Interim Product Strategy Advisor

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Interim Product Strategy Advisor

Company: Advidi

Location: Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands (Hybrid)

Job Type: Freelancer / Contractor

Category: Product Strategy & Operations Consulting

Date Posted: 2026-08-11

Experience Level: 10+ years (Senior/Executive)

Remote Status: Hybrid (Amsterdam preferred, remote flexibility for the right candidate)

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the strategic transformation towards a product-led operating model, defining how product, engineering, and commercial teams collaborate.

• Articulate a compelling product vision and translate it into a prioritized, actionable roadmap that aligns the entire business.

• Drive innovation and growth by advising on the strategic evolution of Advidi's proprietary platform, Sumify, and its future development.

• Act as a trusted advisor to the leadership team and product organization, challenging assumptions and elevating product practices through high-level strategic counsel.

• Leverage deep expertise in product strategy, discovery, and roadmap development to embed structured frameworks and best practices within the team.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a senior, independent advisory engagement focused on strategic product leadership rather than day-to-day delivery. The emphasis is on influencing direction, shaping strategy, and building foundational product practices within a scaling organization. The "product-led" aspect suggests a shift towards customer-centric development and leveraging the product itself as a primary driver of customer acquisition, retention, and expansion.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Partner directly with the leadership team to define and articulate a clear, inspiring product vision and translate it into a cohesive, prioritized roadmap.

• Design and implement a robust product-led operating model, specifying how product, engineering, and commercial functions interconnect, decision-making processes, and alignment with company goals and OKRs.

• Introduce and embed structured frameworks for product discovery, opportunity assessment, prioritization, and roadmap communication across the organization.

• Critically evaluate strategic product initiatives and major bets, proactively identifying potential risks and alternative approaches.

• Serve as a senior sounding board and mentor to the dedicated product team, collaborating closely with the Senior Product Owner who manages delivery.

• Engage with external stakeholders, including affiliates and advertisers, to gather crucial market insights and ensure the product roadmap addresses real-world needs.

• Advise on the strategic evolution and innovation of Sumify, Advidi's proprietary performance marketing platform, moving beyond parity with legacy systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strategic, advisory capacity. The focus is on defining how the company builds and innovates, not on the execution itself. The expectation is to instill best practices and strategic thinking that can be sustained by the internal team.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong educational background in a relevant field (e.g., Business, Computer Science, Engineering, Product Management) is expected, supplemented by extensive practical experience.

Experience: A minimum of 10+ years of progressive experience in product leadership roles, with a proven track record of building and maturing product functions within technology-driven companies.

Required Skills:

• Deep expertise in product strategy formulation, vision setting, product discovery methodologies, and roadmap development.

• Proven ability to design and implement product-led operating models and cross-functional collaboration frameworks.

• Exceptional communication and presentation skills, with the ability to engage credibly with executives, engineering teams, and external clients.

• Demonstrated success in influencing without formal authority, acting as a trusted advisor, and coaching teams to elevate their product practice.

• Experience in leading strategic transformations and driving organizational change related to product development.

• Ability to analyze complex business challenges and translate them into clear, actionable product strategies.

• Strong understanding of how product development aligns with business objectives and OKRs. Preferred Skills:

• Direct experience within the adtech, performance marketing, or affiliate network industries.

• Familiarity with two-sided platforms, marketplaces, or network effects.

• Experience in migrating from legacy systems to proprietary, in-house platforms and driving innovation beyond parity.

• Experience in establishing product-led growth (PLG) strategies and operating models in scaling organizations.

• Familiarity with Agile methodologies, Lean product development, and modern software development lifecycles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "seasoned product leader" and "10+ years" points to a highly experienced individual. The preference for industry experience (adtech, performance marketing) suggests that domain knowledge will be a significant advantage in understanding the nuances of Advidi's business and its customers. The ability to "teach" and "coach" indicates a strong mentorship component to the role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a history of successfully defining and executing product vision and strategy for complex platforms or product lines.

• Provide concrete examples of how you have designed and implemented product-led operating models or significant improvements to product development processes.

• Demonstrate experience in developing and communicating product roadmaps, including prioritization frameworks and stakeholder alignment strategies.

• Include case studies or examples of how you have influenced product direction and decision-making at an executive level.

