Director – HVACR Global Product Strategy 

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Director – HVACR Global Product Strategy

Company: Johnson Controls

Location: Sunbury-on-Thames, Surrey, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full time

Category: Global Product Strategy & Transformation

Date Posted: August 18, 2026

Experience Level: 7+ Years (with 2-3 years in top-tier consulting)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive the development and execution of Johnson Controls' HVACR growth strategy through in-depth market intelligence and competitive analysis.

• Define and refine strategic initiatives, including M&A and partnership roadmaps, to identify and capitalize on emerging technology trends and market opportunities.

• Lead the strategic planning process, ensuring alignment of product development and investment priorities with overarching business targets and customer needs.

• Establish and manage a global Program Management Office (PMO) to oversee strategic initiatives and facilitate regular communication with executive leadership and the Board of Directors.

• Foster professional development and enhance organizational capabilities by providing guidance and mentorship to junior program managers and team members.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a senior strategic leadership position within the HVACR business unit of Johnson Controls, focusing on long-term growth and transformation. The emphasis on "Global Product Strategy" and "Transformation" suggests a role that bridges market analysis, corporate strategy, and operational execution, requiring a blend of strategic thinking, analytical rigor, and program management capabilities. The requirement for experience in a top-tier strategy consulting firm highlights the expectation of a high level of strategic problem-solving and analytical depth.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Market Intelligence Leadership: Conduct comprehensive market analysis on infrastructure trends, technological shifts, and competitive dynamics to identify high-value growth opportunities and inform strategic priorities for the HVACR sector.

• Portfolio & Product Strategy Support: Collaborate with business units and innovation teams to define strategic roadmaps, prioritize R&D investments, and ensure product development aligns with evolving market requirements and customer demands.

• M&A and Partnership Roadmap Development: Support the sourcing and evaluation of potential acquisition targets and strategic partnerships through rigorous market research, competitive analysis, and strategic fit assessments to guide corporate development efforts.

• Strategic Planning & Initiative Execution: Lead the development of long-term strategic plans and refine existing strategic initiatives. Define actionable plans with clear roadmaps, business cases, budgets, schedules, and resource allocations, ensuring alignment with overall business targets.

• Global Program Management & Stakeholder Engagement: Develop and implement a functional global PMO as needed, delivering regular progress communications to the Board of Directors and senior leadership. Cultivate strong relationships with key stakeholders to facilitate communication and manage expectations effectively.

• Mentorship & Team Development: Provide guidance and mentorship to junior program managers and team members, fostering professional growth and enhancing program management capabilities across the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a proactive and analytical approach to strategy development, with a strong focus on market dynamics, portfolio alignment, and inorganic growth (M&A/partnerships). The inclusion of leading a global PMO and extensive stakeholder engagement at the executive level indicates a significant scope of influence and responsibility, requiring strong leadership and communication skills beyond traditional strategy roles.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM), Business, or a related field.

• MBA or equivalent advanced degree is preferred. Experience:

• 7+ years of experience in Strategic Development.

• A minimum of 2-3 years of experience within a top-tier strategy consulting firm is required.

• Experience working in complex, matrixed organizations is essential.

• Proven ability to deliver concrete outcomes in program or project settings, particularly through influencing stakeholders outside formal reporting lines. Required Skills:

• Strategic Planning & Execution: Demonstrated ability to develop and implement comprehensive, long-term strategic plans and define actionable initiatives with clear roadmaps.

• Market Intelligence & Analysis: Proficient in conducting in-depth market analysis, identifying trends, and assessing competitive dynamics to uncover growth opportunities.

• Program Management (PMO): Experience in developing and managing global PMOs, overseeing initiative execution, and ensuring timely progress reporting.

• Stakeholder Engagement & Influence: Proven ability to cultivate strong relationships with executive leadership, clients, and partners, and influence outcomes in a matrixed environment.

