Associate Director Product & Strategy

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Associate Director, Product & Strategy

Company: Appnovation Technologies

Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Product & Strategy Consulting / Digital Transformation

Date Posted: 2026-09-11

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead high-value client engagements at the intersection of product direction, strategic planning, customer experience, and digital transformation.

• Advise senior clients and shape integrated product and strategic roadmaps for complex, multi-disciplinary initiatives.

• Oversee the quality of product definition, strategic thinking, and delivery across teams, ensuring alignment with clear value creation and practical action.

• Drive business development by shaping major proposals, identifying account growth opportunities, and deepening client relationships.

• Cultivate a strong practice culture through mentorship, talent development, and the integration of AI as a strategic and creative tool.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within a specialized "Product & Strategy" consulting practice, indicating a focus on strategic advisory, product lifecycle management, and organizational transformation rather than purely technical or operational execution. The emphasis on AI as a "creative partner" suggests a forward-thinking approach to problem-solving and solution development.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead and manage complex, multi-workstream client engagements across key domains including product strategy, customer experience (CX) strategy, service design, transformation planning, martech strategy, and change strategy.

• Provide strategic advisory to senior client stakeholders, guiding them on product direction, strategic priorities, and phased transformation roadmaps.

• Shape integrated product and strategic direction for clients, ensuring coherence across diverse initiatives and business units.

• Ensure the quality and strategic integrity of product definitions, strategic frameworks, requirements documentation, and overall delivery direction managed by client teams.

• Guarantee that all client work is grounded in clear value creation, sound strategic logic, and actionable execution throughout the entire engagement lifecycle.

• Spearhead the development and leadership of major proposals, pitches, and responses to Requests for Proposals (RFPs).

• Proactively identify and cultivate account growth opportunities, focusing on deepening and broadening existing client relationships.

• Contribute to the continuous improvement and strengthening of the Product & Strategy practice through the development of new methods, quality standards, and the mentorship of Senior Managers and Managers.

• Champion the strategic and creative use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) within the practice, establishing it as an integral part of thinking and problem-solving processes, not just a productivity enhancement.

• Mentor and develop leaders and junior practitioners within the practice, fostering their ambition, capability, and strategic acumen.

• Actively protect and nurture the practice's culture, promoting continuous learning, effective execution, and a drive to push boundaries.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of client-facing advisory, team leadership, business development, and practice building. The explicit mention of "martech strategy" and "digital solutions" indicates a strong focus on the technology landscape within broader business strategies.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Business, Marketing, Design, Technology, or a related field is highly recommended. Advanced certifications in product management, strategy, or digital transformation would be advantageous.

Experience: 10–14 years of progressive experience in roles such as Product Management, Strategy Consulting, Customer Experience Design, Service Design, Digital Transformation Consulting, or a closely integrated combination of these areas.

Required Skills:

• Proven ability to lead complex, multi-workstream engagements from inception to completion.

• Demonstrated experience advising senior clients and C-suite stakeholders on strategic direction and organizational change.

• Expertise in at least three core Product & Strategy domains: product strategy, CX strategy, service design, transformation planning, martech strategy, or change strategy.

• Strong capabilities in shaping and leading commercial opportunities, including developing compelling proposals and winning new business.

• A track record of elevating the quality and impact of a team or practice, beyond individual project contributions.

• Exceptional executive communication skills, with the ability to build trust and influence senior stakeholders.

• Deep fluency and practical experience in leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) and prototyping as strategic and creative tools.

• A leadership style that demonstrably fosters curiosity, drives performance, and upholds high standards among team members.

• Proficiency in strategic planning, business analysis, and problem-solving methodologies. Preferred Skills:

• Experience in a global consulting firm or a dedicated digital transformation consultancy.

• Familiarity with various project management methodologies (e.g., Agile, Waterfall, Hybrid).

• Strong understanding of digital marketing technologies (Martech) and their strategic application.

• Experience in developing and implementing change management strategies.

• Knowledge of service design principles and their application in business contexts.

• Demonstrated ability to conduct thorough market analysis and competitive intelligence.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirement (10-14 years) places this role at a senior level, requiring significant leadership and strategic advisory capabilities. The emphasis on "raising the quality of a team or practice" suggests an expectation for mentorship and process improvement contributions.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a history of leading and delivering successful client engagements that showcase strategic thinking, product definition, and transformation initiatives.

• Provide case studies that illustrate clear value creation, strategic logic, and practical execution in complex, multi-disciplinary projects.

• Highlight examples of how you have shaped integrated product and strategic directions, with measurable outcomes.

