Consumer Product Strategy Manager I

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Consumer Product Strategy Manager I

Company: Bank of America

Location: Newark, New Jersey, United States (with potential for Boston, MA; New York, NY; Charlotte, NC; Jacksonville, FL)

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Revenue Operations / Product Strategy & Analytics

Date Posted: October 6, 2025

Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead a team responsible for in-depth strategic analysis of consumer product portfolios.

• Drive improvements in portfolio risk, profitability, and overall operational performance through data-driven insights.

• Develop and champion strategic initiatives to optimize risk-return profiles and enhance control oversight.

• Foster a data-centric culture, leveraging advanced analytics to inform business decisions and strategic direction.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional partners in Product, Technology, Risk, and Finance to achieve business objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Consumer Product Strategy Manager I," the responsibilities and required skills strongly indicate a role focused on the analytical and operational aspects of product management within a large financial institution. This aligns with Revenue Operations and Sales Operations principles, particularly in understanding product performance, risk, and profitability. The emphasis on data analysis, strategy, and cross-functional collaboration is core to these operations disciplines.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conduct complex analyses of financial models, market data, and portfolio trends to understand product performance and identify opportunities for improvement in risk, profitability, and operational efficiency.

• Develop and execute department-wide strategies by analyzing portfolio trends, forecasting future performance, and assessing risk/control measures.

• Lead innovative initiatives aimed at enhancing risk management, maximizing profitability, and strengthening control oversight across the business unit.

• Identify key business trends influenced by economic and portfolio conditions, translating these into actionable insights for senior management.

• Coach and mentor team members on best practices for structuring complex analytical problems, executing data analysis, and effectively communicating findings and their strategic implications.

• Maintain and cultivate strategic relationships with key stakeholders and counterparts across Product, Technology, Risk, and other business control functions to ensure alignment and drive collaborative success.

• Perform ad hoc data analysis and reporting to support immediate business needs and adapt to evolving market conditions or strategic priorities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary responsibilities heavily lean into data analysis, strategic forecasting, and risk management, which are critical functions within Revenue Operations and Sales Operations. The emphasis on "portfolio risk, profitability, and operational performance" directly relates to driving revenue and optimizing the sales and customer lifecycle. The coaching aspect highlights a leadership component within an operations team structure.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's degree in Finance, Economics, Business Analytics, Statistics, or a related quantitative field is typically expected for this level of analytical and strategic responsibility within a financial institution. A Master's degree may be preferred for more senior roles but is often not a strict requirement for a Manager I.

Experience:

• 2-5 years of experience in strategic analysis, financial modeling, business analytics, or a related field, with a focus on product performance and portfolio management.

Required Skills:

• SAS/SQL: Proficient in querying and analyzing large datasets using SAS and SQL for data extraction, manipulation, and analysis.

• Data Storytelling: Ability to synthesize complex data into clear, compelling narratives that drive strategic decisions and influence stakeholders.

• Collaboration: Proven ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams, including Credit, Risk, Finance, Product, and Technology partners.

• Adaptability & Ad Hoc Analysis: Capacity to manage multiple priorities, respond effectively to ad hoc requests, and adapt to changing business needs and market dynamics.

• Analytical Thinking: Strong ability to break down complex problems, identify root causes, and develop data-driven solutions.

• Critical Thinking: Aptitude for evaluating information, challenging assumptions, and making sound judgments based on evidence.

• Business Analytics: Understanding of business drivers, performance metrics, and how to translate analytical findings into business impact.

• Issue Management: Skill in identifying, analyzing, and resolving issues impacting product performance or operational efficiency.

• Oral Communications: Ability to articulate complex ideas clearly and concisely to various audiences, from team members to senior leadership.

Preferred Skills:

• TABLEAU/MICROSTRATEGIES: Familiarity with data visualization tools like Tableau or MicroStrategy for creating dashboards and reports.

• Product Experience: Prior experience in card products or other consumer financial products, providing domain-specific context.

