Strategic Partnerships Principal

About the position Developing and executing product and business strategy amid rapid technological and social change requires a highly capable and engaged team. Honda’s Sustainability & Business Development Business Unit leads the charge in shaping the future of Connected, Autonomous, Shared, Electric, and Energy products and services with a strong focus on environmental sustainability. This team is committed to strengthening Honda’s brand values and competitiveness by innovating and operationalizing new businesses, features, and services that deliver profitability, customer satisfaction, and market relevance. The Unit Lead plays a critical role in advancing Honda’s 2050 vision of net zero CO₂ emissions, 100% utilization of carbonfree energy, and 100% use of sustainable materials by forging strategic partnerships and alliances that drive growth, innovation, and value creation. This 2050 vision is encapsulated in the concept of “Triple Action to ZERO,” a concept that consolidates three key initiatives: “Carbon Neutrality,” “Clean Energy,” and “Resource Circulation". Beyond the Sustainability & Business Development Business Unit, the Unit Lead will also collaborate across other American Honda Motor business units to establish partnerships that amplify enterprise-wide impact. Through close collaboration with internal teams and external stakeholders, the role focuses on developing future energy solutions such as Charging Solutions, SmartCharge, V2X, and Hydrogen programs, as well as broader corporate solutions that create new value for customers and strengthen Honda’s leadership in sustainable mobility and innovation.

Responsibilities

• Lead or support multiple partnership projects by managing scope, prioritizing daily tasks, maintaining accurate documentation, and ensuring timely delivery of milestones. Oversee escalation processes and maintain strong relationships with customers and suppliers to guarantee smooth execution.
• Develop structured frameworks for partnership intake, evaluation, and approval to ensure consistency, transparency, and alignment with business priorities. Establish clear processes, documentation standards, and feedback loops to continuously improve efficiency and effectiveness in partnership management
• Collaborate with key stakeholders to identify internal business needs and align partnership strategies with regional and global objectives. Analyze workflows, identify gaps, and drive cross-functional engagement to enhance business performance and support Honda’s strategic goals
• Support with negotiations to create mutually beneficial agreements that reflect strategic priorities. Oversee contract creation, execution, and compliance monitoring, ensuring terms and expectations are clearly defined. Provide regular performance and impact reports to senior management.
• Monitor and evaluate partnership effectiveness using key performance indicators. Recommend and implement adjustments to optimize outcomes and maximize value creation for the organization.

Requirements

• BA/BS in Business, Economics, Marketing, Finance or equivalent work experience.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in business development, partnerships or finance. Proven track record in partnership management or business development, preferably within the automotive or tech industries.
• 3 years of experience in mergers & acquisitions (M&A) and leading a project team.
• Experience in developing partnership channels, working cross functionaly with legal, finance, and marketing.
• Knowledge in energy management related to V2X, V1G, Hydrogen, Battery Life Cycle or related to Electric Vehicles and/or Sustainability areas.
• Experience with complex project development.
• Strong negotiations and contract management skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Capable of overseeing, analyzing and reviewing complex contracts, agreements and detailed scope of work.

Nice-to-haves

• MBA is a plus.

Benefits

• Competitive Base Salary (pay will be based on several variables that include, but not limited to geographic location, work experience, etc.)
• Regional Bonus (when applicable)
• Manager Lease Car Program (No Cost - Car, Maintenance, and Insurance included)
• Industry-leading Benefit Plans (Medical, Dental, Vision, Rx)
• Paid time off, including vacation, holidays, shutdown
• Company Paid Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
• 401K Plan with company match + additional contribution
• Relocation assistance (if eligible)
• Advancement Opportunities
• Career Mobility
• Education Reimbursement for Continued Learning
• Training and Development Programs
• Lifestyle Account
• Childcare Reimbursement Account
• Elder Care Support
• Tuition Assistance & Student Loan Repayment
• Wellbeing Program
• Community Service and Engagement Programs
• Product Programs

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