Director of Product Strategy

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Director of Product Strategy
Company: MillerKnoll (NaughtOne)
Location: Global (Yorkshire, London, or Michigan)
Job Type: Full-Time
Category: Product Strategy & Management / GTM Operations
Date Posted: October 6, 2025
Experience Level: 10+ Years
Remote Status: Hybrid/Remote-Friendly

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the strategic development and execution of the product strategy to drive significant commercial growth and enhance brand positioning.
• Drive data-led decision-making and foster creative collaboration across Sales, Design, Marketing, and Finance to bring compelling products to market.
• Own and optimize the product portfolio, ensuring a strategic balance of range depth, breadth, and differentiation to meet customer needs and business goals.
• Develop and implement a competitive pricing strategy and continuously monitor product performance against commercial objectives.
• Build, lead, and mentor a high-performing product team, championing a culture of accountability, creativity, and customer-centricity.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a senior leadership function within the product organization, directly impacting commercial outcomes and strategic direction. The emphasis on "data-led decision-making," "commercial growth," and "go-to-market strategies" strongly aligns it with GTM Operations and Revenue Operations principles, focusing on the strategic planning and execution that underpins sales success and market penetration.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Strategic Product Vision: Define and execute the end-to-end product strategy, aligning with overarching business objectives and identifying 3-5 key commercial priorities for growth, margin improvement, and brand strengthening.
• Market Intelligence & Roadmap Development: Conduct comprehensive market research and competitor analysis to identify customer needs, emerging trends, and strategic opportunities, translating these insights into a clear, actionable product roadmap.
• Cross-Functional Product Lifecycle Management: Collaborate closely with Sales, Creative, Design, Marketing, and Finance Directors to ensure new products balance aesthetic vision, customer relevance, and commercial viability from concept through to launch, meeting all timeline, cost, and quality targets.
• Portfolio & Range Optimization: Strategically manage the product portfolio and assortment planning, guiding product selection, lifecycle management, and range structure to optimize commercial performance, brand coherence, and customer clarity.
• Pricing Strategy & Performance Analysis: Lead the development of a competitive and margin-enhancing pricing strategy, regularly reviewing product performance, pricing architecture, and category contribution to ensure commercial objectives are met.
• Team Leadership & Development: Build, lead, and mentor a high-performing product management team, fostering a culture of accountability, creativity, and commercial focus while managing direct reports.
• Go-To-Market Strategy Alignment: Lead the evaluation and refinement of go-to-market strategies, ensuring seamless alignment with product positioning, customer needs, and overall commercial objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The scope of responsibilities clearly indicates a strategic GTM role, focusing on market-facing product strategy and its commercial implications. The emphasis on balancing "aesthetic vision" with "commercial viability" and "customer relevance" highlights a need for strong cross-functional alignment, a core tenet of effective GTM Operations.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Product Management, or a related field is typically expected for a Director-level role. An MBA or relevant Master's degree would be advantageous.
Experience: 10+ years of progressive experience in product management, product strategy, or a senior commercial role, preferably within a consumer-focused brand or business with a strong design element.

Required Skills:

• Strategic Product Leadership: Proven ability to define, develop, and execute comprehensive product strategies that drive commercial growth.
• Market & Customer Insight: Expertise in conducting market research, competitor analysis, and leveraging customer insights to inform product development and strategy.
• Commercial Acumen: Strong understanding of pricing strategy, product economics, margin analysis, and commercial objectives.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Demonstrated ability to work effectively with Sales, Marketing, Design, Finance, and other departments to achieve shared goals.
• Portfolio & Range Management: Skilled in product selection, assortment planning, and lifecycle management to optimize product portfolios.
• Team Leadership & Development: Proven experience in building, leading, mentoring, and managing high-performing teams.
• Communication & Stakeholder Management: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to influence and manage stakeholders at all levels.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Proficiency in using data analytics to inform strategic decisions and measure product performance.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in the furniture or interior design industry.
• Familiarity with global markets and international trade.
• Understanding of sustainability principles and their integration into product strategy.
• Experience managing product development processes from concept to launch.
• Proficiency in project management methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "10+" years of experience and "Director" title suggest a need for strategic thinking, leadership capabilities, and a deep understanding of market dynamics and commercial drivers. The emphasis on "consumer-focused brand" and "creative collaboration" points to a role that bridges analytical rigor with creative execution, common in GTM strategy roles.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Strategic Case Studies: Demonstrable examples of developing and executing successful product strategies that led to measurable commercial growth, margin improvement, or enhanced brand positioning.
• Market Analysis & Roadmap Examples: Portfolios showcasing market research, competitive analysis, customer insight generation, and the resulting product roadmaps.
• Portfolio Optimization Projects: Evidence of managing product portfolios, including assortment planning, product lifecycle management, and rationalization efforts that improved commercial performance.
• Pricing Strategy Development: Examples of developing and implementing effective pricing strategies, with demonstrated impact on competitiveness and profitability.
• Cross-Functional Project Leadership: Case studies highlighting successful collaboration with diverse teams (Sales, Design, Marketing, Finance) to bring new products to market.