• Excel & PowerPoint: Advanced proficiency in Excel for data analysis and modeling, and PowerPoint for creating impactful presentations.

• Data Visualization: Experience in creating visual representations of data to aid understanding and decision-making.

• Decision Making: Demonstrated ability to make informed decisions based on analytical insights and business objectives.

• Innovative Thinking: Propensity to identify and champion new approaches or initiatives to improve product performance or operations.

• Conflict Management: Ability to navigate and resolve disagreements constructively within a team or cross-functional setting.

• Talent Development: Experience in coaching, mentoring, and developing junior team members (as implied by the "leading a group of employees" responsibility).

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills, particularly SAS/SQL and the ability to "tell a story" with data, are fundamental for any operational role focused on performance analysis and strategic input. The preferred skills in visualization tools and product experience further enhance a candidate's suitability for a product-focused operations role. The inclusion of "Talent Development" suggests a leadership component, typical for a Manager I role in operations.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Analytical Case Studies: Showcase examples of complex analytical projects where you identified trends, assessed risk, and proposed strategies to improve product profitability or operational efficiency.

• Data-Driven Recommendations: Demonstrate instances where your analysis led to tangible business outcomes or strategic shifts, supported by clear metrics and ROI.

• Process Improvement Examples: Present case studies detailing how you or your team optimized existing processes, workflows, or analytical methodologies to achieve greater accuracy, speed, or efficiency.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration Documentation: Provide examples of projects where you successfully partnered with Product, Risk, Technology, or Finance teams, illustrating your ability to align objectives and drive consensus.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Evidence of designing or refining analytical workflows to ensure data integrity, accuracy, and timely delivery of insights. This could include documentation of new data extraction processes, validation steps, or reporting frameworks.

• Implementation & Automation: Showcase experience in implementing new analytical tools, methodologies, or automation solutions that streamlined operations and reduced manual effort.

• Measurement & Performance Analysis: Examples of how you established key performance indicators (KPIs) for analytical processes or product performance, and how you tracked, analyzed, and reported on these metrics to drive continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: For operations roles, a portfolio is crucial. This section outlines the types of projects and documentation that would best showcase a candidate's ability to manage complex data, drive strategy, and improve processes, aligning with the core functions of revenue and sales operations. The emphasis on ROI and process optimization is key for operations professionals.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $110,000 - $161,300 annually.

Benefits:

• Industry-Leading Benefits: Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation, sick leave, and holiday pay.

• Resources and Support: Access to employee assistance programs, wellness initiatives, and professional development resources.

• Discretionary Incentive Eligible: Opportunity to participate in an annual discretionary incentive plan based on individual, team, and company performance.

• Retirement Savings Plan: Access to 401(k) with company match.

• Employee Stock Purchase Plan: Opportunity to purchase company stock at a discounted rate.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week, typically on the 1st shift (daytime).

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is competitive for a mid-level strategy and analytics role in major US financial hubs like Newark, New York, or Boston. The inclusion of a discretionary incentive plan is a common feature in financial services, rewarding performance beyond base salary. The "Resources and Support" benefit is particularly relevant for operations professionals who often require continuous learning and access to tools.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Financial Services (Banking and Investment) - Bank of America is a leading global financial services company. This industry context means a strong emphasis on regulatory compliance, data security, risk management, and client-centricity. For operations roles, this translates to rigorous process adherence and a focus on accuracy and compliance.

Company Size: Large Enterprise (Bank of America is one of the largest banks globally, employing hundreds of thousands of people). This implies a structured environment with established processes, extensive resources, and opportunities for specialization and career advancement across various business units.

Founded: 1998 (through the merger of NationsBank and BankAmerica), with roots tracing back to 1784. This long history signifies stability, a deep understanding of financial markets, and a commitment to long-term growth and client relationships.

Team Structure:

• Operations Focus: The team likely operates within a broader Consumer Products or Strategy division, focusing on the analytical backbone that supports product development, management, and performance optimization.

