AI Product Strategy Director

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: AI Product Strategy Director

Company: Elevance Health

Location: Indianapolis, IN; Costa Mesa, CA; Woodland Hills, CA; Grand Prairie, TX; Tampa, FL; Atlanta, GA; New York, NY

Job Type: Full time

Category: Technology / Product Strategy / AI Engineering

Date Posted: 2026-08-31

Experience Level: 10+ years

Remote Status: Hybrid (3 days in-office)

🚀 Role Summary

• This is a hands-on AI product builder role focused on rapidly transforming ideas into working AI capabilities, utilizing AI-assisted software development.

• The position involves designing, prototyping, building, and launching new enterprise AI products to accelerate digital transformation within the CDIO Executive Office.

• The role requires a technical innovator who can dramatically compress concept-to-production timelines using modern AI development tools, coding assistants, and rapid prototyping techniques.

• This position is ideal for experienced software engineers, AI developers, startup builders, or technical product innovators who thrive in ambiguity and embrace experimentation.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is explicitly described as a "hands-on AI product builder" and not a traditional strategy or product management role. This distinction is critical for candidates to understand, emphasizing direct technical contribution and rapid development over conceptualization and long-term planning. The focus on "building" and "accelerating digital transformation" suggests a high-impact, agile environment.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Personally design, prototype, and develop new AI-powered products using AI-assisted software development tools and techniques.

• Build and iterate on working prototypes within compressed timelines (days or weeks) to validate concepts and demonstrate enterprise value.

• Translate executive-level ideas and strategic initiatives into production-ready AI solutions and internal applications that enhance employee workflows.

• Develop and deploy reusable AI components and establish engineering patterns to accelerate future development and modernize software development practices.

• Continuously experiment with emerging AI technologies, identify opportunities for intelligent automation of manual work, and drive a culture of rapid experimentation.

• Transition successful prototypes into enterprise production environments, collaborating closely with architecture, security, and platform teams.

• Partner directly with the CDIO and Executive Office to prototype strategic ideas, demonstrate new AI capabilities, and advise on build-versus-buy decisions.

• Contribute to shaping the enterprise AI roadmap through the delivery of tangible, working solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong bias towards action and direct technical creation. The emphasis on "personally design, prototype, and develop" and "build working prototypes in days or weeks" suggests a lean, agile development approach. The role bridges the gap between strategic vision and technical execution, requiring a blend of engineering acumen and product-building foresight.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field. Experience:

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in Data Collection and Analysis, IT Consulting, IT Performance Management, Strategy or Financial Planning, Business Intelligence and Analytics, or Business Process Design.

• Proven track record of building and launching AI products or software solutions.

• Experience in fast-paced, ambiguous environments, such as AI startups, Big Tech AI engineering teams, or open-source AI communities. Required Skills:

• AI Product Development: Deep understanding and practical experience in designing, building, and deploying AI-powered products.

• Software Engineering: Strong foundation in software development principles, including modern AI engineering practices.

• Rapid Prototyping: Demonstrated ability to quickly create functional prototypes to validate ideas and demonstrate value.

• AI Technologies: Proficiency in utilizing Large Language Models (LLMs), Agentic AI systems, RAG architectures, and workflow automation.

• Cloud-Native Architectures: Experience with cloud platforms and building scalable, cloud-native applications.

• API Development: Ability to design, develop, and integrate APIs for AI services.

• AI-Assisted Coding: Proficient use of AI tools and coding assistants to enhance development velocity.

• Technical Strategy: Ability to translate business needs into technical product strategies and roadmaps.

Preferred Skills:

• Healthcare industry experience (not required, but a plus).

• Experience with multi-agent workflows and knowledge systems.

• Familiarity with AI copilots and intelligent assistants.

• Startup founder or early-stage technical leadership experience.

• Experience in developer tooling organizations.

• Expertise in data analysis, business intelligence, and analytics.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize practical, hands-on technical skills over theoretical knowledge. The "10 years of experience" is broad and encompasses various IT and analytics fields, but the core expectation is demonstrably building AI solutions. The explicit mention of "AI startups," "Big Tech AI engineering," and "open-source AI communities" as ideal backgrounds points towards a need for individuals with innovative mindsets and practical, cutting-edge experience.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase of successfully built and deployed AI products or significant AI-driven features.

• Demonstrations of rapid prototyping capabilities, ideally with examples of concept-to-prototype timelines.

