Director, Product Strategy and Research

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Director, Product Strategy and Research

Company: Mackenzie Financial Corporation

Location: Greater Toronto Area, ON, Canada

Job Type: OTHER

Category: Product Strategy & Research Operations

Date Posted: April 02, 2026

Experience Level: 7-10+ Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the strategic direction and execution of Mackenzie Investments' product shelf through ownership of the thematic research agenda.

• Drive product lifecycle optimization by designing and implementing proactive frameworks and intervention playbooks to ensure competitive product offerings.

• Conduct and lead complex strategic analyses, including new market entry assessments and evaluation of new revenue streams or value-added services.

• Develop and champion strategic recommendations and business cases that define attractive market spaces, informing product innovation and development.

• Act as a senior advisor and thought partner to senior leadership, translating intricate research into clear, actionable strategic counsel.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within the "Product Strategy, Research & Oversight (PSRO)" team, which functions as a strategic hub. The description emphasizes a "Director" level role that is an advanced individual contributor, focusing on high-priority strategic questions and influencing without direct reporting lines, rather than traditional people management. This suggests a senior subject matter expert role crucial for shaping the firm's strategic direction in product development and market positioning.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Own Thematic Research Agenda: Partner with the VP to define and lead the firm's thematic research agenda, identifying long-term trends and disruptive forces impacting investment theses and strategic "where to play" and "how to win" decisions.

• Drive Product Lifecycle Optimization: Design and execute a proactive product lifecycle framework and a formal "Product Intervention" playbook, leading strategic interventions like mandate modernizations and structural pivots to maintain product shelf competitiveness and meet investor/advisor needs.

• Lead Strategic Analyses: Personally lead complex strategic projects, from assessing new market entry strategies to evaluating new sources of revenue or value-added services, demonstrating deep analytical and strategic thinking.

• Drive Strategic Recommendations: Develop comprehensive business cases and strategic frameworks that pinpoint attractive market spaces for the firm, closely collaborating with Product Innovation & Development to inform specific solution creation.

• Champion Differentiation: Foster a continuous focus on identifying and leveraging Mackenzie's unique capabilities to ensure strategic choices amplify competitive advantages and market differentiation.

• Innovate Analytical Frameworks: Design and institutionalize novel analytical models and frameworks to enhance the quality, consistency, and intellectual rigor of the team's strategic evaluations and decision-making processes.

• Serve as Senior Advisor: Act as a key thought partner to the VP and other senior leaders, effectively translating complex research findings into concise, impactful, and actionable strategic guidance.

• Collaborate Across PSRO: Seamlessly partner with colleagues in Governance & Oversight and Technology, Data Infrastructure & Reporting to ensure the delivery of high-quality, synthesized, and integrated recommendations.

• Mentor & Develop Talent: Function as a subject matter expert, mentoring and developing other team members by guiding their work, providing expert feedback, and elevating the team's overall capabilities through influence and knowledge transfer.

• Lead Senior Stakeholder Engagement: Own and manage relationships with key senior partners in Product Innovation & Development, Sales, and Marketing, ensuring the PSRO Team's strategic insights are deeply integrated across the organization.

• Represent PSRO Function: Represent the team's perspective and insights in senior-level forums and critical cross-functional working groups, advocating for data-driven product strategy.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly delineate a senior individual contributor role with significant strategic influence. The emphasis on "owning" agendas, "leading" complex projects, and "driving" recommendations suggests a high degree of autonomy and strategic impact. The mentorship aspect, while not direct management, highlights the expectation of elevating team capabilities through expertise and guidance.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: An undergraduate degree in Business, Economics, Finance, or a related field is required. An MBA or other advanced degree is highly desirable.

Experience: 7-10+ years of progressive experience in a strategy function within asset management, management consulting (with a focus on financial services), or corporate development.

Required Skills:

• Integrated Decision-Making: Proven ability to synthesize detailed quantitative analysis with nuanced qualitative insights and logical frameworks to support complex, high-stakes decision-making processes.

• Strategic & Commercial Mindset: Demonstrated ability to translate abstract analysis into concrete, commercially-driven strategic recommendations that have generated tangible business value, with a strong understanding of the client perspective.

• Investment & Market Acumen: Deep, nuanced understanding of capital markets, investment theory, and the broader asset management landscape, recognized as a subject matter expert.