• Reporting: As a Manager I, this role will report to a Director or Senior Manager, overseeing a team of analysts or junior strategists.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: The role necessitates close collaboration with Product Management, Credit Risk, Fraud Prevention, Technology Development, Marketing, Finance, and potentially Compliance teams.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Reliance on rigorous data analysis, statistical modeling, and performance metrics to inform strategies and operational adjustments.

• Process Optimization: Continuous effort to refine analytical processes, reporting frameworks, and operational workflows for efficiency and effectiveness.

• Risk-Based Approach: Strong emphasis on understanding and managing risks associated with consumer products, including credit risk, operational risk, and fraud.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding Bank of America's scale and industry is key. For operations professionals, this means a highly structured environment focused on data integrity, compliance, and performance. The role's success will depend on navigating complex organizational structures and collaborating effectively across diverse functional groups.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Manager I signifies a mid-level management position. This role is responsible for leading a team and executing strategic initiatives, moving beyond individual contribution to team leadership and project oversight. It's a stepping stone towards more senior management roles within operations or product strategy.

Reporting Structure: Typically reports to a Director or Senior Manager of Product Strategy, Analytics, or a related operations function. The manager will have direct reports, usually analysts or senior analysts, responsible for executing analytical tasks and contributing to strategic projects.

Operations Impact: The role has a direct impact on the profitability and risk profile of Bank of America's consumer product portfolios. By optimizing product performance, identifying trends, and mitigating risks, this position contributes significantly to the company's overall financial health and its ability to achieve "Responsible Growth." Effective strategy management in operations can lead to increased customer acquisition, improved retention, reduced losses, and enhanced customer satisfaction.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Progression: Advancement to Senior Manager or Director roles within Product Strategy, Analytics, or broader Operations departments, with increased team and budget responsibility.

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific product lines (e.g., credit cards, mortgages, digital banking) or analytical methodologies (e.g., advanced modeling, AI/ML in risk).

• Cross-Functional Mobility: Opportunities to move into related roles in Product Management, Risk Management, Business Development, or Strategy within Bank of America.

• Skill Development: Access to internal training programs, executive coaching, and external certifications to enhance leadership, analytical, and strategic planning skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for career progression within a large, established financial institution. The emphasis on leadership, data analysis, and strategic impact makes it attractive for operations professionals looking to grow their careers in a structured environment with significant opportunities for development.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid. Bank of America emphasizes an in-office culture with specific attendance requirements, balanced with flexibility based on role considerations. This suggests a primary office-based work environment with potential for remote work on designated days.

Office Location(s): The role is listed for Newark, NJ, but also includes potential locations in New York, NY; Boston, MA; Charlotte, NC; and Jacksonville, FL. This indicates a broader operational footprint and potential for relocation or transfer within these major hubs.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Expect an office setting designed for teamwork, with shared spaces, meeting rooms, and opportunities for spontaneous interaction with colleagues.

• Tools & Technology: Access to robust IT infrastructure, including high-performance computing for data analysis, secure network access, and standard office productivity software. This role will leverage advanced analytical tools (SAS, SQL, potentially Tableau/MicroStrategy).

• Team Interaction: Regular team meetings, one-on-ones with direct reports, and frequent collaboration sessions with cross-functional partners.

Work Schedule: Standard 40-hour work week, typically during the 1st shift (daytime hours). While the role is in-office hybrid, the nature of analytical work might occasionally require flexibility to meet project deadlines or respond to urgent business needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work model is a key aspect. For operations professionals, this means balancing the benefits of in-person collaboration and structured environment with the flexibility of remote work. Understanding the specific office attendance policy will be critical.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will review your application and resume, assessing alignment with the required skills and experience.

• Technical Assessment (SAS/SQL): You may be asked to complete a technical test or a hands-on exercise to evaluate your proficiency in SAS and SQL for data querying and analysis.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion focused on your experience, leadership style, problem-solving approach, and understanding of product strategy and analytics within financial services. Be prepared to discuss your career progression and motivations.

• Team/Cross-Functional Interviews: Meetings with potential peers, direct reports, and key cross-functional partners (e.g., from Risk, Product, Technology). These interviews will assess your collaboration skills, ability to influence, and cultural fit.

