For one of our international clients, BaanClaesen is supporting the market entry and growth in Europe of a new automotive brand, backed by one of the worlds largest automotive manufacturing groups. For the Benelux market we are looking for a Head of Product (management)


Role Context

On behalf of a global automotive group introducing a new brand to the Benelux market, we are looking for an experienced Product Head who will play a key role in building the organisation from the ground up.

This position combines strategic responsibility with hands-on execution. The successful candidate will not only define product strategy and portfolio direction, but will also establish, build, and develop the local product organisation, actively contributing to day-to-day execution during the growth phase.

Key Responsibilities

Brand & Product Build-Up

• Lead the introduction and positioning of a new automotive brand in the Benelux region.
• Define and execute the product strategy and multi-year roadmap aligned with market entry objectives.
• Translate European regulations, market dynamics, and customer needs into competitive product propositions.

Organisation & Capability Development

• Build, structure, and develop the Product function locally, including processes, governance, and ways of working.
• Act as a hands-on leader, combining strategic direction with operational involvement in product planning and execution.
• Lay the foundation for scalable product and portfolio management as the organisation grows.

Product Development & Launch Execution

• Define product concepts, specifications, and business cases for new technologies (incl. electrification, connectivity, and smart mobility).
• Work closely with Engineering, Design, Sales, and HQ to drive development, localisation, and successful market launches.
• Ensure disciplined decision-making throughout the product development lifecycle.

Lifecycle & Performance Management

• Own the full product lifecycle from market introduction to optimisation.
• Monitor product performance and initiate continuous improvement based on market feedback and data insights.

Stakeholder & Partner Management

• Maintain close alignment with HQ and represent the Benelux market in strategic discussions.
• Support senior-level interactions with European OEMs, Tier-1 suppliers, and key ecosystem partners where relevant.

Candidate Profile

• 7+ years experience in Product Management or Product Planning within the automotive industry.
• Proven track record in building product functions or portfolios in growth or market-entry environments.
• Strong knowledge of European automotive regulations, OEM structures, and electrification trends.
• Comfortable operating in an entrepreneurial, build-up setting, combining autonomy with accountability.
• Strategic thinker with a pragmatic, hands-on mindset and strong execution capabilities.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills across technical and commercial domains.
• Fluent in Dutch and English.
• Bachelors degree or higher in Engineering, Business, or a related field.


Feel free to reach out for a confidential conversation or send a direct message to explore how your experience could align with this role.

Contact:
Joost Baan
Managing Partner
m: +31(0)653211331
e: [email protected]