Digital Product Strategy and Innovation Lead

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Digital Product Strategy and Innovation Lead

Company: Amgen

Location: Lisbon, Portugal

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Product Management / Information Systems (AI/ML Focus)

Date Posted: 2026-06-01

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (5-10 years preferred)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the establishment and operationalization of Amgen's AI Digital Product Enablement team in Lisbon, Portugal.

• Drive a follow-the-sun operating model to ensure continuous product delivery across global development teams, bridging US-based business stakeholders and international engineering/data science teams.

• Provide strategic product leadership and operational rigor for AI and digital initiatives, translating complex business needs into executable product roadmaps and user stories.

• Foster a high-performance, collaborative team culture focused on quality, speed, and measurable business impact within the AI/ML product lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within the "Information Systems" career category but has a strong focus on Product Management, specifically for AI/ML solutions within a leading biotechnology company. The "follow-the-sun" model and the emphasis on bridging US and global teams highlight a critical operations and coordination function, making it highly relevant for candidates with a strong understanding of GTM operations, product operations, and cross-functional process management.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Establish, build, and lead a high-performing Portugal-based team responsible for digital product ownership and cross-regional delivery enablement for AI initiatives.

• Define and implement the team’s operating model, scope, processes, and success metrics to ensure efficient and effective product delivery.

• Serve as the primary leadership bridge between US business stakeholders and global development teams (including India) to maintain product delivery momentum across different time zones.

• Translate high-level business priorities and requirements into clear, actionable product user stories and engineering requirements for AI and digital solutions.

• Own and manage product backlogs, including prioritization, refinement, and ensuring readiness for engineering execution within Agile methodologies.

• Drive execution excellence by implementing consistent product management and Agile practices, identifying and resolving bottlenecks to improve team throughput and handoff quality.

• Define, monitor, and report on key product metrics, adoption measures, delivery KPIs, and relevant model performance indicators to inform continuous improvement and leadership updates.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core responsibilities emphasize building and managing a new team, defining operational processes for a global, time-zone-spanning product development cycle, and acting as a crucial operational liaison. This requires a blend of strategic leadership, operational planning, and cross-functional coordination skills, aligning with key GTM and Revenue Operations principles.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Doctorate degree and 3 years of technology and/or product management experience

• Masters degree and 5 years of technology and/or product management experience

• Bachelor degree and 7 years of technology and/or product management experience

• Associate degree and 9 years of technology and/or product management experience

• High school diploma / GED and 13 years of technology and/or product management experience Experience:

• 6+ years of product management (or related) experience, with a strong emphasis on AI/ML or data-driven products.

• Proven experience in building, leading, and developing high-performing teams.

• Demonstrated ability to translate business needs into technical requirements and actionable product plans.

• Experience implementing and optimizing Agile and product management methodologies. Required Skills:

• Product Management: Expertise in end-to-end product lifecycle management, strategy development, and roadmap creation for digital products.

• AI/ML Product Experience: Deep understanding of AI/ML concepts, platforms, and productization at scale, including familiarity with LLMs, Agents, and NLP.

• Team Leadership & Development: Proven ability to build, mentor, and lead high-performing, geographically dispersed teams.

• Agile Methodologies: Proficiency in Agile frameworks (Scrum, Kanban) for software development and product delivery.

• Stakeholder Management: Exceptional ability to engage with and influence senior business stakeholders, engineering teams, and cross-functional partners.

• Technical Fluency: Sufficient technical understanding to effectively collaborate with engineering and data science teams on AI/ML solutions.

• Operational Rigor: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a focus on process improvement, efficiency, and measurable outcomes.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with AI platforms, MLOps, or enterprise AI architecture.

• Familiarity with biotech workflows (e.g., lab automation, computational biology, clinical data).

• Hands-on ability to analyze product usage, model output quality, or design A/B experiments.

• Strong presentation and public speaking skills with experience communicating to executives.

• Experience in establishing "follow-the-sun" operational models.

📝 Enhancement Note: The diverse educational requirements suggest Amgen values practical experience and demonstrated capability over strict academic adherence. The preferred skills highlight a need for domain expertise in biotech and practical data analysis skills, which are critical for operationalizing AI in this industry.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• AI/ML Product Case Studies: Showcase successful AI/ML product implementations, detailing the problem statement, solution architecture, development process, and quantifiable business outcomes.

• Team Leadership & Operational Model Design: Examples of how you have built, structured, and led product or operations teams, including defining operating models, processes, and performance metrics.

• Cross-Functional Process Optimization: Evidence of designing and implementing processes that improve collaboration, reduce handoffs, and increase efficiency between geographically dispersed teams (e.g., follow-the-sun models).