• Case Study Presentation: You may be asked to present a past project or a hypothetical business problem, demonstrating your analytical process, strategic thinking, and communication skills. This is where your portfolio will be highly valuable.

• Final Interview: A discussion with senior leadership to confirm your fit for the role and the organization.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure for Impact: Organize your portfolio with clear sections for each project, including: Problem Statement, Your Role/Contribution, Analytical Approach/Methodology, Key Insights/Findings, Recommendations, and Quantifiable Results (ROI, efficiency gains, risk reduction).

• Highlight Operations Focus: For each project, explicitly state how your work drove operational efficiency, improved profitability, managed risk, or optimized a process relevant to financial products.

• Quantify Everything: Use specific numbers, percentages, and metrics to demonstrate the impact of your work. For example, "Reduced processing time by 15%" or "Identified a segment with 10% higher profitability."

• Showcase SAS/SQL Proficiency: Include examples where your SAS/SQL skills were instrumental in extracting, transforming, or analyzing data to uncover critical insights.

• Tailor to the Role: Emphasize projects that align with consumer product strategy, financial modeling, risk analysis, and cross-functional collaboration.

• Visual Aids: Incorporate custom dashboards or visualizations (even mock-ups if real ones are confidential) to showcase your data visualization skills.

Challenge Preparation:

• Data Interpretation: Be ready to interpret charts, tables, and statistical outputs. Anticipate questions about what the data means and what actions should be taken.

• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Practice breaking down ambiguous business problems into smaller, manageable analytical tasks. Think about data sources, potential methodologies, and how you would present findings.

• Strategic Thinking: Prepare to discuss how you would approach identifying new opportunities or mitigating emerging risks within a consumer product portfolio.

• Stakeholder Management: Consider how you would communicate complex analytical findings to non-technical audiences and gain buy-in for your recommendations.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is essential for this role. The interview process is designed to test not only technical skills but also strategic thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration. Candidates should prepare to articulate their impact using data and demonstrate a clear understanding of operations principles within finance.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• SAS: Core analytical tool for statistical analysis, data manipulation, and reporting. Expect to demonstrate advanced proficiency in Base SAS, SAS/STAT, and potentially SAS Enterprise Guide.

• SQL: Essential for querying relational databases, extracting data, and performing data transformations across various platforms (e.g., Oracle, Teradata).

• Microsoft Excel: Advanced usage for data modeling, financial analysis, ad hoc reporting, and data manipulation.

• Microsoft PowerPoint: For creating compelling presentations of findings and strategic recommendations to stakeholders.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Tableau (Preferred): For interactive data visualization, dashboard creation, and exploratory data analysis, enabling better understanding of trends and performance.

• MicroStrategy (Preferred): Another robust business intelligence and analytics platform for reporting and dashboarding.

• Business Intelligence Platforms: Familiarity with other enterprise-level BI tools is beneficial.

CRM & Automation:

• While not explicitly mentioned, experience with CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) and workflow automation tools might be beneficial for understanding customer data and operational processes, though not a primary requirement for this specific role.

• Data Warehousing Concepts: Understanding of data warehousing principles and data lakes is helpful for data extraction and analysis.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in SAS and SQL is non-negotiable. The preferred skills in Tableau/MicroStrategy highlight the importance of data visualization in communicating insights effectively. For operations roles, being comfortable with the core analytical tools and understanding how to leverage them for strategic decision-making is paramount.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Data-Driven: A strong commitment to using data and analytics as the foundation for all strategies and decisions.

• Customer-Centricity: A focus on understanding and improving the customer experience through product performance and operational excellence.

• Integrity & Ethics: Adherence to the highest standards of ethical conduct, compliance, and data security, reflecting Bank of America's core values.

• Efficiency & Optimization: A continuous drive to improve processes, reduce waste, and maximize the return on investment for all initiatives.

• Collaboration & Transparency: Valuing teamwork, open communication, and sharing insights across departments to achieve common goals.