• Executive Communication: Exceptional ability to synthesize complex information into crisp, compelling narratives suitable for an executive-level audience, demonstrating poise, judgment, and gravitas.

• Influence and Mentorship: A track record of leading through influence, mentoring colleagues, and elevating the capabilities of those around you without formal reporting lines.

• Analytical & Strategic Leadership: Proven ability as an analytical and strategic leader, known for intellectual horsepower and the capacity to solve ambiguous, complex problems.

• Stakeholder Relationship Management: Skilled at influencing senior stakeholders and building strong, collaborative relationships across different business functions.

• Talent Development: A natural inclination to coach, mentor, and multiply impact through others, contributing to team growth and capability enhancement.

• Accountability & Bias for Action: Demonstrates accountability, results-orientation, and an entrepreneurial spirit with a clear bias for action.

• Integrity & Client Centricity: Embodies the firm's core values of integrity and client-centricity in all professional interactions and decision-making.

Preferred Skills:

• CFA Designation: A Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation is strongly preferred, indicating advanced investment knowledge and analytical capabilities.

• Management Consulting Experience: Experience within a management consulting firm, particularly with a focus on financial services strategy, is highly valued.

• Corporate Development Experience: Prior experience in corporate development, involving strategic initiatives like M&A, strategic partnerships, or business unit evaluations.

• Product Innovation & Development Partnership: Experience collaborating closely with product innovation and development teams to translate strategic insights into tangible product solutions.

• Product Lifecycle Management Frameworks: Familiarity with designing or implementing structured product lifecycle management frameworks and intervention playbooks.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize a blend of deep analytical and strategic capabilities with strong interpersonal and influencing skills. The preference for a CFA designation and MBA highlights the need for advanced financial and business acumen. The "influence and mentorship" skill is critical, indicating that the candidate will be expected to guide and elevate team members without direct managerial authority.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Strategic Frameworks & Case Studies: Showcase examples of strategic frameworks developed, market analysis conducted, and business cases built, demonstrating the ability to define market opportunities and drive commercial recommendations.

• Product Strategy & Lifecycle Examples: Include case studies or project summaries illustrating contributions to product strategy development, product lifecycle optimization, or product intervention initiatives, highlighting the impact on competitiveness or investor needs.

• Analytical Models & Frameworks: Present examples of analytical models or frameworks designed or implemented to enhance strategic evaluations, demonstrating a capacity for innovation in analytical approaches.

• Stakeholder Engagement & Influence: Provide evidence or examples of successfully influencing senior stakeholders or leading cross-functional initiatives, perhaps through project summaries or descriptions of collaboration outcomes.

• Research Agenda Contributions: Detail contributions to thematic research agendas, highlighting how identified trends or disruptive forces were translated into actionable strategic insights or investment theses.

Process Documentation:

• Strategic Planning & Execution: Document processes followed for developing thematic research agendas, conducting strategic analyses, and formulating business cases, emphasizing the steps from research to recommendation.

• Product Lifecycle Management: Illustrate the process for designing or implementing product lifecycle frameworks and "Product Intervention" playbooks, detailing the steps for assessment, decision-making, and execution of strategic pivots.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration Workflows: Describe workflows established for seamless collaboration with teams like Product Innovation & Development, Sales, Marketing, Governance & Oversight, and Technology, Data Infrastructure & Reporting, ensuring integrated strategy development and execution.

• Mentorship & Knowledge Transfer: Outline a personal process for mentoring junior team members or facilitating knowledge transfer, demonstrating how expertise is shared to elevate team capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role focused on product strategy and research, a portfolio should showcase strategic thinking, analytical rigor, and the ability to translate complex insights into actionable recommendations. Emphasis should be placed on demonstrating impact on business strategy, product development, and market positioning. The "Process Documentation" section should highlight how the candidate structures their work and collaborates effectively.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: The expected annual base salary range for this role is CAD $128,500 - $155,500.

Benefits:

• Short-term incentive: Eligibility for an annual short-term incentive bonus, reflecting performance-based compensation.

• Health and well-being benefits: Comprehensive benefits package designed to support employee health and overall well-being.

• Retirement and savings plan: Access to a retirement and savings plan to support long-term financial security.

• Paid time off: Generous paid time off to promote work-life balance and employee rejuvenation.

• Career development: Opportunities and resources dedicated to professional growth and career advancement within the organization.