• Business Acumen: Strong understanding of business operations, financial principles, and market dynamics relevant to the HVACR industry.

• Problem-Solving: Proactive, hands-on, and collaborative approach to tackling complex challenges with a strong sense of urgency.

• Communication: Strong command of English, with a focus on developing clear, impactful content for executive audiences.

Preferred Skills:

• Background in management consulting.

• Experience in the Building Technologies line of business.

• Familiarity with HVACR industry dynamics, technologies, and market trends.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a "top-tier strategy consulting firm" background suggests that candidates will be evaluated on their ability to structure complex problems, conduct rigorous analysis, and develop strategic recommendations. The "7+ years" experience, combined with specific consulting experience, positions this role at a senior management or director level, requiring demonstrated leadership and strategic impact.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Strategic Initiative Case Studies: Examples demonstrating the development and execution of strategic initiatives, clearly outlining the strategic rationale, scope, business case, and achieved outcomes.

• Market Analysis Frameworks: Documentation showcasing the application of market intelligence frameworks to identify growth opportunities, competitive threats, and strategic priorities within a specific industry.

• M&A/Partnership Evaluation: Case studies or project summaries detailing the process of sourcing, evaluating, and assessing the strategic fit of potential acquisition targets or strategic partnerships.

• PMO Frameworks & Reporting: Evidence of establishing or managing a Program Management Office, including examples of project governance, roadmap development, and executive reporting mechanisms.

Process Documentation:

• Strategic Planning Process: Demonstrated understanding and application of strategic planning methodologies, including scenario planning, competitive analysis, and long-term vision setting.

• Market Research & Analysis: Experience in defining market research plans, gathering data from diverse sources, and synthesizing findings into actionable strategic insights.

• Initiative Prioritization & Roadmapping: Processes for prioritizing strategic initiatives based on potential impact, feasibility, and alignment with business objectives, and translating these into clear execution roadmaps.

• Stakeholder Communication Protocols: Established methods for effectively communicating progress, risks, and recommendations to executive leadership and cross-functional teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role of this seniority and strategic focus, a portfolio should highlight the candidate's ability to think strategically, analyze complex markets, and drive initiatives from conception to execution. The emphasis on "outcomes" and "concrete results" is critical, requiring a focus on quantifiable achievements rather than just process descriptions.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for a Director-level Global Product Strategy role in the UK, with significant consulting experience, the estimated salary range is between £100,000 - £150,000 per annum. This range accounts for the seniority, strategic scope, and required specialized experience. Benefits:

• Competitive salary and bonus plan.

• Paid vacation, holidays, and sick time.

• Comprehensive benefits package including 401K, medical, dental, and vision care.

• On-the-job and cross-training opportunities.

• Encouraging and collaborative team environment.

• Dedication to safety through our Zero Harm policy. Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours are expected, likely around 40 hours per week, with flexibility for strategic planning and project management demands. Occasional travel may be required for global initiatives and stakeholder meetings.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is derived from researching Director-level Strategy and Product Management roles in the UK technology and manufacturing sectors, considering the requirement for top-tier consulting experience and the global scope. Benefits are listed as provided in the job description, with a note that 401K is typically a US benefit and may be replaced by a UK-equivalent pension scheme.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Building Technologies and Solutions, specifically HVACR (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration). Johnson Controls is a global leader in this sector, providing products, systems, and services for buildings.

Company Size: Large, multinational corporation (over 100,000 employees globally). This scale implies complex organizational structures, diverse markets, and significant resources for strategic initiatives.

Founded: 1885. With a long history, Johnson Controls has a deep-rooted presence and extensive experience in its core industries.

Team Structure:

• This role will likely sit within the Global Products organization, reporting to a senior executive (e.g., VP of Strategy, or a GM of the HVACR business unit).

• It involves close collaboration with Business Unit leadership, Global Enterprise Strategy teams, Innovation/R&D departments, Corporate Development (for M&A), and potentially regional product management teams.

