At Honda we embrace inclusion in our various policies, so whilst our contracts state that the hours are as required to fulfil the role with a minimum of 35 hours per week, we offer flexibility for when you work. The regular office hours are 08:00 – 16:00 Monday to Thursday with a half hour lunch break & 08:00 – 13:00 on a Friday. However, we offer flexibility of when you work with our daily flex-time start of between 07:00 and 11:00 providing that there is no business requirement. Whilst there is no contractual right to work from home, the flexibility we offer is that you can request to work from home 2 days per week, again providing there is no business requirement to attend the office. Role The Product Planning & Management Specialist plays an important role in supporting and shaping the strategy for the Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) product portfolio across the Power Products European region. This role is responsible for analysing market trends, gathering customer insights and collaborating with cross-functional teams to define and deliver product offerings that align with market demands and company objectives. The Specialist ensures the successful lifecycle management of ICE products while identifying opportunities for innovation and differentiation. This position would suit a detail-oriented and market-savvy professional with a passion for driving innovation and delivering products that meet customer expectations. The Product Planning & Management Specialist will drive the company’s ICE portfolio to remain competitive, compliant, and aligned with the evolving needs of the European market. This role will require occasional travel to our European branches, dealers and manufacturing sites. Main Responsibilities Market Research and Analysis Conduct comprehensive market research to understand customer needs, industry trends, and competitor offerings in the ICE segment. Analyse regulatory developments and their impact on ICE products in the European market. Use data-driven insights to identify growth opportunities, market gaps, and emerging customer demands. Product Strategy and Planning Develop and maintain the product roadmap for ICE offerings in alignment with the company’s global and regional strategies. Define product specifications, positioning, and value propositions based on market needs and competitive analysis. Collaborate with sales, marketing, and engineering teams to ensure alignment between product planning and business goals. Product Lifecycle Management Oversee the lifecycle of ICE products, from concept to launch to discontinuation. Monitor product performance post-launch and recommend adjustments or improvements as necessary. Coordinate product updates, enhancements, and customizations based on feedback from customers and dealers. Collaboration with R&D and Engineering Work closely with European R&D and global engineering teams to ensure product designs meet market requirements and regulatory standards. Provide input on technical feasibility, cost considerations, and customer-centric features. Act as a bridge between market needs and product development teams to ensure timely delivery of competitive products. Cross-Functional Coordination Collaborate with marketing teams to develop go-to-market strategies, promotional plans, and product communication materials. Partner with sales teams in branches to ensure they have the tools, training, and resources to effectively sell ICE products. Coordinate with supply chain and manufacturing teams to ensure product availability meets market demand. Regulatory and Environmental Considerations Stay updated on EU regulations related to emissions, safety, and ICE technology. Ensure that all ICE products comply with applicable laws and standards in the region. Provide strategic recommendations to adapt the product portfolio to evolving regulatory environments. Performance Monitoring and Reporting Track and analyse the performance of ICE products in the European market, including sales, profitability, and market share. Prepare reports and presentations for senior management, highlighting key insights and recommendations. Use performance data to inform future product planning and decision-making. Dealer and Customer Engagement Gather feedback from dealers and customers to identify pain points, desired features, and opportunities for improvement. Conduct product training sessions for dealers and support teams to enhance knowledge and adoption. Required Qualifications, skills and experience: Deep understanding of the European ICE market, including trends, customer needs, and competitive dynamics. Demonstratable experience in product planning, product management, or marketing, preferably in the ICE or power product industry. Ability to align product plans with business goals and market opportunities. Familiarity with ICE technology, engineering principles, and regulatory frameworks. Understanding of EU regulations affecting ICE products (e.g., emissions standards). Strong ability to analyse data, interpret market research, and derive actionable insights. Excellent verbal and written communication skills to collaborate across teams and present findings effectively. Ability to address challenges in product development and adapt plans to changing circumstances. Proficiency in managing multiple projects, meeting deadlines, and coordinating cross-functional teams. Commitment to understanding and addressing customer needs through innovative product solutions. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, data analysis tools, and familiarity with product lifecycle management (PLM) software. Fluency in written & verbal English is required. Desirable Japanese language advantageous. Honda is committed to the principle of equal opportunity in the workplace for all employees, temporary workers, contractors, applicants and visitors. Honda also encourages respect for the individual differences and talents of others while making full use of one's own abilities, based on Honda's philosophy of respect for the individual. At Honda, we value and celebrate diversity and are committed to being a fair, non-discriminatory company that promotes and welcomes the uniqueness and differences of people around the world. We recognise that a diverse workforce allows for different ideas and perspectives, and we encourage everyone to share them. We strive to foster a culture of belonging that is consistent with Honda's core values and lived out in the way we work and respect each other. For us at Honda, diversifying our workforce means increasing its overall strength by providing people with equal opportunities - regardless of personal characteristics or previous careers. This commitment flows directly from the Honda philosophy and the belief that we are all working towards a common goal. Honda recruits, hires, trains and promotes the most qualified/experienced individuals at all levels without regard to race, origin, religion or belief, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability or any other protected characteristic.