Director of Product, Mobile

Drive mode

Job Summary

Drivemode, a part of Honda, is seeking a visionary and results-driven Director of Product for Mobile to lead the strategy, development, and execution of world-class connected services that will delight Honda and Acura customers globally. This role is critical to positioning Honda as a leader in the electric & hybrid vehicles and software-defined vehicle (SDV) revolution. Join Drivemode for an exciting startup environment and a vibrant culture that combines impactful work, competitive compensation, and excellent benefits. You'll contribute to a crucial mission that revolutionizes the way people engage with vehicles, addressing both business needs and the world's environmental challenges.

Must Have

  • Define and Execute Product Strategy
  • Drive Customer-Centric Innovation
  • Collaborate Across Borders
  • Lead and Scale Teams
  • Optimize Development Processes
  • Champion Product Excellence
  • At least 4 years of people management experience
  • 12+ years of product management experience
  • Proven track record of delivering successful consumer-facing mobile apps
  • Deep understanding of product development fundamentals
  • Deep understanding of UX/UI principles
  • Deep understanding of mobile app/ iOS and Android/ software/ hardware technologies and integrations
  • Exceptional problem-solving skills
  • Ability to balance long-term vision with short-term execution
  • Driving innovation while delivering results

Good to Have

  • Fluency in both spoken and written Japanese
  • Experience in both large corporations and startups
  • Experience in the automotive industry or IoT
  • Strong interest in the future of transportation, electric vehicles, and software-defined vehicles

Perks & Benefits

  • Full benefits

Job Description

Our Mission:

Driving technology always feels old. Not by a little bit. We believe vehicles can be a thousand times smarter, safer, and more connected to the world around us, and our mission is to see it happen. In 2019, we joined forces with Honda as their first startup acquisition, and now we’re expanding our vision into building the future of electric vehicles (BEV) for millions of people around the world.

Why Drivemode:

Join Drivemode for an exciting startup environment and a vibrant culture that combines impactful work, competitive compensation, and excellent benefits. By becoming a part of our team, you'll contribute to a crucial mission that revolutionizes the way people engage with vehicles, addressing both business needs and the world's environmental challenges. This presents an exceptional opportunity to be at the forefront of innovation and drive Honda's success in the EV market.

About the role

Drivemode, a part of Honda, is seeking a visionary and results-driven Director of Product for Mobile to lead the strategy, development, and execution of world-class connected services that will delight Honda and Acura customers globally. This role is critical to positioning Honda as a leader in the electric & hybrid vehicles and software-defined vehicle (SDV) revolution.

This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of mobility at one of the world’s most iconic automotive brands.

What you do

  • Define and Execute Product Strategy: Develop and own the product vision, strategy, and roadmap for Honda’s companion app and related systems.
  • Drive Customer-Centric Innovation: Leverage data, user research, and market insights to create intuitive, delightful, and highly functional mobile/ out-car experiences for global customers.
  • Collaborate Across Borders: Work closely with stakeholders at Honda (Japan and US) to align priorities, manage expectations, and deliver solutions that meet both regional and global needs.
  • Lead and Scale Teams: Build, mentor, and empower a high-performing product team, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and customer obsession.
  • Optimize Development Processes: Partner with engineering, design, and other cross-functional teams to ensure efficient and effective product delivery.
  • Champion Product Excellence: Establish best practices for product management, UX design, and technical integration, ensuring Honda remains at the forefront of innovation.
  • Travel: Occasional travel (10-15%) to Los Angeles, CA, and Tokyo, Japan, may be required to collaborate with key stakeholders.

What we are looking for

  • Bilingual Proficiency: Fluency in both spoken and written Japanese is highly desired to effectively collaborate with Japanese counterparts, though not mandatory.
  • Leadership Skills: Demonstrated ability to lead and grow high-performing teams, with at least 4 years of people management experience.
  • Experience: 12+ years of product management experience, with a proven track record of delivering successful consumer-facing mobile apps. Experience in both large corporations and startups is highly preferred.
  • Industry Expertise: Deep understanding of product development fundamentals, UX/UI principles, and mobile app/ iOS and Android/ software/ hardware technologies and integrations. Experience in the automotive industry or IoT is a strong plus but not mandatory.
  • Analytical & Strategic: Exceptional problem-solving skills and ability to balance long-term vision with short-term execution, driving innovation while delivering results.
  • Passion for Mobility: A strong interest in the future of transportation, electric vehicles, and software-defined vehicles.

This is the position's total compensation package including the company's bonus structure. This position also comes with full benefits. Actual compensation packages are based on a wide array of factors unique to each candidate, including but not limited to demonstrated skill set, years and depth of relevant experience, and some role-dependent factors. We welcome direct conversations with each candidate about compensation in all of our initial calls.

EEOC Statement

Drivemode is proud of a very diverse team with employees coming from 5 continents/20 countries as of today. Diversity in our workplace has played an important part in our success; we recognize each employee’s unique background, knowledge, experiences, ideas, and viewpoints which are all critical in developing a product that has the greatest impacts on drivers all over the world.

Drivemode provides equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, gender, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or any other characteristics that make you unique.

5 Skills Required For This Role

Team Management Cross Functional Game Texts Product Vision User Experience Ux