• Requirements Translation: Demonstrations of translating complex business requirements into clear, actionable user stories and technical specifications for engineering and data science teams.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Examples of documented workflows for AI product development, including stages for ideation, feasibility assessment, development, testing, deployment, and ongoing monitoring.

• Agile Process Implementation: Documentation or examples of how you've implemented or refined Agile ceremonies and artifacts (e.g., backlog management, sprint planning, retrospectives) to enhance delivery velocity and quality.

• Performance Measurement & Reporting: Frameworks or examples of processes for tracking and reporting on product performance, team delivery KPIs, and business impact derived from AI solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this role, a portfolio demonstrating leadership in building operational frameworks for complex, globally distributed product teams, particularly in the AI/ML space, will be crucial. Emphasis should be placed on quantifiable improvements in delivery speed, quality, and business impact, reflecting the "operational rigor" and "execution excellence" requirements.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on research for similar senior product leadership roles with AI/ML focus in Lisbon, Portugal, the estimated annual salary range is approximately €75,000 - €110,000. This range accounts for the extensive experience required, the leadership responsibilities, and the specialized nature of AI product management within a global organization. Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Insurance: Including medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and eligible dependents.

• Retirement Savings Plan: Company-matched contributions to a pension or retirement savings scheme.

• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation days, sick leave, and public holidays, reflecting Portuguese labor laws and company policy.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for continuous learning, including training programs, conferences, and certifications relevant to AI, product management, and leadership.

• Life and Disability Insurance: Coverage to provide financial security for employees and their families.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential support services for personal and professional challenges.

• Potential for Performance Bonuses: Based on individual and company performance.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time position, likely around 40 hours per week. Amgen typically offers flexibility, but the role may require adaptability to accommodate global team interactions across different time zones, potentially involving early morning or late afternoon meetings.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on industry benchmarks for senior-level AI Product Management roles in Portugal. Amgen, as a large multinational pharmaceutical company, is expected to offer a robust benefits package aligned with market standards and local regulations. The hybrid work arrangement suggests a balance between in-office collaboration and remote flexibility.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Biotechnology / Pharmaceuticals. Amgen is a pioneer in the biotech industry, focusing on discovering, developing, manufacturing, and delivering innovative human therapeutics.

Company Size: Large (over 10,000 employees globally). This indicates a well-established corporate structure with extensive resources, established processes, and opportunities for specialization and career advancement.

Founded: 1980. With over four decades of history, Amgen has a strong legacy of scientific innovation and patient-focused solutions.

Team Structure:

• AI&D Lab Product Management Organization: This role is within a specialized product management group focused on AI and Digital initiatives.

• Portugal-Based Enablement Team: This role will build and lead a new team in Portugal, acting as a crucial operational hub.

• Global Development Teams: The team will work closely with development teams located internationally, particularly in India, to ensure seamless product delivery.

• US-Based Business Stakeholders: The team will serve as the operational and product bridge for business units primarily located in the US.

Methodology:

• Patient-Centricity: Amgen's mission revolves around serving patients with serious illnesses, driving all strategic and operational decisions.

• Science-Based Innovation: A strong emphasis on scientific rigor, research, and development of novel medicines.

• Collaborative & Innovative Culture: The company promotes a work environment that encourages collaboration, creativity, and the pursuit of challenging opportunities.

• Agile & Iterative Development: For digital products, a commitment to Agile methodologies is expected to drive speed and adaptability.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Amgen's deep roots in biotech and patient focus mean that operational roles, especially those involving digital products and AI, must align with stringent quality standards, regulatory considerations, and a mission-driven approach. The emphasis on collaboration and innovation suggests an environment where cross-functional teamwork is essential for success.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior leadership role, requiring significant experience in product management, team building, and operational strategy. It sits at a strategic level, influencing how AI products are developed and delivered globally.

Reporting Structure: The role reports to the Executive Director, AI&D Lab Product Management, indicating a direct line to senior leadership within the AI product organization. The individual will then build and manage their own team.

Operations Impact: The role is pivotal in ensuring the efficient and effective delivery of AI solutions that directly support Amgen's mission to serve patients. By enabling a follow-the-sun model, this position directly impacts development velocity, product quality, and the speed at which innovative medicines and patient support tools can be brought to market.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Expansion: Potential to grow the Portugal-based team and expand its scope of responsibility within Amgen's global operations.

• Strategic Influence: Opportunity to shape Amgen's AI product strategy and operational framework for digital product development.

• Domain Expertise: Deepen knowledge in biotechnology workflows and the application of AI/ML within the pharmaceutical industry.

• Cross-Functional Leadership: Develop broader experience managing complex, international cross-functional initiatives.

