Director of Product Strategy

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Director of Product Strategy
Company: Ford Model-e U.S.
Location: Dearborn, Michigan, United States
Job Type: Full time
Category: Product Strategy & Operations
Date Posted: 2026-01-06T19:13:55
Experience Level: 10+ years
Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive product strategy initiatives within Ford's evolving digital ecosystem, focusing on software and services.
• Act as a hands-on builder, translating portfolio-level strategy into actionable product decisions and execution plans.
• Collaborate deeply with Product, Engineering, Design, and Go-To-Market (GTM) leadership to ensure strategic alignment and impact.
• Enhance executive storytelling capabilities by synthesizing complex market data, technical possibilities, and strategic imperatives for leadership.
• Operate with high velocity and accountability within a small, impactful team responsible for defining market positioning and competitive advantage.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned at the strategic core of Ford's digital transformation, requiring a blend of strategic foresight and operational execution. The emphasis on "hands-on builder" and "strategy turns into execution" indicates a need for a candidate who can not only conceptualize but also drive tangible product outcomes, bridging the gap between high-level vision and day-to-day product development. The "forward radar" and "strategic voice" descriptions highlight the critical role this position plays in informing and guiding the broader digital product organization.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and refine the overarching product strategy for Ford's digital ecosystem, encompassing software, services, and integrated hardware experiences across Ford Blue, Model e, and Ford Pro.
• Translate market insights, competitive analysis, and emerging technology trends into clear, actionable strategic directives for product teams.
• Lead cross-functional collaboration sessions with Product Management, Engineering, Design, Marketing, and Sales teams to ensure unified strategy execution and alignment.
• Craft compelling narratives and presentations for executive leadership, effectively communicating strategic rationale, product roadmaps, and potential business impact.
• Define and manage the product portfolio strategy, prioritizing initiatives based on market opportunity, customer value, and business objectives.
• Establish and maintain the operating cadence for the Product Strategy team, ensuring timely delivery of strategic insights and decision support.
• Drive continuous improvement in product strategy processes, methodologies, and tools to enhance team velocity and effectiveness.
• Act as a thought leader, identifying new opportunities for software and services integration that can create differentiated customer experiences.
• Measure and report on the strategic impact of product initiatives, linking them to key business outcomes and customer satisfaction metrics.
• Foster a culture of data-driven decision-making and strategic innovation within the product organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a dual focus on strategic definition ("shape the future," "defining where we play and how we win") and operational execution ("ensure strategy turns into execution," "immediate, actionable strategic directives"). The "hands-on builder" aspect implies a need for practical involvement in product planning and decision-making, not just advisory. The scope across Ford Blue, Model e, and Ford Pro indicates a broad influence across the company's core business units.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
• MBA or advanced degree in a relevant discipline is highly preferred.

Experience:

• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in product management, product strategy, or related strategic roles, preferably within the automotive, technology, or software industries.
• Proven track record of developing and executing successful product strategies that have driven significant business growth and customer impact.
• Experience operating in large, complex organizations undergoing significant digital transformation.

Required Skills:

• Product Strategy Development: Deep expertise in market analysis, competitive intelligence, business model innovation, and strategic planning for digital products and services.
• Cross-Functional Leadership: Demonstrated ability to influence and collaborate effectively with diverse teams, including Product Management, Engineering, Design, GTM, and Executive leadership.
• Executive Communication & Storytelling: Exceptional ability to articulate complex strategies, data insights, and product visions clearly and persuasively to senior stakeholders.
• Portfolio Management: Experience in defining, prioritizing, and managing a portfolio of product initiatives to maximize business value and strategic alignment.
• Digital Ecosystem Understanding: Strong grasp of software development lifecycles, digital platforms, cloud services, and emerging technologies relevant to the automotive industry.
• Data Analysis & Interpretation: Proficiency in leveraging market data, customer insights, and performance metrics to inform strategic decisions.
• Transformation Management: Experience navigating and driving change within large organizations, particularly in digital business model transformations.
• Strategic Decision-Making: Ability to make sound, data-informed strategic choices under ambiguity and high pressure.