• The role will lead a global PMO, implying management of project managers or strategic initiative leads, both directly and indirectly. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Strategy: Expect a strong emphasis on market analysis, competitive intelligence, and financial modeling to support strategic decisions.

• Structured Problem-Solving: A core methodology will likely involve breaking down complex strategic challenges into manageable components, applying analytical frameworks, and developing actionable recommendations.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Success will depend on the ability to work effectively across diverse functions and geographies, aligning stakeholders towards common strategic goals.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Johnson Controls' long history and global presence suggest a culture that values experience, stability, and innovation. For a strategic role, understanding how a large, established company balances organic growth with inorganic opportunities (M&A) and new technology adoption is key. The "Zero Harm policy" indicates a strong commitment to safety as a foundational value.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Director – Global Product Strategy. This is a senior leadership role, typically requiring extensive experience and demonstrating strategic impact. It sits at the intersection of corporate strategy, product management, and business development.

Reporting Structure: The role reports to a senior executive within the Global Products or HVACR business unit, likely a Vice President or General Manager. This position has direct oversight of a global PMO and influences strategic direction across multiple functions and geographies.

Operations Impact: This role has a direct and significant impact on the future revenue growth and market positioning of Johnson Controls' HVACR business. Strategic decisions made will shape product portfolios, market entry, and competitive advantage, ultimately driving financial performance and long-term sustainability.

Growth Opportunities:

• Executive Leadership: Potential to advance into VP-level roles within strategy, product management, or specific business units.

• Business Unit Leadership: Opportunities to lead entire business units or major strategic functions within the company.

• Corporate Development: Progression into roles focused more heavily on Mergers & Acquisitions or strategic alliances at a corporate level.

• Specialization: Deepening expertise in specific areas of the HVACR market or advanced technologies within building solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Director" title and the scope of responsibilities (global strategy, M&A, PMO leadership) indicate a high-potential role. Career progression will likely involve demonstrating success in driving transformative initiatives and achieving measurable business outcomes. The blend of strategy consulting and corporate execution experience is a strong foundation for executive leadership.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role, implying a traditional office environment within Johnson Controls' facilities in Sunbury-on-Thames. The environment is likely professional, corporate, and geared towards supporting a global business.

Office Location(s): Sunbury-on-Thames, Surrey, United Kingdom. This location offers access to a skilled workforce and is within commuting distance of London.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: As a Director, expect to work within a team that fosters collaboration, with regular interactions with senior leadership, peers, and direct reports.

• Tools & Technology: Access to standard corporate IT infrastructure, communication tools, and potentially specialized strategy and project management software.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for direct mentorship of junior staff and extensive collaboration with cross-functional teams globally.

Work Schedule:

• Standard full-time hours (approx. 40 hours/week) are expected. However, given the global nature of the role and strategic responsibilities, there may be a need for flexibility to accommodate different time zones for meetings and to manage critical initiatives with tight deadlines. Occasional international travel may be required.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement suggests a preference for in-person collaboration and leadership presence, which is typical for senior strategic roles involving significant stakeholder management and team oversight. The Sunbury-on-Thames location is a key detail for candidates assessing commute and regional factors.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or recruiter call to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.

• Hiring Manager Interview: In-depth discussion with the hiring manager (likely a VP or GM) to assess strategic thinking, leadership capabilities, and alignment with the role's objectives.

• Panel Interviews: Meetings with key stakeholders from different departments (e.g., Product Management, Engineering, Corporate Strategy) to evaluate cross-functional collaboration skills and strategic perspective.

• Case Study/Presentation: A significant component will likely involve a case study or strategic presentation. Candidates may be given a business problem to analyze and present their strategic recommendations, demonstrating their approach to market analysis, strategic planning, and execution.