• Executive Visibility: Regular interaction with senior leadership, offering opportunities for career advancement within Amgen's product and technology organizations.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a significant opportunity for an operations-minded product leader to build a key function from the ground up within a major pharmaceutical company. The growth path is clearly defined by expanding leadership responsibilities and strategic influence over critical AI product initiatives.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid. This indicates a blend of in-office collaboration and remote work flexibility.

Office Location(s): Lisbon, Portugal. This suggests a modern, well-equipped office space designed to foster collaboration among team members.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The Lisbon office will likely serve as a central point for the enablement team, facilitating in-person brainstorming, team meetings, and cross-functional interactions.

• Technology-Enabled: Access to Amgen's standard suite of collaboration tools, communication platforms, and potentially specialized AI/ML development environments.

• Global Connectivity: The role inherently requires constant interaction with global teams, necessitating robust communication infrastructure and practices that bridge geographical and temporal divides.

Work Schedule: While the standard work week is likely 40 hours, the "follow-the-sun" model implies a need for flexibility to accommodate meetings and coordination with teams in different time zones. This could involve occasional early morning or late afternoon calls.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role in Lisbon suggests a modern work environment that balances personal flexibility with the need for in-person collaboration, especially critical for building a new team and establishing operational rhythms.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or Talent Acquisition will review applications for basic qualifications and alignment with the role.

• Hiring Manager Interview: An in-depth discussion with the Executive Director, AI&D Lab Product Management, focusing on leadership experience, strategic thinking, team-building capabilities, and understanding of AI product development.

• Panel Interviews: Sessions with key stakeholders, including potential future team members, peers, and business leaders from US-based teams. These will assess technical fluency, cross-functional collaboration skills, and operational approach.

• Case Study/Presentation: Candidates may be asked to prepare and present a case study demonstrating their approach to building a team, operationalizing a global product delivery model, or solving a complex AI product challenge.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior executive for final assessment of cultural fit and strategic alignment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Quantify Impact: For each project or experience presented, clearly articulate the measurable outcomes (e.g., % improvement in delivery speed, % reduction in errors, adoption rates, business value generated).

• Highlight Leadership & Process: Showcase your ability to build and lead teams, define operational processes, and implement best practices for product management and Agile delivery.

• Demonstrate AI/ML Acumen: Clearly explain your role in AI/ML product development, your understanding of the technology, and how you translated business needs into technical solutions.

• Emphasize Cross-Functional & Global Collaboration: Provide examples of how you've successfully managed communication and collaboration across different departments, geographies, and time zones.

• Structure for Clarity: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by key themes (e.g., Team Building, Process Optimization, AI Product Successes) or by chronological progression. Use clear, concise language.

Challenge Preparation:

• Operational Model Design: Be prepared to discuss how you would structure and operationalize a new AI Product Enablement team in Lisbon, including defining roles, responsibilities, workflows, and success metrics.

• Follow-the-Sun Strategy: Articulate your approach to managing a follow-the-sun development model, including strategies for effective handoffs, communication, and maintaining continuity across time zones.

• Stakeholder Alignment: Practice explaining how you would manage expectations and align priorities between US-based business stakeholders and globally distributed engineering teams.

• AI Product Strategy: Be ready to discuss common challenges in AI product development and how you would address them from a product ownership and operational perspective.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is likely to be rigorous, focusing heavily on leadership, operational strategy, and the ability to execute complex, global initiatives. A well-prepared portfolio that directly addresses these areas will be a significant advantage.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Product Management Platforms: Jira, Confluence, Asana, or similar tools for backlog management, sprint planning, documentation, and team collaboration.

• Collaboration Suites: Microsoft Teams, Slack, Google Workspace for day-to-day communication, document sharing, and virtual meetings.

• Presentation Software: PowerPoint, Google Slides, Keynote for executive updates and stakeholder presentations.

Analytics & Reporting:

• BI Tools: Tableau, Power BI, or similar for data visualization and dashboard creation to track product performance and KPIs.

• Analytics Platforms: Potentially Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics, or custom data platforms for product usage analysis.

• Data Warehousing/Lake: Familiarity with data infrastructure concepts for accessing and analyzing large datasets.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how AI products integrate with or complement CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) might be beneficial.

• Familiarity with workflow automation tools or concepts used in product delivery pipelines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core requirement is proficiency in tools that support Agile product management, team collaboration, and data-driven decision-making. Specific AI/ML development tools and platforms, while not explicitly listed as requirements, would be a strong advantage given the role's focus.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Patient Focus: All efforts are ultimately directed towards improving the lives of patients.

• Integrity: Upholding the highest ethical standards in all scientific and business practices.

• Innovation: Encouraging novel approaches to problem-solving and continuous improvement.