• Showcase experience in advising senior clients and influencing strategic decision-making.

• Include evidence of identifying and developing account growth opportunities. Process Documentation:

• Present frameworks or methodologies used for defining product strategy and roadmaps.

• Detail approaches to customer experience (CX) strategy development and service design implementation.

• Illustrate processes for transformation planning and change management execution.

• Provide examples of how you have ensured quality standards and strategic integrity in client deliverables.

• Showcase experience in proposal development and business case creation.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role at this level, a portfolio is crucial. It should not just list projects but tell the story of leadership, strategic impact, and capability development within the Product & Strategy domains. Emphasis should be placed on ROI, client satisfaction, and practice enhancement.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for Associate Director-level Strategy and Product Consulting roles in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, with 10-14 years of experience, the estimated annual salary range is approximately MYR 180,000 - MYR 280,000. This range can vary based on specific experience, performance in the interview process, and the depth of expertise in niche areas like AI and Martech.

Benefits:

• EPF (Employees Provident Fund): Mandatory retirement savings contribution as per Malaysian law.

• Wellness Allowance: A dedicated allowance to support employee well-being, potentially covering gym memberships, health supplements, or mental health resources.

• ME Days: Personal days off, likely intended for personal appointments, mental health breaks, or flexible time off beyond standard annual leave.

• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP): Confidential counseling and support services for employees facing personal or work-related challenges.

• Fertility and Menopause Leave: Specialized leave provisions acknowledging specific life stages and health needs, demonstrating a commitment to comprehensive employee support.

• Hybrid Working Model: Offers flexibility by allowing a mix of remote and in-office work, promoting work-life balance.

• Direct Access to Cutting-Edge AI Platforms: Opportunities to work with and leverage advanced AI technologies.

• Growth opportunities for personal and professional development: Access to training, certifications, and career advancement pathways.

• Supportive work environment with access to company leaders: Encourages direct interaction and learning from senior management.

Working Hours: While a standard full-time workweek is implied (potentially 40 hours), the hybrid model and the nature of consulting often involve flexibility and occasional extended hours to meet client demands and project deadlines. The focus is on impact and delivery rather than strict adherence to hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on typical compensation for senior consulting roles in major Southeast Asian economic hubs like Kuala Lumpur, considering the specified experience level and the specialized nature of the role. The benefits package is notably comprehensive, with specific provisions for wellness and life stages, which is a strong differentiator.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Appnovation Technologies operates within the Digital Services and Consulting industry, focusing on building digital solutions that combine strategy, experience design, engineering, and managed services. They aim to deliver impact today and build foundations for future growth.

Company Size: Appnovation is a global company with a significant employee base (likely 500+ employees, though not explicitly stated in the provided data, typical for a global digital partner). This size suggests a structured organization with established processes, but also enough agility to foster innovation. For operations professionals, this means opportunities for diverse project involvement and potential for career progression within a larger framework.

Founded: Appnovation was founded with a vision to be a global, full-service digital partner, emphasizing a blend of ambitious vision and practical execution. Its founding principles likely revolve around delivering tangible results and fostering long-term client relationships.

Team Structure:

• Product & Strategy Practice: This specific practice is described as a consulting capability integrating product management, strategic thinking, CX, service design, and transformation. It's a specialized unit within Appnovation.

• Reporting Structure: As an Associate Director, this role will likely report to a Director or VP within the Product & Strategy practice, with direct management responsibility for Senior Managers and Managers, and indirectly influencing broader project teams.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: The role inherently requires close collaboration with Appnovation's other practices, including Experience & Design, Engineering, and Managed Services, to deliver end-to-end digital solutions. Collaboration with client-side teams is also a primary function.

Methodology:

• Data Analysis and Insights: The practice emphasizes grounding work in clear value creation and strategic logic, implying a data-driven approach to understanding client challenges and opportunities.

• Workflow Planning and Optimization: The role involves shaping strategic direction and overseeing delivery, requiring robust methods for planning, execution, and continuous optimization of project workflows.

• Automation and Efficiency: The explicit mention of AI as a "creative partner" and "not just a productivity tool" suggests a culture that actively seeks and implements advanced automation and efficiency practices to enhance both client outcomes and internal operations.

Company Website: [Appnovation Technologies Website URL - Assuming this would be provided or found via search]

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's positioning as a "global, full-service digital partner" implies a broad range of capabilities and client engagements. The "Product & Strategy" practice is a key differentiator, suggesting a focus on high-level advisory and strategic implementation rather than pure execution.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This Associate Director role is a senior leadership position within the Product & Strategy consulting practice. It signifies a transition from individual contribution and project leadership to practice leadership, business development, and strategic account management. The scope extends to influencing the practice's methodologies, talent development, and overall strategic direction.

