Transformation and Portfolio Steering Manager
Mountain View, CA
CARIAD, an automotive software development team with the Volkswagen Group. Our mission is to make the automotive experience safer, more sustainable, more comfortable, more digital, and more fun. To achieve that we are building the leading tech stack for the automotive industry and creating a unified software platform for over 10 million new vehicles per year. We’re looking for talented, digital minds like you to help us create code that moves the world. Together with you, we’ll build outstanding digital experiences and products for all Volkswagen Group brands that will transform mobility. Join us as we shape the future of the car and everyone around it.
Role Summary
The Transformation and Portfolio Steering Manager is responsible for shaping CARIAD Inc.’s technology and business portfolio while ensuring disciplined execution and delivery. Acting as a strategic bridge in the areas of strategy / transformation (GT), technical steering (TT), product management (GM) and product controlling (FC) between CARIAD Inc., CARIAD SE, and Volkswagen Group entities, this role ensures alignment of resources, budgets, and initiatives with corporate strategy.
Role Responsibilities
- Derive Portfolio & delivery model for CARIAD Inc. based on CARIAD SE strategy / Target Picture
- Define required initiatives for strategy implementation and support OKR execution for technical domains measurable outcomes.
- Align portfolio priorities with global business goals and regional innovation needs.
- Maintain a holistic CARIAD Inc. portfolio view (resources, budgets, capabilities).
- Translate technical leadership perspectives into strategic business concepts
- Drive portfolio decisions with stakeholders of CARIAD SE (e.g., decisions on AI in ADAS, RVT integration etc.)
- Ensure CARIAD US representation in global product governance forums (“GM channel”), influencing product-related decisions and ensuring U.S. priorities are visible and acted upon.
Transformation & Organizational Effectiveness
Lead initiatives that enhance efficiency, scalability, and integration across CARIAD Inc. and CARIAD SEOptimize systems, processes, and tools to enable high-value deliveryDrive budget alignment, process integration, and organizational effectiveness initiativesServe as counterpart to SE efficiency programs, ensuring the U.S. perspective is representedContinuously improve program execution models by incorporating feedback, retrospectives, and industry best practices and policiesPartner with technical and legal leads to establish clear technical oversight models, enabling U.S. leaders to guide SE teams effectively within compliant HR and operational frameworks.Program Oversight & Delivery Steering
Responsible for technical program execution support and portfolio operations across engineering domains Assist with the U.S. technical portfolio roadmap, ensuring prioritization, execution, and deliveryGovern timelines, budgets, and resources; anticipate issues and resolve escalationsEnsure transparency and accountability through executive reporting (dashboards, KPIs, summaries)Evaluate and implement project management tools (e.g., Jira, Confluence, Smartsheet) to enhance project visibility, reporting, and trackingEstablish and maintain a global operating rhythm across U.S. and SE teams, aligning on cadence for PI planning, governance forums, and cross-time-zone coordination.Develop executive-level presentations, dashboards, and strategic storytelling materials to support CEO and leadership decision-making.Global & Cross-Functional Collaboration
Serve as the connector between (highly technical) U.S. operations and decision making processes at CARIAD SEFacilitate lean decision‑making and governance processes across global stakeholdersSupport the effort in resolving highly complex, unique situations or new (business) initiatives that can impact business successAlign across product, engineering, and business functions, as well as external partnersDefine effective communication channels and cultural integration practices that foster transparency, inclusivity, and collaboration across regions.Proactively identify, assess, and mitigate portfolio risks (strategic, financial, operational)Establish escalation paths and contingency plans to protect delivery outcomesGeneral Skills
Proven leadership excellence with a track record of guiding high-performing cross‑functional, and global teams (desired)Advanced strategic and analytical thinking — able to use data, frameworks, and portfolio views to drive sound, future‑oriented decisions, potentially beyond existing solutionsExecutive communication and presentations skills – clear, compelling, and board‑readyTechnological proficiency with digital tools, enterprise platforms, and software systemsCross‑functional integration expertise — aligning people, tools, budgets and processes across domains and geographiesStrong influencing and negotiation capabilities — able to build consensus, navigate competing priorities across Brands, SE, and stakeholdersAgile and solution‑oriented under pressure — thriving in ambiguity and transformation environments.Skilled at resource prioritization (talent, time, budget) to maximum impact and efficiencyAdaptable and culturally agile, with international work experience (especially across U.S. and Europe)Strong financial management skills, including business case calculations to improve overall ROI of R&D expenditures, budget establishment and optimization, and potentially portfolio value measurementRequired Specialized Skills