• Collaboration: Working together across functions and geographies to achieve shared goals.

• Excellence: Striving for the highest quality in product delivery, scientific research, and operational efficiency.

• Accountability: Taking ownership of responsibilities and driving for results.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: A strong emphasis on working collaboratively with business stakeholders, engineering, data science, regulatory affairs, and other departments.

• Open Communication: Encouraging transparent and direct communication, especially critical for managing global teams and resolving issues promptly.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Utilizing data and analytics to inform product strategy, prioritization, and operational improvements.

• Feedback-Oriented: A culture that values constructive feedback for continuous improvement of processes, products, and team performance.

📝 Enhancement Note: Amgen's values are deeply embedded in its mission. Operations professionals in this environment need to demonstrate a commitment to quality, patient impact, and collaborative problem-solving, aligning their work with the company's core principles.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Building a New Team: Establishing a high-performing team from scratch in a new location requires significant leadership, strategic planning, and change management.

• Global Coordination: Effectively managing product delivery across multiple time zones and cultural nuances presents inherent operational complexities.

• Bridging Business & Tech: Translating complex AI/ML capabilities into tangible business value and ensuring alignment between US-based business needs and global development execution.

• Pace of AI Innovation: Keeping pace with the rapid advancements in AI/ML and integrating them effectively into Amgen's product portfolio.

• Data Governance & Ethics: Navigating the complexities of data privacy, security, and ethical considerations in AI development within a regulated industry.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• AI/ML Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific AI domains (e.g., LLMs, MLOps, AI ethics) relevant to the pharmaceutical industry.

• Global Operations Management: Gain extensive experience in managing international teams and cross-border product development lifecycles.

• Leadership Development: Access to Amgen's leadership training programs, mentorship opportunities, and exposure to senior executive decision-making.

• Biotech Industry Insights: Develop a strong understanding of Amgen's therapeutic areas, R&D processes, and patient support mechanisms.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are significant but also represent prime opportunities for growth. Successfully navigating these will allow the candidate to develop highly sought-after skills in global operations, AI product leadership, and cross-functional strategy.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to building and leading a new product enablement team in a new geographic location. What are the key steps and considerations?" (Focus on team structure, hiring, onboarding, defining operating models, and fostering culture).

• "How would you operationalize a 'follow-the-sun' product development model to ensure seamless delivery across US, Portugal, and India teams? What are the critical success factors and potential pitfalls?" (Highlight communication strategies, handoff protocols, risk mitigation, and process standardization).

• "Imagine a scenario where US business stakeholders have ambitious AI product goals, but the development teams face technical constraints. How would you bridge this gap and drive execution?" (Emphasize translating requirements, managing expectations, exploring trade-offs, and facilitating technical problem-solving). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Amgen's mission and its therapeutic areas? How do you see AI contributing to serving patients in the biotech/pharma space?" (Research Amgen's focus areas and demonstrate how AI aligns with patient outcomes).

• "How would you foster a culture of high accountability and collaboration within your newly formed team in Lisbon while working with distributed global teams?" (Discuss leadership style, communication practices, and performance management).

• "How do you measure the success of an AI product and the operational efficiency of its delivery team?" (Prepare to discuss KPIs, metrics, and reporting mechanisms relevant to both product impact and operational throughput). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Start with the "Why": For each case study, clearly articulate the business problem or patient need that the AI solution addressed.

• Detail the "How": Explain your specific role in defining requirements, managing the product backlog, coordinating teams, and overcoming operational challenges.

• Showcase the "What": Present tangible results using data and metrics. Quantify the impact on delivery speed, quality, user adoption, or business value.

• Emphasize Leadership & Process: Highlight instances where you built teams, implemented processes, or optimized workflows, especially in a global or distributed context.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about your technical understanding of AI/ML, your approach to MLOps, and your experience with biotech workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to discuss their experience in building operational frameworks, managing distributed teams, and driving AI product initiatives. Demonstrating strategic thinking, operational discipline, and a clear understanding of Amgen's mission will be key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Digital Product Strategy and Innovation Lead position at Amgen:

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

• Tailor Your Resume: Ensure your resume clearly highlights experience in product management, AI/ML, team leadership, Agile methodologies, and cross-functional/global coordination. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate examples of your work that demonstrate your ability to build teams, operationalize product delivery, translate business needs into technical requirements, and drive measurable outcomes with AI/ML products. Focus on case studies that show process optimization and leadership in a global context.

• Research Amgen: Understand Amgen's mission, therapeutic areas, and recent innovations. Familiarize yourself with their company culture and values.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare to discuss your experience using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result), focusing on your leadership, operational strategy, and AI product management expertise. Be ready to articulate your vision for the Portugal-based enablement team.

⚠️ 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.