Description
Automotive News is seeking an ambitious, forward-looking journalist to cover one of the most consequential shifts in the global automotive industry: the transformation of how vehicles are designed, sourced, built and delivered.
This role sits at the intersection of manufacturing, robotics, artificial intelligence, supply chains and industrial strategy. The successful candidate will help industry leaders understand how emerging technologies, geopolitical forces, workforce changes and new production models are reshaping the automotive value chain.
Rather than covering a traditional beat, this journalist will own a set of critical questions facing the industry:
How will AI change engineering, sourcing and manufacturing?
What will the factory of the future look like?
How are automakers and suppliers building more resilient supply chains?
Which technologies are truly transformative and which are overhyped?
How will labor, productivity, costs and competitiveness evolve?
Which companies are best positioned to win in this new industrial era?
This journalist will break news, develop deep sourcing, deliver analysis and identify emerging trends before they become mainstream. They will produce journalism across platforms and formats, collaborating closely with our video, social, audio, data and events teams.
The ideal candidate combines strong reporting instincts with intellectual curiosity, understands how professional audiences consume information across channels, and is comfortable serving as a visible representative of the Automotive News brand.
Location: The Product Manager will work from one of the Crain offices if within commuting distance or remote from a state in which Crain has employees: AZ, CA, CO, IL, MD, MA, MI, MN, NV, NY, NC, OH, OR, TN, TX, VA, WA, WI, and Washington, DC. Will work CT or ET hours.
Key Responsibilities
Own coverage of manufacturing innovation and industrial transformation
Break exclusive news on manufacturing strategy, factory investments, supply chain developments and emerging technologies.
Cover how AI is transforming engineering, design, purchasing, logistics and production operations.
Report on advances in robotics, automation, autonomous systems and next-generation manufacturing technologies.
Examine how digital twins, simulation, additive manufacturing, software-defined production systems and advanced analytics are changing vehicle development and production economics.
Track the evolution of supply chain strategies, sourcing decisions, reshoring efforts and critical materials procurement.
Analyze how geopolitical shifts, trade policy and industrial policy affect manufacturing footprints and investment decisions.
Explain the implications of automation and technology adoption for labor, skills, productivity and competitiveness.
Identify emerging startups, technologies and business models influencing the future of automotive manufacturing.
Deliver differentiated journalism
Produce exclusive news, enterprise reporting, investigations, profiles and explanatory journalism.
Translate complex technical and industrial topics into clear, actionable insights for automotive decision-makers.
Help readers understand not just what happened, but why it matters and what comes next.
Develop a strong network of sources across automakers, suppliers, technology companies, startups, universities, investors, consultants and policymakers.
Create multi-platform journalism
Collaborate with video, audio, social media and data teams to extend reporting across platforms.
Contribute to newsletters, podcasts, video programs, data products and live journalism experiences.
Work with colleagues in North America, Europe and Asia to identify global trends and produce coordinated coverage.
Serve as an on-camera or on-stage representative of Automotive News when appropriate.
Events & Industry Engagement
Moderate panels, interviews and discussions at Automotive News events.
Represent Automotive News at industry conferences, manufacturing facilities and technology showcases.
Build relationships with executives, engineers, innovators, investors and policymakers shaping the future of mobility and manufacturing.
Required Skills & Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in journalism, communications or related field, or equivalent experience.
Seven or more years of journalism experience.
Demonstrated success producing high-impact business journalism and breaking exclusive news.
Experience covering automotive, manufacturing, technology, transportation, industrials, business or related sectors.
Exceptional reporting, interviewing and writing skills.
Ability to explain complex technical topics in clear, engaging language.
Strong news judgment and analytical thinking.
Ability to connect technological developments to business strategy and competitive advantage.
Experience developing executive-level sources.
Comfort working across text, video, audio, social and live journalism formats.
Familiarity with data analysis, financial disclosures and regulatory... For full info follow application link.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities. The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor s legal duty to furnish information.