Preferred Skills:

• Automotive Industry Knowledge: Specific experience within the automotive sector, understanding of vehicle technology, and evolving customer expectations.
• Agile Methodologies: Familiarity with Agile, Scrum, or other iterative development frameworks and how strategy integrates with them.
• GTM Strategy Integration: Experience working closely with Go-To-Market teams to ensure successful product launches and market adoption.
• Financial Acumen: Understanding of financial modeling, business case development, and ROI analysis for strategic investments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "10+" years of experience requirement, coupled with the Director title and the description of the role as a "hands-on builder" influencing "real product decisions," suggests a senior individual contributor or a leader of a small, specialized team. The emphasis on bridging "complex market data, technical possibilities, and executive decision-making" points to a need for strong analytical and communication skills, capable of translating technical concepts into business strategy.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Strategic Frameworks: Showcase examples of strategic frameworks developed or utilized to define product direction, market entry, or competitive positioning.
• Product Strategy Documents: Present artifacts such as strategy briefs, roadmaps, business cases, or market assessments that demonstrate strategic thinking and planning capabilities.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration Case Studies: Provide examples of projects where you successfully led or significantly influenced strategy across multiple departments (Product, Engineering, Design, GTM).
• Executive Presentations: Include examples of presentations or communication materials created for executive audiences to convey strategic direction, product vision, or key business decisions.
• Impact Demonstrations: Quantify the business impact of strategic decisions or initiatives, demonstrating how your work contributed to revenue growth, market share, customer acquisition, or operational efficiency.

Process Documentation:

• Strategic Planning Process: Document the end-to-end process for developing and refining product strategy, from initial market research and opportunity identification to final decision-making and roadmap integration.
• Cross-Functional Alignment Process: Outline methodologies for ensuring alignment and buy-in from Product, Engineering, Design, and GTM stakeholders on strategic priorities.
• Executive Briefing & Decision-Making Process: Detail the workflow for preparing and delivering strategic updates and recommendations to executive leadership, including how decisions are captured and communicated.
• Market Intelligence & Analysis Process: Describe the system for gathering, synthesizing, and disseminating market data, competitive intelligence, and customer insights to inform strategic direction.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the role's emphasis on "strategy turns into execution" and "hands-on builder," a portfolio demonstrating practical application of strategy is crucial. This means not just theoretical frameworks but concrete examples of how strategic thinking led to tangible product outcomes, with measurable results. The ability to document and articulate these processes is key.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a Director of Product Strategy with 10+ years of experience in the automotive and technology sectors, located in the Dearborn, Michigan area, the estimated annual base salary range is $170,000 - $240,000. This range can vary based on the candidate's specific experience, qualifications, and performance during the interview process. Total compensation may include bonuses, stock options, and other incentives.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance plans.
• 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with company match.
• Paid Time Off (PTO), including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Employee vehicle discount programs and lease options.
• Life and Disability Insurance coverage.
• Opportunities for professional development, training, and continuing education.
• Access to employee assistance programs and wellness initiatives.
• Potential for performance-based bonuses and long-term incentive plans.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time position, typically 40 hours per week.
• Occasional extended hours may be required to meet project deadlines or accommodate critical business needs, especially during key strategic planning or launch phases.
• While primarily on-site, flexibility may be offered for occasional remote work, subject to team and business requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on publicly available data for similar roles in the automotive and tech industries in the Detroit metropolitan area, considering the seniority and strategic nature of the position. The benefits listed are typical for large automotive manufacturers in the US.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Automotive, Technology, Software & Services. Ford is a legacy automotive manufacturer undergoing a significant transformation to become a leader in connected vehicles, software-defined vehicles, and digital customer experiences. Company Size: Large Enterprise (Ford Motor Company is a global Fortune 500 company with over 170,000 employees worldwide). This specific role is within the "Ford Model-e U.S." division, indicating a focus on the electric and digital transformation aspects of the business. Founded: Ford Motor Company was founded in 1903. The Model e division represents a strategic pivot towards future mobility solutions.

Team Structure:

• The Product Strategy team operates as a specialized, high-impact unit within the Digital Product organization.
• It is described as a "small team" with "large scope" and "high accountability," suggesting a lean, agile structure focused on strategic output.
• This team likely reports into a senior product leadership role (e.g., VP of Product, Chief Product Officer) and collaborates closely with functional leads across Product Management, Engineering, Design, Marketing, and Sales.
• The role demands deep partnership with GTM (Go-To-Market) leadership, indicating a strong connection to commercialization and market strategy.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision-Making: Emphasis on leveraging market data, customer insights, and performance metrics to inform strategic direction and product prioritization.
• Agile Strategy Development: Operating with "high velocity" and providing "immediate, actionable strategic directives" suggests an iterative and responsive approach to strategy, aligning with agile product development principles.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: The core function involves bridging gaps and fostering alignment between different departments, requiring strong communication and consensus-building skills.
• Executive Synthesis: A key methodology involves translating complex technical and market information into clear, concise strategic recommendations for executive decision-makers.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Ford's ongoing transformation into a software and services-led company provides a dynamic and challenging environment. The Model e division signifies a commitment to innovation and future mobility. The "small team, large scope" dynamic implies a high-visibility role with significant opportunity for impact, but also requires individuals who can thrive in a fast-paced, demanding setting.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Director. This level signifies a senior leadership position responsible for defining and driving strategic direction within a critical business function. It implies significant autonomy, responsibility for strategic outcomes, and the ability to influence decision-making at the highest levels. For operations professionals, this means moving beyond tactical execution to shaping the strategic landscape that guides operational efforts. Reporting Structure: The Director of Product Strategy likely reports to a VP of Product or a similar senior executive overseeing digital product development. This position acts as a strategic advisor and partner to GTM, Engineering, and Design leadership, indicating a high degree of cross-functional influence and collaboration rather than direct line management of large operational teams. Operations Impact: This role has a profound impact on the company's strategic direction and future revenue streams. By defining "where we play and how we win," the Director of Product Strategy directly influences the product portfolio, market positioning, and ultimately, the long-term success of Ford's software and services initiatives. This strategic guidance shapes the operational priorities and resource allocation across various departments, ensuring that the company's operational efforts are aligned with its overarching business goals.

Growth Opportunities:

• Strategic Leadership Expansion: Potential to lead larger strategic initiatives or take on broader product leadership roles within Ford's digital transformation efforts.
• Cross-Divisional Influence: Opportunity to influence strategy across Ford Blue, Model e, and Ford Pro, broadening expertise and impact across the company.
• Industry Expertise Development: Deepen knowledge in cutting-edge areas like connected car technology, autonomous systems, mobility services, and software-defined vehicles, becoming a recognized expert in the field.
• Executive Mentorship: Access to senior leadership for mentorship and development, paving the way for future executive roles.
• Innovation Leadership: Opportunity to champion new ideas and drive innovation in product strategy and business model development.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role represents a significant step in a career focused on strategic product development and transformation. The emphasis on "hands-on builder" and direct influence on "real product decisions" suggests that growth will come from demonstrable impact and leadership in executing strategy, rather than solely through managing large operational teams.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in Dearborn, Michigan, a major hub for Ford's operations and R&D. The work environment is likely a professional corporate office setting within Ford's corporate campus, designed to foster collaboration and innovation. Office Location(s): Dearborn, Michigan, United States. This location is central to Ford's historical and ongoing operations, offering access to key decision-makers and a concentration of engineering and product talent. Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Expect a dynamic workspace that encourages close interaction with Product, Engineering, Design, and GTM teams. This may include open-plan areas, dedicated project rooms, and meeting spaces designed for brainstorming and strategic planning.
• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard tools for market research, competitive analysis, strategic planning, project management, and executive presentation software. This likely includes robust data analytics platforms and collaboration suites.
• Team Interaction: Frequent opportunities for direct interaction with functional leaders and team members, fostering a culture of shared ownership and aligned execution. The "small team, large scope" nature implies intense collaboration and mutual support.

Work Schedule:

• The role is designated as full-time and on-site, requiring regular presence at the Dearborn office.
• While a standard 40-hour work week is expected, the nature of strategic leadership and transformation initiatives may necessitate flexibility and occasional work beyond standard hours, particularly around critical decision points or project milestones.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in Dearborn suggests a traditional corporate environment with opportunities for in-person collaboration, which is often crucial for high-level strategic work involving complex stakeholder management.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

