Product Specialist

Welcome to Kia UK

About Us

Kia UK is a leading automotive brand offering one of the industry’s largest range of models across multiple vehicle segments, contributing to it being the fifth most popular UK car brand in 2023. With more than 190 Kia dealerships across the country, Kia is now widely known for its advanced electrified products offering the technology of tomorrow, today. Spearheading this charge are award-winning products including the fully electric EV6 – Kia’s first dedicated electric vehicle – and the new pioneering EV9.

Kia UK has consistently grown for over 30 years, supported by bold design, quality products and ever-evolving customer service. By 2027, the brand aims to offer no less than nine fully electric vehicles in the UK, a positive step towards becoming a leading global sustainable mobility solutions provider.

People are central to Kia UK and every day is an opportunity to learn something new and to grow personally and professionally. This was recognised with Kia UK named as one of the UK’s Best Workplaces 2024 by Great Place To Work, and also ranked in the 2023 Best Workplaces for Women. Kia employees reported positively on areas such as working atmosphere, trust in management, corporate strategy, pride in working for the company, benefits, facilities and much more

The Team

Off the back of the successful launches of EV6 and EV9, Kia is entering another very exciting period of model launches in the not too distant future and we would like you to help launch these models

We have an exciting opportunity to join our winning team as we seek an enthusiastic and highly motivated Product Specialist. Working as part of the Marketing department, you will take responsibility for your own portfolio of models, planning and researching all aspects of your models from initial concept through to launch and beyond.

Our ideal candidate will be passionate about cars and the automotive industry, be process-driven and analytical with good attention to detail teamed with great communication skills. You will be the go-to person and expert, not only for your portfolio of models, but your competitors and wider market activity.

The associated job description outlines the skills and knowledge you need for the role; if this sounds like you, and you can demonstrate your passion and ideas to take this role to the next level, we would love to hear from you.

The Role

The Product Specialist is the go-to person and expert on their portfolio of models – involved in all stages of a model’s development, from initial vehicle concept, through to the creation of the UK business case and line-up, release to the Press and general public, along with evolution of the model as it goes through its lifecycle. This role requires the Specialist to be knowledgeable not only on the Kia products themselves, but also on the relevant market segments and competitors that operate within them.

Product Specialists have regular opportunities to present to a wide variety of audiences – from cross-departmental presentations to initiatives requiring Senior Management Team review, and external parties as required. In addition to this, the Product Specialist is responsible for the analysis and insight of their models, the creation and maintenance of Product-related materials, including ordering codes, specification sheets, price lists and details of vehicle profitability.

Key Responsibilities/Tasks:

• To manage applicable models throughout their lifecycle stages, including market analysis, initial UK specification, pricing and planning, with a significant focus on launch planning.

• To maximise the competitiveness and profitability of each model by the continuous review of market conditions.

• To ensure the effective and accurate communication of applicable products’ features and prices.

• Be the Kia expert for your range of models.

• Develop the business case for the specification and grade strategy of applicable models.

• Identification of market opportunities and development of Special Action Models to take advantage of these at the appropriate point in a model’s Lifecycle.

• Responsible for working as the product expert in presentations and PR events/conferences as necessary.

• Responsible for the detailed pricing of applicable models and features in close collaboration with Kia Europe (KEU) and Kia UK’s (KUK) Finance Department.

• The company expert on this sector of the market in terms of competitor product and marketing actions.

• Responsible for communicating product and pricing information internally and externally (Kia dealer network and market makers).

• Responsible for maintaining all applicable products on internal data systems i.e. KDCS and SAP.

• Responsible for maintaining the accuracy of model-specific finance costing.

• Reporting to Kia Corporation / KEU as appropriate on KUK’s product and pricing offering.

• Working with KUK’s Fleet team to maximise product competitiveness in the sectors.

• Supporting the wider KUK Marketing team to ensure Product accuracy of KUK assets.

• Liaison with the Dealer Support Team to ensure the relevant information/vehicles are ‘live’ on the Kia Portal system at the appropriate times.

• Responsible for maintaining and strengthening cross-company communication channels in respect of product news and issues.

• Responsible for liaising with After Sales team to integrate accessories into the product offer to maximise competitiveness and margin.

About You

·Educated to degree level or graduate calibre preferred

·Automotive experience required

·Strong computer literacy (Microsoft Office suite)

·SAP, JATO and MVRIS experience beneficial

·Strong analytical and organisational skills

·Conscientious and strong attention to detail

·Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal

·Minimum 2 years work experience essential

·Interest in marketing as a business function

·Ability to work to tight deadlines or enjoys working in a

·fast-paced environment

·Full valid UK driving license

The Benefits

Flexible working hours (core hours between 10:00am-3:00pm)

Hybrid working (up to 2 days a week remote working pro rata)

Employee Car Scheme (car lease + insurance all included from £80/month)

Onsite Chef -> free lunch every day

???? Private Medical Care (Vitality)

Annual Health Checks and free flu jabs offered on site

Private Dental Care (Denplan, £0 excess)

Pension with enhanced employer contribution

Income Protection & life Assurance

Critical Illness Protection

24 days Annual Leave + Bank Holidays

Wellness benefits including cycle to work scheme, free eye tests, employee assistance programme, Mental Health First Aiders and more

Financial hub providing free financial guidance and support

Work from anywhere for one week a year

Enhanced Maternity, Adoption and Shared Parental Leave (up to 6 months full pay)

Enhanced Paternity Leave

Free weekly yoga, football, and badminton clubs

Pool tables, dart board, and massage chairs onsite

Opportunity to get involved & give back via our charity partners

Birthday Vouchers

Celebrations such as our Spring Ball, Christmas events, Social Club and much more

Location/Travel

The Kia UK Head Office is based in Walton-on-Thames, just a 5 minute walk from the station. We also have plenty of on-site parking for drivers, including EV charging ports.

There is step-free access throughout the building, but please let us know if you require any additional accessibility support and we will cater to your needs as best we can.

Interview Process

We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. We understand that every candidate is unique, and we welcome the opportunity to make reasonable adjustments to ensure that all individuals can fully participate in our interview process. If you require any adjustments or support to facilitate your interview, please do not hesitate to reach out to (jmoor@kia.co.uk). We are happy to discuss your needs and make arrangements that support your participation to best showcase your skills and qualifications.

At Kia, we are committed to employing the best-qualified people and provide equal opportunity for the advancement of employees including promotion and training and thereby not discriminating against any person because of gender, race, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, religion, belief or disability.