• Highlight experience in driving product innovation and growth, particularly in technology-centric environments. Process Documentation:

• Evidence of developing or refining processes for product discovery, market research, and customer needs analysis.

• Documentation or examples of frameworks used for opportunity assessment, feature prioritization, and roadmap sequencing.

• Examples of how you've helped teams establish clear decision-making processes and connect product work to measurable business outcomes (e.g., OKRs).

• Experience in establishing and communicating product vision narratives and strategic direction.

📝 Enhancement Note: As this is an advisory role, the "portfolio" will likely focus on strategic outputs, frameworks developed, and documented evidence of impact on product strategy and organizational maturity. It's less about specific system implementations and more about the strategic thinking and process design behind successful product functions.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: As this is a freelance/contractor role, compensation will be based on an hourly rate. Based on industry standards for senior-level Product Strategy Advisors in Amsterdam with extensive experience, the estimated hourly rate could range from €100 to €175+, depending on the candidate's specific expertise, track record, and negotiation.

Benefits:

• High-impact mandate with significant influence on company direction during a critical transition.

• Direct access and close collaboration with the executive leadership team.

• Opportunity to shape product strategy and contribute to a company-defining initiative.

• Engagement with a capable and motivated product and engineering team.

• Clearly defined scope for an autonomous advisory engagement.

• Flexibility in work location (hybrid model with remote options for the right candidate).

Working Hours: The role requires up to full-time capacity (approximately 40 hours per week) for a concentrated period of about 6 months. The company prefers focused senior attention over a part-time commitment.

📝 Enhancement Note: Compensation is an hourly rate for a freelance engagement. The term is approximately 6 months, with potential for extension based on performance and project needs. The company prefers a dedicated individual for the duration. Research for freelance Product Strategy Advisor rates in Amsterdam indicates a range from €100-€175+ per hour, influenced by experience and specialization in areas like adtech or performance marketing. The "ZZP" (Zelfstandige Zonder Personeel) designation implies the candidate will operate as an independent contractor.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Performance Marketing Network / Adtech. Advidi operates within the digital advertising technology space, connecting advertisers with affiliates to drive performance-based marketing campaigns. This industry is characterized by rapid technological evolution, data-driven decision-making, and a focus on ROI.

Company Size: While not explicitly stated, the description implies a scaling company that has outgrown its legacy systems and is undergoing a significant product-led transition. This suggests a dynamic environment with potential for rapid growth and evolution.

Founded: 2012. Advidi has a history of growth and is now at a pivotal stage, transitioning to a more modern, product-centric approach.

Team Structure:

• The advisory engagement will work closely with the leadership team (including the CTO as sponsor) and the Senior Product Owner who manages delivery.

• Collaboration will extend to the product and engineering teams.

• The company emphasizes a tight-knit, ambitious team that values high standards, mutual support, and a fast-paced environment. Methodology:

• The company is moving towards a product-led operating model, implying a shift towards data-driven decision-making, customer-centric development, and leveraging the product itself as a growth engine.

• Emphasis on structured frameworks for product discovery, prioritization, and roadmap communication.

• Focus on innovation and moving beyond legacy systems.

Company Website: advidi.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Advidi's focus on performance marketing and its transition to a product-led model indicates a need for strategic thinking that bridges technology, business goals, and market demands. The culture appears to be one of ambition, speed, and collaboration.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a senior advisory or consulting level, akin to an Executive Product Strategist or Fractional CPO. It's for individuals who have operated at a high strategic level, potentially leading product organizations or major strategic initiatives. The focus is on impact and influence rather than a defined internal career ladder.

Reporting Structure: The advisor will report to the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) and work closely with the broader leadership team. This direct access signifies the strategic importance of the role.

Operations Impact: The advisor's impact will be centered on fundamentally reshaping Advidi's product strategy and operating model. Success means driving future growth, improving product-market fit, enhancing operational efficiency through a product-led approach, and ultimately contributing to the company's competitive advantage in the performance marketing space.

Growth Opportunities:

• Strategic Impact: The primary "growth" is the opportunity to drive a company-defining strategic shift and leave a lasting legacy.

• Market Insight: Deepen understanding of the adtech/performance marketing landscape and product-led transformation challenges.

