Director, EBO Strategy, Data & Connectivity

Job Description

The Director of Emerging Business Data and Connectivity is responsible for driving business growth and optimizing customer experience (CX) through data, connectivity, and strategic innovation. This role shapes the company data-driven strategy for commercialization, oversees connected car technologies, and develops partnerships that enhance both business performance and customer value. With a deep understanding of the automotive ecosystem, telematics, data applications, and connected vehicle services, the Director will lead the creation of data-enabled products and connectivity solutions that advance profitability, innovation, and product excellence.

As a transformative leader, this position will combine knowledge acquisition, innovation, product development, and business strategy. This position also evaluates and identifies capabilities and resources to enable new areas of business growth and customer value, while reinforcing brand''s purpose, promise, and values. The Director plays a pivotal role in defining profit strategies, establishing revenue models, identifying new business investments, guiding data use, aligning product and CX roadmaps, and translating strategic priorities into business practice.

Major Responsibilities

• (25%) Strategic Leadership & Vision

• Define and lead the long-term business strategy for automotive data and connectivity across all platforms.

• Identify and develop new business models and revenue streams, leveraging vehicle data, data services, and connectivity solutions.

• Monitor and respond to evolving regulatory, privacy, and industry trends related to vehicle data and telematics.

• Work closely with MNAO Information Security team to establish and implement best practices for data governance, privacy compliance (e.g., GDPR, CCPA), and quality assurance.

• Partner with cross-functional teams including Data Intelligence, IT, Product Planning, R&D, and Aftersales to transform data into actionable insights, products, and tools that drive business value.

• (25%) Connected Vehicle Program Ownership

• Oversee the design, development, and deployment of connected vehicle services (e.g., over-the-air updates, remote diagnostics, software-defined features, and infotainment).

• Collaborate with Product Planning, Engineering, IT, and other internal departments for product development and execution with data connectivity strategies.

• Drive the integration of software and connectivity capabilities into vehicle platforms to enhance performance, personalization, and customer experience.

• Lead partnerships with external technology providers, telecom operators, and/or data platforms to expand connected vehicle ecosytems and value propositions.

• Define KPIs and success metrics to measure adoption, performance, and profitability of connected services.

• Ensure cybersecurity, safety, and data privacy standards are embedded across connected vehicle systems and platforms.

• (20%) Partnership & Ecosystem Development

• Develop strategic partnerships with internal stakeholders, 3rd party providers, and broader ecosystem partners to advance data and connectivity initiatives.

• Lead commercial negotiations and oversee contractual agreements related to data licensing, sharing, and technology integration to ensure mutual value and compliance.

• Identify and cultivate new external alliances to accelerate innovation and expand connected vehicle capabilities.

• Define partnership frameworks and governance models to ensure alignment with strategic, legal, and data privacy requirements.

• (20%) Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Collaborate with Engineering, Legal, Security, and Marketing teams to ensure connectivity initiatives align with organizational goals and compliance requirements.

• Influence product and technology roadmaps by aligning technical capabilities with market dynamics and customer needs.

• (10%) Team Leadership

• Build and lead a cross-functional team of product managers and foster a culture of innovation, inspiration, agility, and continuous improvement.

• Set department priorities, allocate resources, and hold staff accountable for results.

• Drive staff development, performance management, and adherence to company policies.

• Manage department budget, reporting, and performance metrics.

• Promote the Mazda Pride Point culture with a focus on collaboration, continuous improvement, quality, and accountability.

• Perform other duties as assigned

• Comply with all policies and standards

• The preceding functions have been provided as examples of the types of work performed by employees assigned to this job classification. Management reserves the right to add, modify, change or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job

Work Experience

• 10+ years of relevant experience, to include the following required
• 7+ years experience with an automotive OEM in a corporate, region or field role with complete understanding of an OEM/dealership relationship required
• 5+ years managing a team with demonstrated track record of successfully mentoring, leading and retaining a highly productive team with a focus on best practices required

Education

• Bachelor Degree in Business Administration/Management
• An equivalent mix of education, training, and/or work experience may be considered in place of a degree

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Demonstrated ability to build strong relationships, influence and partner effectively with cross-functional teams. (Awareness-Developing)
• Proven ability to utilize appropriate internal styles and methods in guiding individuals/department (subordinates, peers, superiors) or groups toward task accomplishment. Must consistently adhere to MNAO policies and procedures and be a positive example for others by demonstrating the leadership competencies and Pride Point behaviors. (Advanced-Authority)
• Strong analytical and financial skills with the ability to develop and evaluate revenue models and make decisions under ambiguity. (Advanced-Authority)
• Strong interpersonal skills; must be able to establish and maintain effective working relationships with all levels of management, employees, customers, and outside vendors; Must be able to clearly and effectively communicate both orally and in writing, using good grammatical form, both in general correspondence, as well as on technical issues, Strong presentation skills. (Advanced-Authority)
• Ability to select, train, develop, supervise, motivate, and evaluate staff (Advanced-Authority)
• Knowledge of Dealership retail operations and Corporate operations
• Profitability/Finance
• Sales and marketing strategies
• Fixed operations
• Sales planning, inventory
• Product (Advanced-Authority)
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize tasks are essential. Must be able to establish a course of action for self and others/department to accomplish specific goals; must plan and prioritize proper assignments of personnel and/or appropriate allocation of resources. (Advanced-Authority)
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders including dealers, staff and senior management (Advanced-Authority)
• Proficiency with computer applications, including Microsoft Excel, Word, Project, PowerPoint, Teams and Outlook, as well as the ability to learn and effectively utilize other software applications used within the Company. (Intermediate-Advanced)

Physical Demands

• Stationary Position/Seated: Constantly
• Communicate/Talking: Constantly
• Communicate/Hearing: Constantly
• Repetitive Motions: Frequently
• Coordination: Frequently
• Seeing/Observing: Constantly

#LI-Remote

We support Remote work in the following states:

Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin

Pay Range

$164,200.00 - $250,450.00

Salary to be determined by education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities of the applicant, internal equity, and alignment with market data.

Learn more about MNAO's comprehensive benefits package here