· Vehicle Operating Systems

· Middleware Platforms

· Cloud Integration

· Connected Vehicle Ecosystems

Platform Knowledge

Exposure to:

· Arene Platform

· QNX

· Android Automotive

· Cloud Ecosystems

· API and Service-Oriented Architectures

Program Leadership

· Experience leading cross-functional programs involving:

o Business Teams

o Engineering Organizations

o IT Functions

o Digital Transformation Teams

· Strong program governance, planning, risk management, and stakeholder alignment capabilities.

· Ability to execute global platform strategies while addressing regional market requirements.

Connected Vehicle Lifecycle Management

Experience in:

· OTA Release Planning

· Feature Deployment & Enablement

· Subscription Service Management

· Post-Launch Analytics & Monitoring

· Continuous Product Improvement

Business & Commercial Acumen

Ability to develop and evaluate ROI models around:

· ECU Consolidation Savings

· Software Reuse Benefits

· Subscription Revenue Models

· Software Feature Monetization

· Vehicle & Product Lifecycle

Stakeholder Management

Strong experience managing and influencing:

· Global Affiliates

· Regional Organizations

· Executive Leadership Teams

· Engineering and Product Stakeholders

· External Technology Partners

Expertise in:

· KPI Definition & Tracking

· Executive Reporting

· Cross-Regional Governance

· Strategic Partnership Management

Preferred Qualifications

· Experience with QNX and Android Automotive ecosystems.

· Exposure to SDV platform transformation programs.

· Knowledge of cloud-native vehicle software architectures.

· Experience in connected vehicle business models and software monetization strategies.