• Thought Leadership: Enhance reputation as an expert in product strategy and product-led growth.

• Network Expansion: Build strong relationships with Advidi's leadership team.

📝 Enhancement Note: This is not a typical internal career progression role but rather a high-impact, project-based engagement. The "growth" is defined by the strategic outcome and the advisor's contribution to Advidi's success.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid. The role is based in Amsterdam, with a preference for in-office presence for collaboration, but with flexibility for remote work for the right candidate. This suggests a modern, adaptable work environment.

Office Location(s): Watertorenplein 8, Amsterdam, Netherlands. This location is likely a central hub for the company's operations.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role requires close collaboration with leadership, product, and engineering teams, suggesting an open and communicative workspace.

• Strategic Focus: The environment will likely support deep strategic thinking and problem-solving.

• Dynamic Pace: Given Advidi's description of moving fast and being ambitious, the workspace will likely reflect a high-energy, results-oriented atmosphere.

• Tools & Technology: While not specified, expect access to standard collaborative tools, project management software, and potentially specialized product development platforms.

Work Schedule: The engagement requires up to full-time commitment (approx. 40 hours/week) for a concentrated period. While there's hybrid flexibility, the intensity of the role suggests a demanding schedule focused on delivering defined outcomes within the ~6-month term.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature indicates a balance between in-person collaboration and remote flexibility. The emphasis on "concentrated senior attention" implies a need for dedicated focus, likely involving significant time spent working with the team and leadership.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of CV, hourly rate, availability, and motivation letter. Emphasis on relevant experience and alignment with the role's strategic advisory nature.

• Portfolio Presentation/Discussion: Expect to present a curated selection of your work demonstrating experience in maturing product functions, setting product vision, developing roadmaps, and implementing product-led models. This will likely involve discussing case studies and strategic approaches.

• Leadership Interviews: Discussions with the CTO and potentially other members of the leadership team to assess strategic thinking, communication style, influence, and cultural fit.

• Final Evaluation: Assessment based on strategic acumen, communication effectiveness, perceived impact potential, and alignment with Advidi's transformation goals.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Strategy & Impact: Showcase examples where your strategic guidance led to tangible improvements in product vision, roadmap clarity, operating model efficiency, or business outcomes.

• Demonstrate Influence: Highlight instances where you successfully influenced senior stakeholders and guided teams without direct authority.

• Process & Frameworks: Clearly articulate the frameworks and methodologies you employed (e.g., for discovery, prioritization, roadmap communication) and why they were effective.

• Industry Relevance: If applicable, emphasize your experience in adtech, performance marketing, or two-sided platforms.

• Concise & Compelling: Prepare to walk through your portfolio highlights efficiently, focusing on the problem, your approach, and the results.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready to discuss how you would approach defining a product vision for a company like Advidi in transition.

• Prepare to outline your strategy for designing a product-led operating model, considering the interplay between product, engineering, and commercial teams.

• Anticipate questions about how you would pressure-test strategic assumptions and provide constructive feedback to a leadership team.

• Consider how you would engage with external stakeholders (affiliates/advertisers) to inform product strategy.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process emphasizes a consultative approach. Candidates should prepare to demonstrate their strategic thinking and ability to influence through their portfolio and interview discussions. The focus is on strategic output and advisory capabilities.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Product Management Platforms: While specific tools aren't listed, expect experience with common product management and roadmap software (e.g., Jira, Confluence, Productboard, Aha!, Asana) for process and documentation.

• Collaboration Tools: Proficiency in tools like Slack, Microsoft Teams, and G Suite/Microsoft 365 for communication and document sharing.

• Presentation Software: Expertise in tools like PowerPoint, Google Slides, or Keynote for crafting and delivering strategic presentations.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Familiarity with data analysis and reporting tools is beneficial, even if not directly using them daily. This could include experience with BI tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI, Looker) or SQL for data exploration, especially given the performance marketing context. CRM & Automation:

• Understanding of CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) and marketing automation platforms, particularly in how they integrate with product strategy and customer lifecycle management, would be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is strategic, so deep technical proficiency in specific tools might be less critical than the ability to understand how tools support product strategy and operations. However, familiarity with common platforms used in product management, collaboration, and data analysis is expected.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Impact-Driven: A strong focus on delivering tangible results and driving company-defining change.