Strong background of shaping and implementing portfolio‑level strategies with direct influence on corporate direction and capability building.Mastery of program / project management methodologies (Agile, Waterfall, Hybrid) and tools (e.g., Jira, Confluence, Smartsheet, Gantt charts, risk matrices).Ability to communicate program health and risks clearly through dashboards, KPIs, and executive summaries for CEO / CFO / SLT consumption.Expert‑level proficiency in Microsoft PowerPoint and executive storytelling — ability to structure persuasive narratives and synthesize complex technical and financial data into compelling presentations.Experience leading cross‑functional portfolio reviews and executive decision forums — including preparation of board‑level reports, dashboards, and investment justifications.Advanced financial literacy — strong command of portfolio‑level budgeting, ROI modeling, and scenario planning for R&D investments.Proficiency in enterprise PMO and collaboration tools (e.g., Jira, Confluence, Smartsheet, or MS Project) for consistent portfolio tracking and reporting.Demonstrated success in stakeholder management — influencing across multiple management levels and geographies (U.S. ↔ Europe).Desired Skills
Proven success managing global, multi‑brand portfolios with complex stakeholder ecosystems.Track record of building or transforming PMO functions in a tech‑forward environment.Familiarity with large‑scale efficiency / transformation programs; ability to serve as counterpart to group‑wide initiatives.PMP, PgMP, SAFe, or other program management certifications.Experience in automotive, mobility, or consumer software / hardware industries.Expertise in designing and implementing end‑to‑end operational frameworks (governance, escalation paths, delivery models). Proven success working across alliance / parent company structures (e.g., CARIAD SE, Volkswagen Group). International work experience (especially across U.S. and Europe), with cultural fluency and excellent communication skills.Expertise in change management frameworks, ensuring organizational adoption of transformation initiatives.Workplace Flexibility
Requires occasional travel to international and domestic locationsFlexibility for executive meetings across multiple time zones.Flexible work schedule to accommodate the needs of all customers, as well as Volkswagen shareholders within the executive management teamYears of Relevant Experience
12+ years industry experience5+ years of program / project management5+ years in a PMO, portfolio or product strategy / management capacityRequired Education
Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Product Management or related fieldDesired Education
Master’s degree in Business Administration or Engineering ManagementCompensation
Salary range is dependent on factors such as geographical differentials, credentials or certifications, industry‑based experience, qualification and training. In the city of Mountain View, CA, the salary range for this position is $194,670 - $282,735.
CARIAD, Inc. provides performance based merits and annual bonus along with a competitive benefits package. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, 401k with employer match and defined contribution plan, short and long term disability, basic life and AD&D insurance, employee assistance program, tuition reimbursement and student loan repayment plans, maternity and non‑primary caregiver leave, adoption assistance, employee referral program and vacation and paid holidays. We also offer a unique vehicle lease program that covers registration and insurance fees.
CARIAD is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome and encourage applicants from all backgrounds, and do not discriminate based on race, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, color, gender identity / expression, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by applicable laws.
Employment with Cariad Inc. is contingent upon the successful completion of this screening process. We emphasize the importance of compliance with export control and sanctions laws as a fundamental aspect of our operations. Our company is dedicated to adhering to these regulations to ensure the lawful and ethical conduct of our business activities. Employment with our company is contingent on either verifying U.S. citizenship or U.S. lawful permanent resident status or obtaining any necessary license or confirming the availability of an applicable exemption or license exception. You, the applicant, will be required to answer certain questions for export control purposes, and that information will be reviewed by compliance personnel to ensure compliance with federal law. Cariad Inc. may choose not to apply for a license or use an applicable license exception (if available) for such individuals whose access to export-controlled technology or software source code may require authorization and may decline to proceed with an applicant on that basis alone.
By submitting your application, you acknowledge and agree to participate in the export control and sanctions compliance screening process. Your cooperation in this matter is essential to our shared success and the integrity of our operations. Thank you for your understanding and commitment to upholding these important standards.
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