Process Documentation:

• Product Strategy Frameworks: Ability to articulate and present the frameworks and methodologies used to develop product strategies and roadmaps.
• Market Research & Analysis Processes: Documentation of processes for gathering and analyzing market intelligence, identifying trends, and assessing competitive landscapes.
• Product Lifecycle Management Processes: Clear understanding and documentation of processes for managing products from ideation and development through launch, growth, maturity, and decline.
• Go-To-Market Planning & Execution: Experience in defining and documenting go-to-market strategies, ensuring alignment with product launches and commercial objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Director of Product Strategy, a portfolio should showcase strategic thinking, market understanding, and commercial impact. Emphasis should be on demonstrating the why and how behind strategic decisions, supported by data and clear outcomes, particularly in areas like market entry, competitive positioning, and revenue generation.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Given the Director level, international scope, and required experience (10+ years), a competitive salary range is expected. For the UK locations (Yorkshire, London), a range of £90,000 - £140,000 GBP is a reasonable estimate, with London potentially commanding the higher end. For Michigan, USA, a range of $150,000 - $220,000 USD would be comparable, considering cost of living and market rates for senior product strategy roles.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance (US) / Private medical insurance (UK).
• Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and public holidays.
• Retirement savings plan (e.g., 401(k) with company match in the US, Pension scheme in the UK).
• Opportunities for professional development, training, and conference attendance.
• Employee discounts on MillerKnoll products.
• Potential for performance-based bonuses and long-term incentive plans.
• Flexible work arrangements, supporting remote and hybrid work.

Working Hours: Standard full-time hours, typically 40 hours per week, with flexibility expected to meet project deadlines and global team collaboration needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimates are based on industry benchmarks for Director-level Product Strategy roles in comparable global markets, considering the company's industry (furniture/design) and the seniority of the position. Location-specific adjustments are made for the UK and US based on typical cost of living and compensation standards.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Furniture Design and Manufacturing, with a strong emphasis on workplace solutions and sustainability.
Company Size: MillerKnoll is a large, global corporation formed by the merger of Herman Miller and Knoll. The NaughtOne brand operates within this larger entity. Company size is significant, likely exceeding 10,000 employees globally.
Founded: Knoll was founded in 1940; Herman Miller was founded in 1905. MillerKnoll as a combined entity was formed in 2021. NaughtOne itself was founded in 2009 and acquired by Knoll.

Team Structure:

• This role reports to the Managing Director (MD) of NaughtOne.
• The Product Strategy Director will lead a team of product managers and work closely with Directors of Sales, Creative, Design, Marketing, and Finance.
• Collaboration is expected across global teams, including those in Yorkshire, London, and Michigan.
• The culture is described as "down-to-earth, friendly and honest," with a "Yorkshire spirit" despite its global reach, emphasizing curiosity, sustainability, and individuality.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: A core principle for product strategy and commercial prioritization.
• Creative Collaboration: Fostering innovation by bringing together diverse perspectives from design, sales, and product teams.
• Customer-Centricity: Deep understanding of customer needs and market trends to guide product development.
• Sustainability Focus: Commitment to environmentally responsible practices throughout the business.