• Ambition & High Standards: A culture that pushes for excellence and continuous improvement.

• Collaboration & Support: A tight-knit team environment where colleagues support each other.

• Speed & Agility: Moving fast and adapting quickly to market dynamics and business needs.

• Customer Centricity: Increasingly important with the shift to a product-led model, focusing on the needs of advertisers and affiliates.

Collaboration Style:

• Direct & Open: Expect candid communication and feedback, especially given the advisory nature of the role.

• Cross-Functional: The role necessitates working across product, engineering, and commercial leadership.

• Partnership: The advisor will act as a thought partner, working alongside leadership and the product team rather than in isolation.

• Knowledge Sharing: Emphasis on embedding new frameworks and practices, fostering a culture of learning and continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture emphasizes a blend of high performance and supportive collaboration, common in scaling tech companies. The advisory role requires a style that is influential, coaching-oriented, and built on trust and mutual respect.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Driving Change in a Scaling Company: Navigating organizational dynamics and ensuring buy-in for new strategic approaches and operating models.

• Balancing Vision and Execution: Translating high-level strategy into practical, actionable roadmaps that the delivery team can execute effectively.

• Leveraging Limited Resources: Advising within the context of a scaling company's resource constraints and priorities.

• Bridging Legacy and Future: Guiding the transition from existing systems and processes to a new product-led paradigm.

• Maintaining Objectivity: Providing an unbiased, external perspective while building strong internal relationships.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Strategic Transformation Leadership: Gaining experience in leading a significant product strategy and operating model transformation.

• Deep Domain Expertise: Further developing insights into the adtech and performance marketing industry.

• Product-Led Growth Implementation: Hands-on experience in setting up and refining product-led ways of working.

• Executive Mentorship: Learning from and advising senior leadership within a fast-paced environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenge lies in effectively influencing and guiding a company through a significant strategic shift. The growth opportunities are centered on the impact of the engagement and the strategic challenges overcome.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to defining a product vision for a company undergoing a major transition, like Advidi moving to a product-led model."

• "How would you design a product-led operating model that effectively connects Product, Engineering, and Commercial teams? What are the key components?"

• "Walk us through a time you had to pressure-test a major strategic bet or product initiative. What was your process, and what was the outcome?"

• "How do you build credibility and influence senior leadership and teams when you don't have formal authority?"

• "What frameworks do you typically use for product discovery, opportunity assessment, and roadmap prioritization, and how do you ensure they are embedded in an organization?" Company & Culture Questions:

• "What appeals to you about this specific advisory engagement with Advidi?"

• "How would you assess the current product practice at Advidi and identify key areas for improvement?"

• "Based on what you know, how would you approach engaging with our affiliates and advertisers to inform product strategy?"

• "Describe your experience working with product and engineering teams in a fast-paced, scaling environment." Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure your presentation around 1-2 key case studies that best exemplify your experience in maturing product functions and driving strategic shifts.

• For each case study, clearly articulate:

  • The initial challenge or strategic imperative.
  • Your specific role and approach (frameworks, methodologies).
  • How you collaborated with leadership and teams.
  • The key outcomes and impact achieved (quantifiable where possible).

• Be prepared to discuss your rate, availability, and why you believe you are the right fit for this focused advisory engagement.

• Emphasize your ability to provide strategic guidance and influence without direct managerial authority.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating strategic thinking, consultative skills, and a deep understanding of product strategy principles, especially within the context of a company undergoing transformation. Be prepared to articulate your process and impact through concrete examples.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your CV, hourly rate, availability (days per week and earliest start date), a short motivation, and a concise example of how you've matured or leveled up a product function to milou.dewitte@advidi.com.

• Tailor your motivation: Clearly articulate why this specific advisory role and Advidi's product-led transition resonate with your expertise and career aspirations.

• Curate your experience example: Select a powerful, concise example that demonstrates your ability to strategically influence and improve product functions, aligning with the requirements of this senior advisory role.

• Prepare your rate and availability: Have a clear understanding of your desired hourly rate and realistic availability for a concentrated, up to full-time engagement.

• Research Advidi: Familiarize yourself with Advidi's business model, the performance marketing landscape, and their current strategic direction to demonstrate informed interest.

⚠️ 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.