Reporting Structure: The Associate Director will typically report to a Director or Senior Director within the Product & Strategy practice. They will have direct reports, likely including Senior Managers and Managers, and will work closely with leaders from other Appnovation practices (e.g., Engineering, Design) and client-side leadership.

Operations Impact: The impact of this role is significant, directly influencing client strategy, product direction, and digital transformation initiatives. Success in this role contributes to Appnovation's revenue growth through account expansion, new business acquisition, and the successful delivery of high-value client projects. It also shapes the capabilities and reputation of the Product & Strategy practice.

Growth Opportunities:

• Practice Leadership: Progression to Director or VP roles within the Product & Strategy practice, with increased responsibility for P&L, client portfolio, and strategic vision.

• Specialization & Expertise: Deepening expertise in emerging areas like AI-driven strategy, advanced martech, or specific industry verticals, becoming a recognized thought leader.

• Client Relationship Management: Transitioning to roles with broader account management responsibilities, overseeing multiple large client relationships and strategic partnerships.

• Talent Development & Mentorship: Taking on expanded roles in shaping the talent pipeline, developing training programs, and mentoring multiple teams of consultants.

• Global Mobility: Opportunities to work on international projects or relocate to other Appnovation offices, leveraging the company's global presence.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is designed for individuals looking to move beyond project execution into strategic leadership, business growth, and practice development within a specialized consulting environment. The emphasis on AI integration points to a future-focused career path.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role operates under a hybrid working model. This means a combination of remote work and in-office collaboration. Appnovation likely maintains physical office spaces in Kuala Lumpur designed to facilitate team meetings, client presentations, brainstorming sessions, and focused collaborative work.

Office Location(s): The primary office location is Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Specific office details (e.g., address, amenities) would typically be provided during the interview process. Accessibility via public transport or proximity to business hubs is usually a consideration for such locations.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model implies that office days are geared towards high-value collaboration, team building, and client interactions that benefit from face-to-face engagement.

• Operations Tools and Technology: Consultants in this role will have access to Appnovation's standard suite of digital collaboration tools, project management software, and potentially specialized AI and prototyping platforms.

• Operations Team Interaction: Office days provide opportunities for spontaneous interactions, knowledge sharing, and informal mentorship with peers and leaders within the Product & Strategy practice and other Appnovation teams.

Work Schedule: A standard full-time schedule is expected, but consulting often requires flexibility. The hybrid model allows for personal control over work location, but project deadlines and client needs may necessitate adapting work hours. The focus is on delivering results, with flexibility in how and where work is done when feasible.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model is a key feature, offering a balance between the flexibility of remote work and the benefits of in-person collaboration critical for strategy and client-facing roles.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and application, likely followed by a brief HR or recruiter screening call to assess basic qualifications and cultural fit.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion with the hiring manager (likely a Director or Senior Director) focusing on your experience, leadership style, strategic thinking, and alignment with the practice's vision. This is where your portfolio's relevance will be initially assessed.

• Case Study/Problem-Solving Session: You will likely be presented with a business challenge or scenario relevant to product strategy, CX, or digital transformation. You'll be expected to outline your approach, leverage your experience, and demonstrate your strategic thinking and problem-solving skills, potentially involving AI integration.

• Team/Practitioner Interviews: Interviews with other senior practitioners or team leads within the Product & Strategy practice. These sessions will delve deeper into your technical expertise, collaboration style, and ability to mentor others.

• Senior Leadership Interview: A final interview with a senior executive (e.g., VP, Practice Lead) to assess overall strategic alignment, business acumen, and cultural fit with Appnovation's values.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-4 of your most impactful engagements that directly align with the role's requirements (Product Strategy, CX, Transformation, AI).

• Focus on Impact: For each case study, clearly articulate the client's challenge, your role and approach, the strategic solutions implemented, and—most importantly—the measurable business outcomes and ROI achieved.

• Highlight Leadership & Mentorship: Showcase instances where you led teams, mentored junior staff, or influenced strategic direction within client organizations or your previous firms.

• Demonstrate AI Fluency: Include examples of how you've integrated AI or advanced technologies into strategy, prototyping, or solution design. Explain your thought process and the benefits.

• Structure for Clarity: Use a consistent format for each case study: Situation, Task, Action, Result (STAR method), with a clear emphasis on the "Action" and "Result" phases.

