Chery Automobile Co., Ltd. was founded on January 8, 1997, in Wuhu, Anhui Province, China. Chery has been built upon the philosophy of independent innovation, developing a complete technology and product R&D; system, producing several award-winning car models.

Chery products are exported to more than 80 countries and regions in the world. Chery auto is the trusted JV partner for other brands, such as JAGUAR, LAND ROVER in China. So far, more than 7 million units have been sold, making Chery the first Chinese automobile to achieve this sales milestone and ranks No. 1 in China for 15 years in a row.

With global R&D; centres in China, Silicon Valley, USA and Europe, the company has established 14 productions across China, and other markets. Chery currently has 16,721 employees, among whom 3,500 are R&D; staff.

The Chery Australia subsidiary was established three years ago, with offices in Sydney and Melbourne and are continuing to build a team of experts to drive innovation and disrupt the market.

BUSINESS UNIT OVERVIEW

FREELANDER is an all-new vehicle brand created through Chery Jaguar Land Rover (CJLR), the established 50:50 joint venture between Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) and Chery Automobile Co., Ltd. In June 2024, JLR and Chery signed a Letter of Intent to license the Freelander name first introduced by Land Rover in 1997 to CJLR, reviving it as an independent brand built for the next era of electrification.

FREELANDER operates as its own dedicated portfolio, separate from both Chery's existing line-up and JLR's luxury House of Brands. Vehicles are engineered and manufactured at CJLR's Changshu facility in China, combining Chery's electric vehicle architecture and manufacturing scale with design input from both Chery and JLR creative teams.

The brand's first model, the FREELANDER 8, was previewed as the Concept 97 in March 2026 and unveiled in production form in April 2026. It is a full-size SUV offered with plug-in hybrid (PHEV), battery-electric (BEV) and extended-range electric (EREV) powertrain options.

FREELANDER launched initially into China's mainstream new-energy vehicle (NEV)



market through a dedicated retail network, with confirmed plans for global expansion including testing and market entry in Australia and New Zealand in 2027.

For Chery Motor Australia, FREELANDER represents a new growth pillar: a distinct, purpose-built brand bringing next-generation electrified SUVs to the Australian market alongside Chery's existing range.

FREELANDER head office will be based in Melbourne.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Product Manager is the voice of the Australian and New Zealand market for the FREELANDER brand, working with Chery/FREELANDER global R&D; and HQ teams to make sure every model is specified, compliant, priced and positioned for success here, and leading local planning and go-to-market execution from new model introduction through the vehicle’s lifecycle.

REPORTS TO

Head of Brand FREELANDER Australia & New Zealand

KEY WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

Chery HQ team based in both Sydney and Wuhu

FREELANDER Leadership Team based in Melbourne

KEY RESPONSIBILTIES

Global product input and compliance

Represent Australia and New Zealand in global product development reviews and work with Chery/Freelander R&D; and HQ teams on the roadmap, specifications and launch timing.

Check vehicle specifications against Australian and New Zealand requirements, including ADR, right-hand drive, emissions and safety standards, and local customer expectations.

Product planning and lifecycle

Lead technical and commercial planning for new model introductions, facelifts and lifecycle actions.

Find and model portfolio gaps and opportunities across segments, powertrains, customer demographics and price points.

Market insight, pricing and positioning





Run data-driven analysis of customer needs, competitors, pricing and emerging opportunities, and turn the findings into product and pricing strategies.

Benchmark competitors regularly so that pricing, brand positioning and dealer profitability stay aligned.

Coordinate launches across Sales, Marketing, Aftersales, Supply, PR and the dealer network.

Make sure product marketing and customer-facing content is technically accurate, with every claim checked against engineering data.

REQUIREMENTS

Ideally 10 years' experience in Automotive operations in Australia, with direct exposure to vehicle engineering, specifications, or technical documentation

At least 5 years in Product Planning, Market Intelligence, or Data Analytics, with hands-on quantitative forecasting, statistical analysis, or business modelling experience (Excel, Power BI, or equivalent)

A Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Marketing, Industrial Design, Business, or a related field or automotive mechanical/trade experience (formal engineering training strongly encouraged)

High mechanical aptitude, with the ability to read and interpret vehicle specifications, engineering drawings, and technical data sheets

Strong analytical and quantitative skills, building and interrogating financial and volume models and translating data into defensible recommendations

Demonstrable project management skills, owning and delivering products while managing trade-offs between technical, commercial, and timing constraints

WHY JOIN FREELANDER

This is a unique opportunity to be part of FREELANDER's establishment and growth in the Australian and New Zealand automotive markets.

You will work closely with local leadership and global product development teams, contributing to significant product decisions and helping shape the future of the FREELANDER brand in Australia and New Zealand.

If you are passionate about automotive innovation, product strategy and bringing exciting new vehicles to market, we would love to hear from you.

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📌 Freelander Product Manager (Melbourne)
🏢 Chery
📍 Melbourne