Company Website: https://www.millerknoll.com/ and https://www.naughtone.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding MillerKnoll's scale and NaughtOne's specific brand identity is key. The culture emphasizes a blend of global reach with a grounded, friendly approach, suggesting an environment where strategic input is valued alongside practical execution and collaborative spirit.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior leadership role (Director level) within Product Strategy, a critical function for Go-To-Market (GTM) success. It sits at the executive level, influencing strategic direction and commercial outcomes.
Reporting Structure: The role reports directly to the Managing Director (MD), indicating significant visibility and direct impact on business strategy. The Director will also manage a team of product managers.
Operations Impact: The Director of Product Strategy has a profound impact on revenue generation by defining the product portfolio that the sales teams will take to market. Success in this role directly influences market share, profitability, brand perception, and the company's ability to meet its commercial growth targets.

Growth Opportunities:

• Executive Leadership: Potential to advance to higher executive roles within MillerKnoll, such as VP of Product, Chief Product Officer, or broader GTM leadership positions.
• Strategic Influence: Opportunity to shape the long-term vision and roadmap for a significant global brand like NaughtOne, influencing product innovation and market positioning.
• Cross-Functional Expertise: Deepen expertise across sales, marketing, design, and finance through extensive collaboration, enhancing overall business acumen.
• Team Development: Develop leadership skills by building and mentoring a product management team, fostering future leaders.
• Industry Exposure: Gain exposure to global markets, sustainability initiatives, and the dynamics of a large, integrated furniture design corporation.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a significant step in any product or GTM career, offering strategic influence and leadership development. The ability to drive commercial results through product strategy is a key differentiator for advancement into broader executive roles within GTM or operations leadership.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid/Remote-Friendly, with options for primary bases in Yorkshire (UK), London (UK), or Michigan (USA). This suggests a modern, flexible work environment that accommodates global teams.
Office Location(s):

• Yorkshire, UK: Likely near NaughtOne's operational roots, offering a "Yorkshire spirit" environment.
• London, UK: A major global business hub, providing access to diverse talent and markets.
• Michigan, USA: Reflecting the headquarters of Herman Miller, offering a strong corporate presence.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The company culture emphasizes collaboration, suggesting an environment where teams work closely across departments and geographies.
• Design-Centric: As a furniture design company, the workspace is likely to be aesthetically pleasing, inspiring, and equipped with the tools necessary for creative and strategic work.
• Global Connectivity: Expect robust digital infrastructure to support seamless communication and collaboration with international teams.
• Flexible Work Arrangements: The role's global nature and remote-friendly status imply a trust-based environment that values output over strict location adherence.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time hours (approx. 40/week) are expected, with flexibility to accommodate different time zones and the demands of global product launches and market analysis. This flexibility is crucial for effective cross-functional collaboration across the UK and US.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid/remote flexibility and choice of global office locations are significant advantages, catering to a modern workforce. The emphasis on collaboration and a design-centric environment suggests a dynamic and inspiring workplace.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or Talent Acquisition will likely review applications and conduct an initial screening call to assess basic qualifications and cultural fit.
• Hiring Manager Interview: A detailed discussion with the MD, focusing on strategic thinking, leadership experience, and alignment with NaughtOne's vision and values.
• Cross-Functional Interviews: Interviews with peer Directors (Sales, Design, Marketing, Finance) to assess collaboration skills and ability to contribute to a holistic GTM strategy.
• Product Strategy Case Study/Presentation: Candidates will likely be asked to present a past product strategy initiative, or a proposed strategy for a given scenario, demonstrating their analytical, strategic, and communication skills. This will be a key component for evaluating operations impact and strategic thinking.
• Final Round: Potential interviews with senior leadership within MillerKnoll or a final executive assessment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Quantify Impact: Focus on quantifiable results. For each project, clearly state the metrics used (e.g., revenue growth, margin improvement, market share increase, customer acquisition cost reduction) and the specific impact achieved.
• Strategic Narrative: Structure your portfolio around your strategic thinking process. Explain the problem, your analytical approach to understanding the market and customer, the strategic choices you made, and how you executed them.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration Examples: Highlight instances where you successfully collaborated with Sales, Marketing, Design, and Finance. Detail your role in facilitating these partnerships and achieving shared objectives.
• Data-Driven Approach: Showcase how you used data analytics, market research, and customer insights to inform your strategies and decisions.
• Tailor to NaughtOne: Research NaughtOne's current product lines, market position, and sustainability goals. Align your portfolio examples to demonstrate how your experience can address their specific challenges and opportunities.