• Prepare for Presentation: Be ready to walk through your portfolio, articulate your contributions concisely, and answer detailed questions about your decision-making process.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Domains: Refresh your knowledge of product strategy frameworks, CX design principles, service design methodologies, digital transformation models, and martech landscapes.

• Practice Strategic Thinking: Be prepared to analyze complex business problems, identify root causes, propose strategic solutions, and outline implementation plans.

• AI Integration: Think about how AI can be applied to solve business problems, enhance customer experiences, or drive strategic innovation.

• Communication: Practice articulating your thoughts clearly, concisely, and persuasively, both verbally and potentially in written format. Be ready to defend your recommendations.

• Appnovation Context: Research Appnovation's work, client base, and stated values to tailor your responses and demonstrate cultural alignment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to assess strategic thinking, leadership, client advisory skills, and the ability to drive tangible business outcomes. A well-prepared portfolio is essential for demonstrating these capabilities.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Product Management Platforms: JIRA, Confluence, Asana, Monday.com (for backlog management, requirements, project tracking).

• Strategy & Design Tools: Miro, Mural (for collaborative whiteboarding, brainstorming, journey mapping), Figma, Sketch (for prototyping and wireframing).

• CRM & Sales Enablement: Salesforce, HubSpot (understanding CRM principles is key for Martech and CX strategy).

• Presentation & Documentation: Microsoft PowerPoint, Google Slides, Microsoft Word, Google Docs (for developing proposals, reports, and client deliverables).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Web Analytics: Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics (understanding how to interpret data for CX and product strategy).

• BI & Dashboarding Tools: Tableau, Power BI, Looker (for creating visualizations and reporting on KPIs).

• Customer Feedback Tools: SurveyMonkey, Qualtrics, UserTesting.com (for gathering insights on CX and product effectiveness).

CRM & Automation:

• Marketing Automation: HubSpot, Marketo, Pardot (understanding Martech strategy).

• AI & Machine Learning Platforms: While specific platforms aren't listed, fluency with concepts and practical application of AI tools for strategy, ideation, and prototyping is expected. This could include generative AI tools (e.g., OpenAI's GPT series, Midjourney for ideation) or AI-driven analytics platforms.

• Integration Platforms: Understanding how different systems connect (e.g., via APIs) is beneficial for transformation and Martech strategy.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency with collaborative tools like Miro/Mural and prototyping tools like Figma is highly relevant for strategy and design aspects. A strong understanding of CRM and Martech principles is essential, given the explicit mention of "Martech Strategy" as a core domain. The emphasis on AI suggests a need to be familiar with current AI capabilities and their application in business strategy.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Bold Ambition, Practical Action: This core Appnovation value suggests a culture that encourages ambitious goals but demands concrete, actionable plans and deliverables to achieve them. For operations, this means focusing on strategy with a clear path to execution.

• Continuous Learning: The statement "We learn constantly — because the work demands it and because we want to" highlights a commitment to professional development and staying ahead of industry trends, especially in digital and AI.

• Momentum & Execution: "We carry ideas into action, because thinking that stays in a deck doesn't count" emphasizes a bias for action and delivery. Operations professionals are expected to drive projects forward and ensure tangible results.

• Curiosity & Depth: "We stay curious — asking better questions, pushing deeper, exploring what others miss" reflects a culture that values critical thinking, in-depth analysis, and a proactive approach to uncovering insights.

• AI as a Creative Partner: This value signals an innovative and forward-thinking mindset, encouraging the exploration and integration of new technologies to enhance creativity and strategic capabilities.

Collaboration Style:

• Integrated Capabilities: The Product & Strategy practice itself is an integration of multiple disciplines, indicating a collaborative approach where different expertise areas converge to solve problems.

• Cross-functional Partnership: The role requires working closely with design, engineering, and managed services teams, fostering a collaborative environment where diverse skills complement each other to deliver comprehensive digital solutions.

• Client-Embedded Approach: The practice acts as "advisors, builders, and embedded partners," suggesting a collaborative style that can adapt to working closely alongside client teams, fostering transparency and shared ownership.

• Feedback & Development: The emphasis on mentoring and developing talent implies a culture that values constructive feedback, knowledge sharing, and mutual support for growth.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture is driven by a blend of strategic vision, execution focus, and a strong emphasis on continuous learning and innovation, particularly with AI. Collaboration is key, both internally across Appnovation's diverse capabilities and externally with clients.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Complex Client Environments: Clients often have entrenched processes, legacy systems, and competing priorities, making transformation and strategic change challenging. Adaptation strategies will involve strong stakeholder management and phased implementation plans.

