General Motors

Propulsion Planning Manager

General Motors$120K — $145K *
Aerospace & Defense
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in engineering or business disciplines
  • 7+ years of relevant experience
  • Broad knowledge of customers, competition, markets, and industry trends
  • Ability to translate complex data into actionable insights
  • Demonstrated experience leading cross-functional teams
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint

Responsibilities

  • Lead propulsion portfolio planning and technology rollouts
  • Develop data-driven strategies for portfolio management
  • Evaluate market trends and competitive technologies
  • Monitor and synthesize insights from competitive products
  • Identify portfolio gaps and lead development of horizon plans
  • Facilitate executive-level reviews and decision-making processes
  • Collaborate with various departments to balance portfolio priorities

Benefits

  • Hybrid work arrangement with flexible location requirements
  • Professional development opportunities
  • Collaboration with a diverse, cross-functional team
  • Access to cutting-edge propulsion technologies
  • Impactful role in shaping future product strategies
Full Job Description

Job Description

Hybrid. This role is categorized as hybrid. This means the successful candidate is expected to report to Warren, Michigan three times per week, at minimum.

The Role

As the Propulsion Planning Manager, you will shape and advance GM27s propulsion portfolio to balance customer needs, market and competitive intelligence, brand strategy, technology choices, product cadence, compliance strategy and financial objectives. You will partner with program teams and cross-functional leaders to develop fact-based portfolio recommendations, identify opportunities and gaps, and translate complex information into clear decisions and executable plans.

This role is intended for a strategic, analytically strong leader who can operate across propulsion technologies, including ICE, electrified, and electric propulsion, and bring together internal and external insights to guide future product and portfolio choices.

The successful candidate will bring together technical, market, financial, customer, compliance and competitive perspectives to support enterprise-level propulsion decisions. The role requires comfort with ambiguity, strong executive presence, and the ability to create alignment across functions while maintaining accountability for outcomes.

What You27ll Do

  • Lead propulsion portfolio planning for propulsion offerings, cross-functional product initiatives, technology and feature rollouts, and monetization opportunities
  • Develop data-driven points of view that support active management of a profitable, compliant regional portfolio of products, services, and brands
  • Evaluate propulsion technologies, customer needs, market trends, vehicle segments, competitive activity, brand positioning, product cadence, compliance impacts and business-case considerations
  • Monitor competitive products, technologies, strategies, and market actions; synthesize external signals with internal data into actionable insights
  • Identify portfolio gaps and opportunities and lead development of horizon plans that address future products, technology, and customer needs
  • Lead cross-functional studies and frame concise recommendations for senior leaders, including clear options, trade-offs, risks, and recommended paths forward
  • Collaborate with Advanced Vehicle Planning, Forecasting, Plan Administration, Competitive Intelligence and Technology Planning to balance portfolio priorities
  • Partner with Marketing, Finance, Program Management, Engineering, Design, Manufacturing, Market Research and Advanced Engineering/Concepts
  • Lead the development and facilitation of executive-level reviews and decision forums
  • Provide segment-focused and competitive comparative assessments for internal customers and stakeholders
  • Participate in research clinics, as appropriate, and translate customer-perception findings into portfolio implications
  • Track decisions, actions, and portfolio implications through execution, adjusting recommendations as conditions change

Success Behaviors

  • Builds trust across functions and creates alignment around enterprise priorities
  • Demonstrates intellectual curiosity and seeks out the right experts and information
  • Separates the most important issues from lower-value detail and brings forward insights that matters
  • Addresses difficult issues constructively and moves discussions toward resolution
  • Maintains composure and credibility in senior-leader settings
  • Acts in the best interest of GM and supports recommendations with logic, facts, and sound judgment

Success Measures

  • High-quality propulsion portfolio recommendations that clearly connect customer, market, competitive, technical, financial, and brand considerations
  • Timely identification of portfolio gaps, opportunities, risks, and required decisions
  • Effective cross-functional alignment and executive decision support
  • Strong translation of competitive and customer insights into actionable planning choices
  • Progress against horizon-plan needs and successful transition of recommendations into program execution

Your Skills & Abilities (Required Qualifications)

  • Bachelor27s degree in engineering or business disciplines
  • 7+ years of relevant experience
  • Broad knowledge of customers, competition, markets, brands, vehicle segments, industry trends, compliance and business-case elements
  • Ability to translate data and ambiguous problem statements into insights, recommendations, and actionable portfolio opportunities
  • Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional work, align stakeholders, and drive decisions without direct authority
  • Strong written, verbal, and executive communication skills, including the ability to tailor messages to different audiences
  • Ability to synthesize complex technical, market, financial, compliance and competitive information into a compelling narrative
  • Demonstrated ownership, urgency, adaptability, and ability to complete projects in a changing environment
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities and successfully lead complex studies or initiatives
  • Strong judgment and willingness to make fact-based recommendations, including when the recommendation may be difficult or unpopular
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint


What Can Give You A Competitive Edge (Preferred Qualifications)

  • Master27s degree, preferably an MBA, or pursuing one
  • 7+ years of experience in the automotive industry
  • Prior propulsion engineering, portfolio planning, or product-planning experience. Familiarity with GM planning, business and product development processes
  • Experience with ICE, hybrid, EV, or other propulsion technologies and their related customer, regulatory, business-case, and manufacturing considerations
  • Experience preparing executive-level reviews, decision materials, or portfolio recommendations
  • Experience using structured analytical tools, market data, customer insights, or competitive benchmarking to influence product decisions including ICE, electrified, and electric propulsion, and bring together internal and external insights to guide future product and portfolio choices.