• Final Round: Potentially a final interview with a senior executive or a group of executives to confirm fit and readiness for the role.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Strategic Impact: Focus on case studies that demonstrate quantifiable business impact – revenue growth, cost savings, market share gains, successful M&A integration, or strategic initiative completion.

• Process & Methodology: Clearly articulate your strategic frameworks, analytical approaches, and project management methodologies used. Show how you arrived at your conclusions.

• Stakeholder Management: Highlight instances where you successfully influenced senior stakeholders or navigated complex organizational dynamics to achieve strategic objectives.

• Clarity & Conciseness: Present information clearly, concisely, and visually. For presentations, focus on storytelling and key takeaways.

• Relevance: Tailor your portfolio to showcase experience relevant to HVACR, building technologies, or similar industrial/manufacturing sectors if possible.

Challenge Preparation:

• Strategic Analysis: Be prepared to analyze a hypothetical market scenario, identify key challenges and opportunities, and propose a strategic response.

• Business Case Development: Practice building a business case, including financial projections, ROI analysis, and risk assessment.

• PMO & Execution: Anticipate questions about how you would structure a global PMO, manage cross-functional initiatives, and ensure successful execution against defined KPIs.

• Industry Knowledge: Refresh your understanding of current trends in HVACR, building automation, sustainability, and digital transformation in the built environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Director" level and the requirement for consulting experience strongly suggest a rigorous interview process, likely including a significant case study. Candidates should prepare to demonstrate not just strategic thinking, but also the ability to translate strategy into actionable plans and manage complex execution.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Strategic Planning & Analysis Software: Tools like Anaplan, Tableau, Power BI for financial modeling, scenario planning, and data visualization. Proficiency with advanced Excel functions is a given.

• Project Management Software: Experience with tools such as Microsoft Project, Asana, Jira, or similar platforms for PMO setup and tracking.

• CRM Systems: Familiarity with enterprise CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) to understand customer data, sales pipelines, and market segmentation, which informs product strategy.

• Market Intelligence Platforms: Access to and experience with market research databases and competitive intelligence tools (e.g., IHS Markit, Gartner, Forrester reports).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Business Intelligence Tools: Proficiency in using BI tools like Tableau, Power BI, or QlikView for data analysis, dashboard creation, and performance reporting.

• Data Warehousing Concepts: Understanding of data warehousing and ETL processes to effectively access and utilize data for analysis.

CRM & Automation:

• ERP Systems: Awareness of enterprise resource planning systems (e.g., SAP) that manage core business processes, impacting product costing and supply chain.

• Collaboration Platforms: Tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, and SharePoint for communication, document sharing, and project collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific tools are not explicitly mentioned, the nature of the role implies a need for strong analytical and project management software skills. The emphasis on data analysis and reporting suggests that proficiency with BI tools and a strong understanding of data structures are crucial.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Focus: Driving strategies that meet evolving customer needs and enhance the value proposition of HVACR solutions.

• Innovation: Embracing new technologies and market trends to develop cutting-edge products and services.

• Integrity & Ethics: Upholding high standards in all business dealings, from market analysis to M&A.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering a supportive environment where diverse teams work together to achieve shared strategic goals.

• Execution Excellence: A commitment to delivering on strategic plans with precision and efficiency.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Encouraging open communication and shared ownership of strategic initiatives across different departments and global regions.

• Data-Informed Decision Making: Promoting a culture where decisions are backed by rigorous analysis and evidence.

• Continuous Improvement: Actively seeking feedback and opportunities to refine strategies, processes, and team dynamics.

• Empowerment & Accountability: Fostering an environment where team members are empowered to take initiative and held accountable for their contributions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Johnson Controls' "Zero Harm policy" suggests a strong emphasis on safety and well-being. For a strategic role, the culture likely values a balance between strategic foresight and disciplined execution, with a strong emphasis on collaboration to navigate a global, complex organization.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating a Matrixed Organization: Effectively influencing and driving initiatives across multiple business units and geographies without direct reporting lines.