Challenge Preparation:

• Strategic Problem-Solving: Be prepared to discuss how you would approach developing a product strategy for a new market segment or a declining product line.
• Market Analysis Scenarios: Practice analyzing a hypothetical market scenario, identifying opportunities, and proposing strategic responses.
• Cross-Functional Alignment Scenarios: Prepare to discuss how you would gain buy-in from different departments for a strategic product initiative.
• Leadership & Team Management: Be ready to discuss your leadership philosophy and how you foster high-performing teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a "Product Strategy Case Study/Presentation" is critical. Candidates should prepare a compelling narrative that demonstrates strategic acumen, data-driven insights, and a clear understanding of commercial impact, directly aligning with GTM objectives.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Product Management Platforms: Tools like Aha!, Productboard, or Jira (with plugins) for roadmap management, feature prioritization, and backlog management.
• Market Research & Analytics Tools: Access to platforms like Statista, Nielsen, Gartner, Forrester, or specialized industry databases for market analysis.
• CRM Systems: While not directly managed, a strong understanding of CRM functionalities (e.g., Salesforce) is crucial for understanding sales data and customer insights.
• Business Intelligence (BI) Tools: Proficiency in using BI tools like Tableau, Power BI, or Looker for performance analysis, dashboard creation, and data visualization.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Spreadsheet Software: Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets for data manipulation, financial modeling, and analysis.
• Data Visualization Tools: Experience with tools like Tableau, Power BI, or Looker to present complex data and insights effectively to stakeholders.
• Reporting Dashboards: Ability to interpret and leverage data from existing dashboards or to guide the creation of new ones focused on product performance and commercial KPIs.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Understanding: Familiarity with CRM principles and data structures, particularly how customer and sales data informs product strategy.
• Marketing Automation Tools: Awareness of tools like HubSpot or Marketo, understanding how product launches are supported by marketing campaigns.
• Integration Concepts: Understanding of how different systems (CRM, ERP, Product Management, BI) can be integrated to provide a holistic view of product performance and market success.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the role is strategic, a strong understanding of the tools that enable data analysis, market research, and product lifecycle management is essential. The ability to leverage BI tools for performance insights and understand CRM data for market segmentation is critical for data-driven decision-making.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Curiosity: A drive to explore new ideas, understand market dynamics, and uncover unmet customer needs.
• Collaboration: A proactive approach to working with diverse teams, valuing input from Sales, Design, Marketing, and Finance to achieve collective success.
• Commercial Focus: A commitment to driving business growth, improving margins, and achieving strategic commercial objectives through product decisions.
• Sustainability: A genuine dedication to ethical business practices and environmental responsibility, integrated into product strategy and development.
• Accountability: Taking ownership of product strategy, execution, and team performance, with a focus on delivering measurable results.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Seamlessly working with Director-level peers across departments to ensure product strategy is aligned with sales capabilities, design vision, marketing messaging, and financial targets.
• Data-Informed Dialogue: Engaging in discussions grounded in data and market insights, fostering objective decision-making.
• Creative Partnership: Collaborating closely with design and creative teams to balance aesthetic innovation with commercial viability and customer relevance.
• Global Team Synergy: Effectively communicating and collaborating with teams across the UK and US, respecting different perspectives and time zones.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "curiosity," "collaboration," and "commercial focus" directly supports a GTM Operations mindset, where understanding the market, working with sales, and driving revenue are paramount. Sustainability is also a stated value, reflecting modern corporate responsibility.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creative Vision with Commercial Demands: Successfully navigating the inherent tension between innovative design and the need for commercially viable, profitable products.
• Global Market Complexity: Developing a unified product strategy that resonates across diverse international markets with varying customer preferences and economic conditions.
• Driving Data Adoption: Ensuring that data-driven decision-making becomes ingrained across product strategy and execution, overcoming any resistance to change.
• Managing a Diverse Portfolio: Optimizing a product range that balances depth, breadth, and differentiation while managing lifecycle stages effectively.