• Case studies detailing the application of AI engineering practices such as LLMs, agentic systems, or RAG architectures.

• Evidence of building reusable AI components or establishing engineering patterns for AI development.

• Projects that highlight contributions to digital transformation or intelligent automation initiatives. Process Documentation:

• Examples of how you have documented AI product development workflows, from ideation to production handover.

• Documentation of architectural designs and technical specifications for AI systems.

• Evidence of creating and maintaining knowledge bases or documentation for reusable AI components.

• Process flows demonstrating how AI prototypes were transitioned to enterprise production teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the role's focus on "building," a robust portfolio is paramount. Candidates should be prepared to showcase tangible projects that demonstrate their ability to architect, develop, and deploy AI solutions rapidly. The portfolio should highlight not just the final product but also the innovative processes and technologies used to achieve it, aligning with the "rapid innovation" and "AI engineering" aspects of the role.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• $165,200 - $297,360 annually (for candidates in California and New York).

• Note: This range may be adjusted based on geographic location, work experience, education, and skill level. Actual compensation will vary based on these factors and market conditions.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive benefits package

• Incentive programs

• Recognition programs

• Equity stock purchase

• 401k contribution with match

• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance

• Short and long-term disability benefits

• Life insurance

• Wellness programs

• Financial education resources

• Paid Time Off (PTO)

• Paid holidays Working Hours:

• Standard working hours, likely aligned with the 1st Shift (United States of America).

• The role is hybrid, requiring associates to be in-office 3 days per week.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is specific to higher cost-of-living areas (California and New York). Candidates in other listed locations (Indianapolis, IN; Woodland Hills, CA; Grand Prairie, TX; Tampa, FL; Atlanta, GA; New York, NY) may have different salary expectations based on local market rates. The provided range serves as a strong benchmark for senior-level technical roles focused on cutting-edge technology like AI product development. The hybrid model with a specific in-office expectation (3 days) is a key detail for work-life balance planning.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Healthcare Technology / Health Insurance. Elevance Health is a Fortune 25 company with a significant presence in the healthcare industry, focused on improving lives through health services and simplifying healthcare.

Company Size: Large enterprise (Fortune 25 implies a very large organization with thousands of employees globally). This size offers stability, extensive resources, and complex organizational structures.

Founded: Elevance Health has a "longstanding history in the healthcare industry," indicating a mature and established organization.

Team Structure:

• Embedded within the CDIO Executive Office: This indicates direct visibility and close collaboration with senior leadership, including the Chief Digital and Information Officer.

• AI Product Strategy & Rapid Innovation Team: This specialized team is focused on cutting-edge AI development and quick product iteration.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: While embedded, the role will likely collaborate with broader engineering, architecture, security, and platform teams for production deployment and integration.

Methodology:

• AI-Assisted Software Development: Core methodology for rapid product creation.

• Rapid Prototyping & Experimentation: Emphasis on quickly validating ideas through working software.

• Agile & Iterative Development: Implied by the focus on building in "days or weeks" and continuous iteration.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: While the role is hands-on building, decisions are expected to be informed by potential enterprise value and rapid validation.

Company Website: https://www.elevancehealth.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's Fortune 25 status and "longstanding history" suggest a stable, resource-rich environment, but also potentially a more structured or traditional corporate setting. However, the placement of this role within the "CDIO Executive Office" and its "rapid innovation" mandate signals a deliberate effort to inject agility and cutting-edge technology development into the organization. The team is likely a high-performing unit focused on strategic digital transformation.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Director Equivalent. This signifies a senior leadership position with significant autonomy, strategic influence, and responsibility for driving key initiatives.

Reporting Structure: Reports directly into the CDIO Executive Office, suggesting a high level of visibility and direct access to executive leadership. This provides an opportunity to influence strategic direction.

Operations Impact: The role's direct impact is on accelerating the company's digital transformation through the creation of new enterprise AI products. Success metrics will likely include the speed of innovation, successful product launches, and the demonstrable value generated by these AI capabilities within the organization.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership in AI Innovation: Opportunity to become a recognized leader in driving AI adoption and product development within a large enterprise.

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in cutting-edge AI technologies, AI engineering, and rapid development methodologies.

• Executive Influence: Direct engagement with senior leadership provides a unique platform for strategic input and career advancement within the digital and technology functions.

• Transition to Product Leadership: Potential to move into broader product leadership roles or lead dedicated AI product teams as the company's AI strategy matures.