Collaboration Style:

• Partnership-Oriented: Actively seeks to build strong working relationships with peers and stakeholders across various departments, fostering a collaborative environment.

• Fact-Based Communication: Emphasizes objective data and analysis in discussions and decision-making processes.

• Constructive Feedback: Encourages an environment where feedback is shared openly and constructively to drive continuous improvement.

• Proactive Engagement: Takes initiative to engage with other teams, share insights, and identify opportunities for synergy and mutual benefit.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture at Bank of America, particularly within its operations and analytics teams, will be characterized by a strong emphasis on data integrity, compliance, and ethical practices. Success in this role will depend on a candidate's ability to integrate into a highly regulated environment while driving innovation and efficiency.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Data Complexity & Volume: Managing and analyzing vast amounts of complex financial and customer data, ensuring accuracy and integrity.

• Navigating Large Organizations: Effectively influencing stakeholders and driving change within a large, matrixed financial institution.

• Evolving Regulatory Landscape: Staying abreast of and adapting strategies to new regulations impacting financial products and data handling.

• Balancing Risk and Reward: Identifying opportunities to increase profitability while rigorously managing associated risks.

• Adapting to Market Changes: Quickly responding to shifts in economic conditions, competitive pressures, and customer behavior.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Analytics & Modeling: Opportunities to learn and apply new statistical techniques, machine learning, and AI for more sophisticated analysis.

• Product & Industry Expertise: Deepen knowledge of consumer finance products, market dynamics, and regulatory requirements.

• Leadership & Management Skills: Develop team leadership, strategic planning, and executive communication skills through ongoing training and mentorship.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gain insights into various business functions within Bank of America, broadening understanding of the financial services value chain.

• Industry Certifications: Potential to pursue relevant certifications in analytics, finance, or project management.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant challenges related to data complexity and organizational navigation, but these are balanced by substantial growth opportunities. Candidates who thrive in environments that demand analytical rigor and strategic problem-solving will find this role rewarding.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you used SAS/SQL to identify a significant trend in a product portfolio. What was the trend, and what strategic recommendation did you make?"

• "How would you approach analyzing the profitability of a new consumer credit card product, considering various risk factors and market conditions?"

• "Walk us through a complex analytical project you led. What was the problem, your methodology, the key insights, and the business impact?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Bank of America's approach to 'Responsible Growth' and how does your role as a Product Strategy Manager contribute to it?"

• "Describe your experience working in a hybrid environment. How do you ensure effective collaboration and communication with your team and partners?"

• "How do you stay updated on industry trends and best practices in financial services analytics and product strategy?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Start with the "So What?": Begin your presentation by clearly stating the business problem and the key outcome or recommendation.

• Focus on Your Contribution: For team projects, clearly delineate your specific role, responsibilities, and contributions.

• Visualize Your Data: Use clear, concise charts and graphs. Explain what each visual represents and the insight it provides. Avoid overly complex or cluttered visuals.

• Quantify Impact: Always tie your recommendations back to measurable business results (e.g., increased revenue, reduced costs, improved customer satisfaction, mitigated risk).

• Prepare for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your methodology, assumptions, alternative approaches, and potential challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a blend of technical acumen (SAS/SQL), strategic thinking, leadership potential, and an understanding of the financial services industry. Candidates should be ready to articulate their impact with data and showcase their ability to collaborate effectively.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided Workday link.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight specific achievements using keywords from the job description, such as SAS, SQL, data analysis, portfolio management, risk assessment, and product strategy. Quantify your accomplishments wherever possible.

• Portfolio Curation: Prepare a concise portfolio that showcases 2-3 key analytical projects. Focus on projects involving data analysis, strategic recommendations, and measurable business impact, particularly within financial services or related fields.

• Interview Practice: Rehearse answers to common behavioral and technical questions, focusing on the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). Practice presenting a case study or project from your portfolio.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Bank of America's mission, values, recent financial reports, and key consumer product offerings. Understand their commitment to "Responsible Growth."

⚠️ 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.