Senior Specialist, Product Management

Job description

Here at Scout Motors, we're carrying forward the heritage of one of the most iconic American vehicles in history. A vehicle dating back to 1960. One that forged the path for future generations of rugged SUVs and trucks and will do so once again. But Scout is more than just a brand, it’s a legacy steeped in a culture of exploration, caretaking, and hard work. The Scout brand is all about respect. Respect for the past and the future by taking an iconic American brand that hasn’t been around for a while, electrifying it, digitizing it, and loading it with American innovation. Respect for communities by creating a company that stands for its people and its customers. Respect for both work and play, with vehicles that are equally at home at a camp site, a job site, or on a Tuesday commute. And respect for our customers by developing two powertrains that meet their requirements — an all-electric powertrain as well as the Harvester™ range extender powertrain which includes a built-in gas-powered generator with an estimated 500 miles of combined range. At Scout Motors, we empower our talented, inclusive, and entrepreneurial teams to innovate. What makes a Scout employee? Someone who is a visionary and a leader, who seeks new paths and shares lessons learned. A knowledgeable doer who collaborates across the company to build better. A go-getter with unrivaled passion. Join us at Scout Motors and be part of shaping the future of transportation. If you're ready to drive change and make history, apply now! About the team The Scout Products Model Line team has overarching ownership for vehicle program target achievement across content, timing, profitability, volume, product maturity, and cross-functional readiness. The team serves as the central integration point between product strategy, vehicle development execution, business case performance, milestone governance, and executive decision-making. As a Senior Specialist – Vehicle Program Readiness, you will serve as a key cross-functional integrator responsible for vehicle milestone achievement, program timing, launch readiness, and executive decision readiness. You will independently lead complex program topics, drive alignment across technical, operational, and business stakeholders, and ensure critical path activities, milestone deliverables, and manufacturing readiness objectives remain on track. This role provides broad exposure to the full vehicle development lifecycle, from concept development through launch and start of production (SOP), with regular interaction with senior leadership. It offers a unique opportunity to influence key program decisions, drive milestone and launch success, and build a strong foundation for future growth into vehicle program, launch, product, or model line leadership roles. What you’ll do Become part of an iconic brand that is set to revolutionize the electric pick-up truck & rugged SUV marketplace by achieving the following: Program Milestone Steering • Lead preparation and integration of vehicle milestone decision papers, including storyline, flight plan, product maturity status, technical readiness, and cross-functional input. • Translate milestone requirements into clear work packages, owners, timing, and escalation paths. • Consolidate milestone readiness inputs across Engineering, Manufacturing, Procurement, Quality, Finance, Product Marketing, Design, and other key functions. • Lead cross-functional alignment of the critical path required for milestone achievement and proactively identify recovery actions for schedule risks. • Drive resolution of milestone deliverables, risks, and decision needs to ensure program readiness is transparent and actionable. • Prepare concise, leadership-ready materials for milestone reviews, product steering committees, and executive decision forums. • Develop recommendations and escalation proposals to enable leadership decisions on milestone-critical issues. • Cross-functionally align necessary changes to the milestone plan and launch cadence and maintain the single source of truth for program timing. Heavy Items Tracking • Track and hold Engineering, Purchasing, Quality, & Production accountable for delivering key inputs for manufacturing readiness (i.e. specification books, sourcing’s, tooling releases, part delivery and manufacturing readiness). • Assess timing recovery plans, challenge mitigation assumptions, and develop recommendations regarding milestone feasibility and build readiness. Cross-Functional Program Coordination • Act as a key operational support partner to the Model Line Manager by coordinating cross-functional activities across vehicle program workstreams. • Drive follow-up on open actions, owners, due dates, blockers, and status updates across Engineering, E/E & Software, Manufacturing, Procurement, Quality, Finance, Design, and Product Marketing. • Maintain structured program trackers that provide visibility to topic status, risks, next steps, ownership, due dates, and escalation needs. • Facilitate alignment meetings, working sessions, and follow-up reviews to remove roadblocks and support timely decisions. • Ensure that cross-functional input is collected early, reviewed for completeness, and incorporated into program recommendations before leadership decisions are made. Location & Travel Expectations: • This role will be based out of the Scout Motors location in Novi, Michigan. • This role requires 4 days per week in the office, with regular in-person meetings and events. • Applicants should expect that the role will require the ability to convene with Scout colleagues in person and travel to participate in events on behalf of the company from time to time. • Travel: 10% . Valid drivers license required. What you’ll bring We expect all Scout employees to have integrity, curiosity, resourcefulness, and strive to exhibit a positive attitude, as well as a growth mindset. You’ll be comfortable with change and flexible in a fast-paced, high-growth environm