• Rapid Technological Evolution: Staying abreast of fast-paced changes in AI, Martech, and digital platforms requires continuous learning and the ability to quickly integrate new tools and methodologies into client strategies.

• Balancing Ambition with Practicality: The core value of "Bold ambition. Practical action." means balancing visionary strategic goals with the realistic constraints of client resources, timelines, and organizational readiness.

• Driving Adoption of New Methodologies: Introducing new approaches, especially those involving AI or significant strategic shifts, requires overcoming resistance to change and demonstrating clear value to stakeholders.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Deepen expertise in areas like AI-driven strategy, advanced CX metrics, service design thinking, and agile transformation frameworks through internal training and project experience.

• Industry Conference & Certification: Opportunities to attend leading industry conferences (e.g., product management, digital strategy, AI ethics) and pursue relevant certifications to enhance professional credibility and knowledge.

• Operations Mentorship & Leadership: Benefit from mentorship from senior leaders within Appnovation and gain leadership experience by mentoring junior practitioners, developing your own leadership capabilities.

• Exposure to Diverse Industries & Clients: Work across a variety of sectors and client types, broadening your understanding of different business challenges and strategic approaches.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to high-level consulting, requiring strong problem-solving, adaptability, and continuous learning. The growth opportunities are geared towards developing leadership, specialized expertise, and strategic influence within the digital transformation space.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you advised a senior client on a complex product strategy or digital transformation. What was your approach, and what was the outcome?" (Preparation: Use STAR method, focus on strategic logic, client advisory, and measurable impact. Highlight your role in shaping the strategy.)

• "How would you approach diagnosing a client's declining customer engagement metrics and proposing a strategic intervention?" (Preparation: Outline a structured diagnostic process, including data analysis, stakeholder interviews, and journey mapping. Discuss potential strategic levers like CX improvements, product enhancements, or martech optimization.)

• "Imagine you need to integrate a new AI capability into a client's existing operations. What are the key strategic considerations, potential challenges, and how would you mitigate them?" (Preparation: Focus on strategic alignment, data readiness, change management, ethical considerations, and practical implementation steps. Showcase your understanding of AI as a strategic tool.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in Appnovation and specifically our Product & Strategy practice?" (Preparation: Research Appnovation's values, recent projects, and market positioning. Connect your career aspirations and values to their ethos, particularly the 'Bold Ambition, Practical Action' and AI integration.)

• "How do you foster a culture of continuous learning and innovation within a team?" (Preparation: Discuss your personal learning habits, methods for knowledge sharing (e.g., brown bags, workshops), and how you encourage experimentation and curiosity.)

• "Describe your experience mentoring junior consultants or managers. What is your philosophy on developing talent?" (Preparation: Provide specific examples of how you've coached individuals, helped them overcome challenges, and supported their career growth. Emphasize your leadership style.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: Frame your case studies as narratives with a clear beginning (client challenge), middle (your strategic approach and actions), and end (measurable results and impact).

• Quantify Everything: Wherever possible, use data and metrics to demonstrate the success of your strategies and initiatives (e.g., % increase in conversion, reduction in churn, ROI achieved).

• Highlight Your Role: Be clear about your specific contributions, especially in leadership, strategic decision-making, and influencing outcomes.

• AI Integration Focus: If applicable, clearly articulate how AI was used, its specific benefits, and your thought process behind its application.

• Conciseness and Clarity: Practice presenting your portfolio within a set time limit, ensuring your key messages are delivered effectively and concisely. Be prepared for in-depth Q&A.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating strategic thinking, leadership, client management, and practical application of consulting methodologies, with a strong emphasis on results and the innovative use of AI.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Associate Director, Product & Strategy position:

• Submit your application through the Appnovation Technologies careers portal via the provided link.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your experience in product strategy, CX, transformation, and AI integration, aligning with the job description's core responsibilities and required domains.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your 10-14 years of experience, leadership achievements, client advisory successes, and specific contributions to practice development. Use keywords from the job description naturally.

• Portfolio Preparation: Compile a professional portfolio showcasing 2-4 key client engagements. Each case study should detail the challenge, your strategic approach, key actions taken (including AI integration if applicable), and quantifiable results. Be ready to present this during the interview process.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Appnovation Technologies, its values, its Product & Strategy practice, and recent work. Understand their approach to digital solutions, AI, and client engagement to demonstrate genuine interest and cultural alignment.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.