• Mentorship: Opportunity to mentor junior engineers and product builders within the rapid innovation team.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a unique career path for technical leaders who want to be hands-on builders within a large, established organization. The "Director Equivalent" title combined with the "hands-on builder" mandate is unusual and presents a significant opportunity to define and lead a new area of innovation. Growth potential is tied to demonstrating tangible results and influencing the company's digital and AI strategy.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid Workforce Strategy. Associates are required to work at an Elevance Health location at least once per week, with this specific role requiring 3 days in-office. This fosters collaboration and connectivity while offering flexibility.

Office Location(s): Multiple locations across the US, including Indianapolis, IN; Costa Mesa, CA; Woodland Hills, CA; Grand Prairie, TX; Tampa, FL; Atlanta, GA; New York, NY. Candidates must reside within a commuting distance of one of these offices unless an accommodation is granted.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model and 3-day in-office requirement are designed to promote collaboration and team connectivity.

• Agile & Innovative Setting: The role operates within the CDIO Executive Office, suggesting a dynamic, fast-paced environment focused on innovation and rapid development.

• Access to Enterprise Resources: As part of a large corporation, access to robust IT infrastructure, security protocols, and potential enterprise-wide tools will be available.

Work Schedule: Standard working hours (1st Shift) are expected, with the hybrid arrangement providing flexibility. The focus is on delivering results and meeting project timelines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model with a specific expectation of 3 days in-office balances the need for in-person collaboration and innovation with the flexibility of remote work. This setup is common in large enterprises aiming to retain talent while fostering team cohesion. Candidates should be prepared for this blended work style.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess technical skills, experience, and alignment with the "builder" profile.

• Technical Interviews: Deep dives into AI engineering skills, experience with specific technologies (LLMs, agentic systems, RAG), and problem-solving abilities related to AI product development.

• Portfolio Presentation: Candidates will likely be asked to present their portfolio, showcasing specific projects, the technical challenges overcome, and the impact achieved. Emphasis will be on the "how" and "what" of their building experience.

• Behavioral & Situational Interviews: Assessment of adaptability, ability to thrive in ambiguity, collaboration skills, and how they approach rapid innovation and executive partnership.

• Executive/Leadership Interviews: Discussions with senior leaders (potentially including the CDIO) to assess strategic thinking, alignment with company vision, and potential for impact.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Focus on tangible examples of AI products or features you have built.

• Highlight Rapid Development: Emphasize projects where you achieved significant milestones quickly. Quantify timelines if possible (e.g., "developed MVP in 3 weeks").

• Detail Technical Approach: Clearly explain the AI technologies used (LLMs, agentic frameworks, RAG), the architecture, and the development tools.

• Demonstrate Problem-Solving: Showcase how you overcame technical challenges and made trade-offs during development.

• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, articulate the business value or efficiency gains realized from your work.

• Tailor to the Role: Prioritize projects that align with the responsibilities of AI product building, rapid innovation, and executive partnership.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for technical challenges that may involve designing an AI solution for a given problem, outlining a rapid prototyping approach, or discussing how to integrate AI into existing workflows.

• Practice articulating complex technical concepts clearly and concisely, especially when explaining your portfolio projects to a non-technical or executive audience.

• Think about how you would approach transforming a high-level strategic idea into a working AI prototype within a short timeframe.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily scrutinize practical building experience. A strong portfolio that clearly demonstrates hands-on AI product development and rapid innovation is crucial. Candidates should prepare to walk through their projects, explaining technical choices and impact, as this will be central to the evaluation.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• AI Development Frameworks: Experience with frameworks for building LLM applications, agentic systems, and RAG architectures (e.g., LangChain, LlamaIndex, Haystack, or similar).

• Cloud Platforms: Proficiency with major cloud providers (AWS, Azure, GCP) for deploying and scaling AI applications.

• AI-Assisted Coding Tools: Experience with tools like GitHub Copilot, Amazon CodeWhisperer, or similar AI coding assistants.

• Programming Languages: Strong proficiency in languages commonly used for AI development (e.g., Python) and potentially others for full-stack development (e.g., JavaScript, Java).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Visualization Tools: Familiarity with tools like Tableau, Power BI, or custom dashboards for showcasing AI model performance and product impact.

• Monitoring Tools: Experience with tools for monitoring AI model performance, drift, and system health in production.

CRM & Automation:

• API Development & Management: Tools and