GM does not provide immigration-related sponsorship for this role. Do not apply for this role if you will need GM immigration sponsorship now or in the future. This includes direct company sponsorship, entry of GM as the immigration employer of record on a government form, and any work authorization requiring a written submission or other immigration support from the company (e.g., H1-B, OPT, STEM OPT, CPT, TN, J-1, etc). This role is categorized as hybrid. This means the selected candidate is expected to report to a specific location at least 3 times a week {or other frequency dictated by their manager}. The selected candidate will be required to travel <25% for this role. This job is not eligible for relocation benefits. Any relocation costs would be the responsibility of the selected candidate.

About General Motors

General Motors Company engages in the manufacture and sale of cars and trucks in the United States, China, Brazil, Germany, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Italy. It offers sedans, crossovers, sport utility vehicles, pick-up trucks, coupes, sports/convertibles and hybrid vehicles, hatchbacks/wagons, and vans, as well as mini cars in India. The company also provides parts and accessories, such as iPod and MP3 compatibility, mobility accessories, performance parts, AC parts and services, and merchandise. In addition, it offers vehicle safety, security, and information services. The company provides used vehicles. It offers its products through dealers and distributors. General Motors Company was formerly known as NGMCO, Inc. and changed its name to General Motors Company in July 2009. The company was incorporated in 2009 and is based in Detroit, Michigan. It operates manufacturing facilities in India, the United States, and Canada. General Motors Company operates as a subsidiary of the United States Department of The Treasury. General Motors led global vehicle sales for 77 consecutive years from 1931 through 2007, longer than any other automaker, and is currently among the world's largest automakers by vehicle unit sales. General Motors acts in most countries outside the USA via wholly-owned subsidiaries but operates in China through 10 joint ventures. GM's OnStar subsidiary provides vehicle safety, security, and information services. In 2009, General Motors shed several brands, closing Saturn, Pontiac, and Hummer, and emerged from a government-backed Chapter 11 reorganization. In 2010, GM made an initial public offering IPOs to date and returned to profitability later that year.

General Motors Careers

Join the dynamic team at General Motors, a global leader in automotive innovation and technology. At General Motors, we offer unparalleled job opportunities that propel your career forward while contributing to a legacy of engineering excellence.

Work You’ll Do

Embark on a career with General Motors to drive the future of mobility. Our team is dedicated to redefining the automotive landscape through innovation and leadership in electric vehicles and sustainable solutions. By joining us, you will be part of a culture that values diversity, teamwork, and continuous professional growth.

Transform Your Career

General Motors is not just a company; it's a community where you can grow your skills alongside the best in the industry. Our leadership is committed to providing every employee—from interns to senior professionals—with opportunities for career advancement, leadership development, and diversity training.

Innovate and Lead

At General Motors, innovation is at the core of everything we do. From research and development to manufacturing, our teams work collaboratively to lead the industry with cutting-edge technologies and sustainable practices. We encourage our employees to think big and push the boundaries of what’s possible.

Join Our Global Team

As part of our global workforce, you will collaborate with talented individuals who are passionate about shaping the future of transportation. General Motors offers a variety of career paths in engineering, design, IT, marketing, and more. With over 155,000 employees worldwide, our network provides expansive opportunities for networking and professional development.

Internship Programs and Employment Benefits

Start your career journey with a General Motors internship, where you can apply your academic knowledge to real-world projects. Our internships provide a robust foundation in the automotive industry, with mentorship from experienced leaders. Full-time employees enjoy a wealth of benefits, including comprehensive health care, retirement plans, and performance bonuses, ensuring that your hard work is rewarded.

Explore Job Opportunities

Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a recent graduate, General Motors offers positions that leverage your unique skills. Our hiring process is designed to identify and nurture talent, focusing on aligning your capabilities with the right opportunities for growth within the company.

Stay Connected

Join Our Team Search open positions that match your skills and interests. At General Motors, we look for innovative, driven, and solution-oriented team players. Explore the possibilities that await you in a career at General Motors.

Keep Up to Date

Stay ahead with career tips, insider perspectives, and industry-leading insights you can put to use today—all from the people who drive success at General Motors.

Job Alert Emails

Customize your subscription to receive job alerts, latest news, and insider tips tailored to your preferences. Discover the exciting and rewarding career opportunities available at General Motors. Embark on a journey of growth, innovation, and leadership at General Motors. Shape your future in an environment that fosters diversity, learning, and the pursuit of excellence. Join us and redefine the roads of tomorrow.
Learn more about General Motors
Size
157,000 employees
Market Cap
$46.9 billion
Industry
Net Income
$6.4 billion
Founded
1908
5 Year Trend
-3.2%
Revenue
$122.4 billion
NASDAQ

Similar Jobs

More Jobs at General Motors

More Aerospace & Defense Jobs

Find similar Propulsion Planning Manager jobs: