Manager, Emerging Business - Data Business Development

Mazda North American Operations is seeking a Manager for Emerging Business in Data Business Development. This role focuses on leading the growth of data-driven products and services, identifying market opportunities, and establishing partnerships to enhance value from data assets while driving strategic brand customer experience impact.

Responsibilities:

• (30%) Strategic Planning
• Establish a brand-aligned, strategic vision for data products and services that drive profitability and ideal CX and reflect the organization’s core identity and business priorities
• Partner cross-functionally with Data Intelligence, Product Planning, IT, R&D to align data capabilities with business objectives and the overall strategic roadmap
• Ensure data initiatives reinforce enterprise goals by defining KPIs, tracking progress, and maintaining alignment with long-term business goals
• Identify and assess new business opportunities for data products, platforms, and services, building clear business cases and revenue models to guide investment decisions
• Conduct market research and competitive analysis within and beyond automotive to uncover trends, customer needs, and innovation opportunities
• Leverage insights and analytics to anticipate demand, refine strategies, and shape differentiated, data-driven solutions that support growth
• (30%) Product Innovation, Development, and Feedback
• Collaborate across MNAO and MC to develop innovative data products and build the foundational data capabilities needed to support long-term CX sustainment and profit growth
• Define and refine pricing, packaging, and positioning strategies to ensure commercial viability, competitive differentiation, and alignment with customer value
• Leverage customer feedback and market insights to inform product development priorities, enhance functionality, and identify emerging opportunities
• Apply agile, iterative planning to continuously improve, test, and scale offerings in response to evolving business and market needs
• (15%) Sales & Revenue Generation
• Develop and execute go-to-market strategies for data solutions and deliver measurable revenue growth
• Cultivate a deep understanding of customer segments to identify opportunities, shape value propositions, and drive sustainable market expansion
• Lead client engagements and negotiations by delivering compelling presentations, strengthening partnerships, and securing successful outcomes
• (15%) Partnerships & Alliances
• Establish and maintain strategic relationships with key internal and external stakeholders, including MNAO and MC IT and Product Planning departments
• Collaborate with external data providers and technology vendors to enhance data products, capabilities, and service offerings
• Foster cross-organizational alignment and communication to ensure partnership goals support broader business strategies
• (10%) Leadership & Department Management
• Lead and mentor EBO Connectivity team and foster a culture of innovation, continuous learning, and collaboration
• 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

Requirements:

• 6+ years of working experience required
• 5+ years of experience in business development, sales, or partnerships, preferably within data, analytics, or SaaS industries required
• Ability to build and foster teamwork among all groups and at all levels. (Intermediate-Advanced)
• Strong understanding of data ecosystems, including big data platforms, data marketplaces, APIs, and cloud-based solutions. (Intermediate-Advanced)
• Demonstrated success in closing deals and driving measurable business growth. (Intermediate-Advanced)
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills. (Intermediate-Advanced)
• Ability to simplify and communicate complex technical concepts to non-technical audiences. (Intermediate-Advanced)
• Must be able to utilize appropriate interpersonal styles and methods to influence and guide individuals/department or groups towards task accomplishment. (Intermediate-Advanced)
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with all levels of management, employees, customers, and external vendors. (Intermediate-Advanced)
• 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. (Intermediate-Advanced)
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize tasks are essential. Must be able to establish a course of action for others/department to accomplish specific goals; must plan and prioritize proper assignments of personnel and/or appropriate allocation of resources. (Intermediate-Advanced)
• Ability to independently organize work processes, set priorities and make critical decisions. (Intermediate-Advanced)
• Proficiency with computer applications, including Microsoft Excel, Word, Project Access, PowerPoint and Outlook, as well as the ability to learn and effectively utilize other software applications used within the Company. (Intermediate-Advanced)
• Sales Growth strategy/innovation consulting preferred
• Market analysis/strategic planning preferred
• Vehicle connectivity/telematics development preferred
• Computer system development preferred