• Cross-Cultural Leadership: Leading and collaborating with teams across different geographies and time zones, ensuring alignment and cohesive execution.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Strategic Leadership Development: Enhanced opportunities to refine executive leadership and strategic decision-making skills within a large corporate structure.
• Global Market Strategy: Deeper understanding of international market dynamics, trade, and global product launches through direct involvement.
• Sustainability Integration: Opportunities to champion and integrate sustainability principles into core product strategy and business operations.
• Cross-Functional Acumen: Gaining comprehensive business understanding by working intimately with Sales, Marketing, Design, and Finance leadership.
• Mentorship and Executive Exposure: Potential for mentorship from senior leadership within MillerKnoll and direct exposure to executive-level strategic discussions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the strategic complexity of the role, requiring strong analytical, diplomatic, and leadership skills. The growth opportunities provide a clear path for career advancement within a major global organization.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for developing a product strategy from market inception to launch. What key data points do you prioritize?" (Focus on market analysis, customer insight, roadmap, and GTM alignment).
• "How do you balance a company's creative vision with the need for commercial viability and margin improvement in your product decisions?" (Demonstrate understanding of trade-offs and strategic negotiation).
• "Walk us through a time you had to make a difficult decision about a product portfolio, such as discontinuing a product or changing pricing. What was your approach and the outcome?" (Showcase analytical rigor, data-driven decisions, and impact).
• "How would you approach developing a global product strategy for NaughtOne, considering the differences between the UK and US markets?" (Test strategic thinking, market segmentation, and localization).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about NaughtOne's brand, products, and commitment to sustainability?" (Research NaughtOne's website, recent news, and sustainability reports).
• "How do you foster a culture of collaboration and accountability within a product team, especially when working across different functions and geographies?" (Highlight leadership style and team-building experience).
• "How do you ensure that product decisions align with the company's overall business objectives and brand identity?" (Demonstrate strategic alignment and understanding of corporate goals).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Begin with a high-level overview of your role and responsibilities, then dive into 2-3 key case studies. For each case study, follow a STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) or similar framework.
• Quantify Results: Clearly articulate the business impact of your work using specific metrics (e.g., % revenue growth, % margin increase, % market share gain, customer satisfaction scores).
• Visual Aids: Use clean, professional slides that highlight key data, strategies, and outcomes. Avoid overly complex charts; focus on clarity.
• Strategic Rationale: Clearly explain why you made certain strategic choices and how they addressed specific market needs or business challenges.
• Role Alignment: Emphasize how your experience directly addresses the responsibilities and requirements outlined in the job description, particularly in driving commercial growth and leading product strategy.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating strategic leadership, commercial acumen, and the ability to translate market insights into actionable product plans that drive revenue. Emphasize data-driven decision-making and cross-functional collaboration throughout your responses and portfolio presentation.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Director of Product Strategy position:

• Submit your application through the MillerKnoll Workday portal using the provided URL.
• Tailor Your Resume: Optimize your resume to highlight experience in product strategy, commercial growth, market analysis, portfolio management, and team leadership. Use keywords from the job description (e.g., "product roadmap," "go-to-market strategy," "commercial objectives," "stakeholder management").
• Prepare Your Portfolio: Compile a concise portfolio that showcases 2-3 impactful projects demonstrating your strategic thinking, analytical skills, and commercial results. Focus on quantifiable outcomes and your role in driving growth.
• Research NaughtOne & MillerKnoll: Thoroughly research the company's mission, values, product lines, sustainability initiatives, and recent performance. Understand their market position and competitive landscape.
• Practice Case Study Presentation: Prepare a compelling presentation of one of your portfolio's key projects, ready to discuss your strategic approach, decision-making process, and measurable impact. Be ready to articulate how you can contribute to NaughtOne's future success.

⚠️ 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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