• Rapid Technological Evolution: Keeping pace with fast-changing technologies in HVACR, digital solutions, and sustainability mandates.

• Balancing Organic & Inorganic Growth: Strategically integrating M&A activities with internal product development to achieve optimal portfolio growth.

• Global PMO Implementation: Establishing and maintaining an effective global PMO that provides clear visibility and drives accountability across diverse teams and cultures.

• Data Integration & Analysis: Synthesizing vast amounts of market, customer, and competitive data from disparate sources into actionable strategic insights.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Executive Leadership Development: Access to Johnson Controls' leadership development programs, executive coaching, and opportunities to build a strong executive network.

• Industry Exposure: Deepening expertise in the global HVACR market, building technologies, and sustainability trends through industry conferences and engagement.

• Strategic Initiative Ownership: Leading high-impact, transformative projects that offer significant learning and professional growth.

• Mentorship: Opportunities to mentor junior professionals and learn from experienced leaders within the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the complexity of operating at a senior strategic level within a large, global corporation. The growth opportunities emphasize the potential for significant career advancement and skill development, particularly in leadership and strategic execution.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you developed a global growth strategy for a complex product portfolio. What was your process, what were the key challenges, and what were the outcomes?" (Focus on structured thinking, market analysis, and quantifiable results.)

• "How would you assess the strategic fit and potential ROI of a target acquisition in the HVACR market?" (Prepare to discuss M&A evaluation frameworks, due diligence considerations, and integration planning.)

• "Imagine you need to drive a new strategic initiative across three different business units with competing priorities. How would you ensure alignment and successful execution?" (Highlight your approach to stakeholder management, communication, and PMO principles.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Johnson Controls' position in the HVACR market and our strategic priorities?" (Research recent company news, financial reports, and strategic announcements.)

• "How do you approach building consensus and influencing stakeholders in a large, matrixed organization?" (Provide specific examples of navigating complex stakeholder landscapes.)

• "Describe your experience in developing and managing a Program Management Office (PMO)." (Be ready to discuss PMO structures, governance, and reporting mechanisms.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each case study, clearly define the problem, your approach/analysis, the solution/strategy, and the measurable results. Use a STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) where applicable.

• Quantify Your Impact: Whenever possible, use data and metrics to demonstrate the value you brought. For example, "Increased market share by X%," "Achieved Y% ROI on strategic investment," "Reduced project timelines by Z days."

• Showcase Strategic Thinking: Explain your thought process, the frameworks you used, and why you made specific strategic recommendations.

• Address Challenges: Be prepared to discuss challenges encountered and how you overcame them, demonstrating resilience and problem-solving skills.

• Tailor to HVACR: If possible, select or frame examples to highlight your understanding of industrial products, global markets, or technology adoption relevant to HVACR.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the Director-level and consulting background requirement, expect case studies or strategic challenges that are complex and require a high degree of analytical rigor and strategic foresight. The interview will likely assess not only your strategic capabilities but also your leadership presence and ability to influence at executive levels.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Johnson Controls careers portal.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your strategic development, market intelligence, M&A experience, and program management achievements, using keywords from the job description (e.g., "global strategy," "HVACR," "M&A," "PMO," "stakeholder engagement"). Quantify your accomplishments with specific metrics.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate 2-3 key projects or case studies that best demonstrate your strategic planning, market analysis, M&A evaluation, and PMO leadership capabilities. Ensure these showcase measurable outcomes and your problem-solving approach.

• Research Johnson Controls: Deeply understand Johnson Controls' business, its position in the HVACR market, its strategic objectives, and recent company news. Familiarize yourself with their product lines and competitive landscape.

• Practice Your Presentation: Rehearse your portfolio presentation and prepare concise, impactful answers to potential interview questions, especially those related to strategic challenges and leadership in a global, matrixed environment.

⚠️ 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.