1. Initial Screening: HR or recruiter call to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.
2. Hiring Manager Interview: In-depth discussion with the hiring manager (likely a senior product leader) focusing on strategic thinking, leadership experience, and alignment with the role's objectives.
3. Panel Interview(s): Interviews with key stakeholders from Product Management, Engineering, Design, and GTM. These sessions will assess cross-functional collaboration skills, strategic depth, and ability to influence diverse perspectives. Expect scenario-based questions and discussions around past projects.
4. Portfolio Review & Presentation: A dedicated session where candidates present their portfolio, showcasing relevant strategic initiatives, case studies, and demonstrable impact. This is a critical stage to evaluate strategic thinking, execution capabilities, and communication skills.
5. Executive Interview: Final interview with senior leadership (e.g., VP level) to assess strategic vision, executive presence, and overall fit for the company's transformation agenda.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Impact: For each portfolio item, clearly articulate the strategic problem, your approach, the actions taken, and the measurable business outcomes. Quantify impact with metrics whenever possible.
• Showcase Strategic Frameworks: Demonstrate your ability to develop and apply strategic frameworks for market analysis, competitive positioning, and portfolio prioritization.
• Highlight Cross-Functional Leadership: Use examples that clearly show how you collaborated with and influenced Engineering, Design, Product, and GTM teams to achieve strategic goals.
• Tailor to Ford: Research Ford's current transformation, its Model e division, and its stated goals for software and services. Frame your experience and portfolio examples to align with these objectives.
• Prepare for Executive Storytelling: Practice presenting complex strategies in a concise, compelling, and executive-friendly manner. Focus on the "why" and the "so what" of your strategic decisions.

Challenge Preparation:

• Strategic Case Study: Be prepared for a hypothetical case study where you'll be asked to analyze a market scenario, define a product strategy, or propose a strategic direction for a new digital service. Focus on demonstrating your structured thinking, data utilization, and strategic rationale.
• Scenario-Based Questions: Anticipate questions about how you would handle strategic dilemmas, manage competing priorities, influence stakeholders, or navigate organizational change.
• "How would you..." questions: Prepare to discuss your approach to defining product strategy, managing a portfolio, or integrating strategy with execution in an "on-site" environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "hands-on builder," "strategy turns into execution," and "executive storytelling" means the interview process will likely scrutinize not just strategic ideation but the ability to translate that strategy into actionable plans and communicate its value effectively to senior leadership. The portfolio review is paramount.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Product Management & Strategy Platforms: Tools for roadmap planning, portfolio management, and strategic documentation (e.g., Aha!, Productboard, Roadmunk).
• Market Intelligence & Analytics: Platforms for market research, competitive analysis, customer insights, and data analysis (e.g., Statista, Gartner, Forrester, Tableau, Power BI, Google Analytics).
• Collaboration Suites: Tools for team communication, document sharing, and project management (e.g., Microsoft 365 suite including Teams, SharePoint, OneDrive; Google Workspace).
• Presentation Software: Advanced tools for creating compelling executive presentations and data visualizations (e.g., Microsoft PowerPoint, Google Slides, Keynote).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Business Intelligence (BI) Tools: Proficiency in tools like Tableau, Power BI, or Qlik for data analysis and dashboard creation to track strategic KPIs.
• Web & Product Analytics: Experience with tools like Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics, or Amplitude for understanding user behavior and product performance.
• CRM Data: Familiarity with CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) to understand customer data and its strategic implications.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly managing CRM operations, an understanding of how CRM data informs product strategy and customer segmentation is beneficial.
• Familiarity with project management and workflow automation tools that support strategy execution and operational cadence.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role requires a strategic thinker who can leverage data and technology to inform decisions. While direct hands-on use of every operational tool might not be required, a strong understanding of how these tools generate insights crucial for strategy development and execution is essential. The focus is on leveraging insights from data and systems to drive strategic direction.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Focus: A commitment to understanding and serving customer needs through innovative software and services, driving value and enhancing the ownership experience.
• Data-Driven Innovation: Valuing rigorous analysis and data insights to inform strategic decisions and drive continuous improvement in product offerings and operational efficiency.
• Collaboration & Partnership: Fostering strong working relationships across Product, Engineering, Design, GTM, and leadership teams to achieve shared goals and drive collective success.
• Agility & Velocity: Embracing a fast-paced environment, adapting quickly to market changes, and delivering actionable strategies and products efficiently.
• Accountability & Ownership: Taking responsibility for strategic outcomes, driving initiatives to completion, and delivering measurable impact on the business.
• Transformation Mindset: A forward-looking attitude that embraces change, challenges the status quo, and actively contributes to Ford's evolution into a software and services-led company.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The team's success hinges on seamless integration with other functions. Collaboration is characterized by proactive communication, shared objective setting, and joint problem-solving.
• Strategic Dialogue: Encouraging open and constructive debate around strategic options, using data and logical reasoning to persuade and align stakeholders.
• Executive Engagement: A highly professional and results-oriented approach to engaging with senior leadership, characterized by clarity, conciseness, and a focus on strategic impact.
• Knowledge Sharing: A culture where insights, market intelligence, and best practices are actively shared to elevate the strategic capabilities of the broader product organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture at Ford, particularly within the transforming Model e division, likely emphasizes innovation, agility, and a strong sense of purpose. Values will align with driving the company's digital future, requiring individuals who can thrive in a collaborative, results-oriented, and change-driven environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Organizational Change: Effectively driving strategic initiatives within a large, established automotive company undergoing significant transformation requires adept change management and stakeholder influence.
• Balancing Legacy & Innovation: Strategizing for a future that integrates new digital services with existing automotive operations presents complex challenges in aligning diverse business units and technological stacks.
• Pace of Technological Evolution: Keeping pace with the rapid advancements in automotive technology, software development, and digital service models requires continuous learning and strategic foresight.
• Defining "Where to Play": Identifying and prioritizing the most impactful market opportunities for software and services within the automotive ecosystem, especially in a competitive landscape.
• Translating Strategy to Execution: Ensuring that high-level strategies are effectively translated into actionable plans that product and engineering teams can implement successfully.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Industry Leadership: Opportunity to shape the future of connected vehicles and mobility services, contributing to industry-wide innovation.
• Advanced Strategic Skills: Developing expertise in emerging areas like AI in automotive, autonomous driving strategy, subscription services, and data monetization.
• Executive Exposure: Gaining direct experience working with and learning from top-tier automotive and technology executives.
• Cross-Functional Mastery: Deepening understanding of Product Management, Engineering, Design, and GTM functions within a complex, integrated product development cycle.
• Professional Development: Access to company-sponsored training, conferences, and workshops focused on strategy, leadership, and emerging technologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the dynamic and complex nature of Ford's transformation. Success will depend on strong strategic acumen, adaptability, and the ability to influence across a large organization. The growth opportunities are substantial for an individual looking to make a significant impact in the evolving automotive technology landscape.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you developed a product strategy that significantly impacted business outcomes. What was your process, and what were the key results?" (Focus on demonstrating strategic framework, execution, and quantifiable impact.)
• "How would you approach defining the product strategy for a new connected vehicle service at Ford, considering both our legacy strengths and future digital ambitions?" (Assess strategic thinking, market analysis, and ability to integrate diverse elements.)
• "Imagine you need to convince executive leadership to invest in a nascent software feature with uncertain ROI. How would you build your case and what data would you use?" (Evaluate executive storytelling, data utilization, and persuasive communication.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Based on your understanding of Ford's transformation, what do you see as the biggest strategic opportunities for the Model e division in the next 3-5 years?" (Show research and strategic foresight related to Ford's business.)
• "How do you foster collaboration between Product, Engineering, and GTM teams to ensure strategic alignment and execution success?" (Assess cross-functional leadership and communication style.)
• "Describe a situation where you had to lead teams through significant organizational change. What was your approach, and what did you learn?" (Evaluate change management and adaptability in a transformation context.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each portfolio piece, follow a clear story arc: Problem -> Your Strategic Approach -> Actions Taken -> Challenges Faced -> Measurable Outcomes.
• Quantify Impact: Use data and metrics relentlessly to demonstrate the business value and strategic success of your work. This is critical for "hands-on builder" roles.
• Showcase Strategic Tools: Briefly explain the strategic frameworks or methodologies you employed and why they were appropriate for the situation.
• Highlight Collaboration: Explicitly mention how you worked with different teams (Product, Engineering, Design, GTM) and how your strategic vision influenced their work.
• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your decision-making process, assumptions, and alternative strategies you considered.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating a blend of strategic vision, analytical rigor, execution capability, and executive-level communication skills. Evidence of tangible impact and successful navigation of complex organizational dynamics will be key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided application link on the Ford careers portal.
• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight experience in product strategy, digital transformation, cross-functional leadership, and executive communication. Quantify achievements with specific metrics where possible, aligning them with the responsibilities outlined.
• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a selection of 2-3 key projects that best demonstrate your strategic thinking, execution capabilities, and impact. Focus on case studies that showcase portfolio-level strategy, cross-functional collaboration, and successful translation of strategy into product reality.
• Research Ford's Transformation: Familiarize yourself with Ford's strategic goals, particularly its Model e division, its focus on software and services, and its digital ecosystem initiatives. Understand the competitive landscape and Ford's positioning.
• Practice Executive Storytelling: Rehearse presenting your portfolio and answering interview questions with a focus on clear, concise, and impactful communication suitable for senior leadership. Be ready to articulate the "why" and the "so what" of your strategic decisions.

⚠️ 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.

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