Working Hours: The role is based on a standard 40-hour work week, with a hybrid arrangement requiring 3 days per week in the office.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is typical for a Director-level strategy role in the Canadian financial services sector, particularly in a major hub like Toronto. The inclusion of a short-term incentive bonus is standard for leadership positions. The benefits package is comprehensive, aligning with expectations for a large financial institution. The hybrid work model is clearly defined.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Financial Services (Asset Management & Wealth Management). Mackenzie Investments is a key part of IGM Financial Inc., a leading Canadian wealth and asset management company managing approximately $310 billion in assets as of December 31, 2025.

Company Size: IGM Financial Inc. is a large, established organization. Mackenzie Investments serves over two million Canadians and is a significant player in the Canadian financial landscape.

Founded: Mackenzie Investments was founded in 1967, bringing decades of experience and a strong legacy to the Canadian market.

Team Structure:

• PSRO Team: The Product Strategy, Research & Oversight (PSRO) team is described as the "strategic hub" for Mackenzie Investments' product shelf. It's a critical function responsible for informing strategic decisions that drive firm growth.

• Reporting: The Director role reports to the VP, Product Strategy, Research and Oversight.

• Collaboration: The role requires seamless partnership with colleagues in Governance & Oversight, Technology, Data Infrastructure & Reporting, Product Innovation & Development, Sales, and Marketing.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Strategy: The team's mission is to make and inform hard choices for firm growth, implying a data-driven approach to product strategy and market assessment.

• Strategic Analysis & Recommendation: The core function involves deep strategic analysis, identification of market opportunities, and the development of actionable recommendations.

• Product Lifecycle Management: A focus on proactive product lifecycle optimization and formal intervention playbooks indicates a structured, process-oriented approach to product management.

• Innovation & Differentiation: A commitment to identifying and leveraging unique capabilities to drive differentiation and competitive advantage.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Mackenzie Investments, as part of IGM Financial, operates within a large, established financial services group. The PSRO team is positioned as a strategic engine, emphasizing rigorous analysis and informed decision-making. The company culture highlights values of continuous improvement, accountability, and teamwork, with a strong focus on client needs and professional development.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This Director role represents a senior individual contributor position within the Product Strategy and Research function. It's a leadership role focused on deep strategic thinking, complex problem-solving, and influencing senior decision-makers, rather than direct people management. It sits at a critical junction between market research, strategic planning, and product development.

Reporting Structure: The role reports directly to the VP, Product Strategy, Research and Oversight, indicating a close working relationship with senior leadership and direct exposure to high-level strategic discussions.

Operations Impact: The Director's work directly shapes Mackenzie Investments' product shelf, influencing its profitability, quality, competitiveness, and alignment with market opportunities. This impact is crucial for meeting investor and advisor needs and driving the firm's overall growth and strategic direction.

Growth Opportunities:

• Strategic Leadership Advancement: Potential to advance to VP-level roles within Product Strategy, Research, or related strategic functions as expertise and influence grow.

• Deepening Specialization: Opportunity to become a recognized subject matter expert in specific areas of asset management, capital markets, or product strategy through continuous research and complex project involvement.

• Cross-Functional Leadership: Possibility to transition into broader leadership roles within Product Innovation, Marketing, or even business unit strategy, leveraging a deep understanding of the product lifecycle and market dynamics.

• Mentorship & Influence: Develop leadership presence and influence skills by mentoring junior team members and guiding strategic initiatives, preparing for future leadership roles where people management is a component.

• Industry Recognition: Contribute to thought leadership through research and strategic recommendations, potentially leading to industry recognition and speaking opportunities.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant growth potential for individuals with strong strategic acumen and a desire to influence business direction. The emphasis on individual contribution and mentorship suggests a path for deep subject matter expertise and strategic leadership, rather than immediate people management.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is part of a hybrid work environment, requiring 3 days per week in the office. This suggests a blend of focused individual work and collaborative team engagement.

Office Location(s): The primary office location is in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), specifically Toronto, ON, Canada. This positions the role within a major financial hub with access to talent and industry networks.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model implies opportunities for in-person collaboration, brainstorming sessions, and team building with colleagues in the Product & Solutions department.

• Operations Tools & Technology: While not explicitly detailed, a role of this nature within a financial institution would typically have access to robust data analytics tools, financial modeling software, and internal communication platforms to support strategic analysis and reporting.

• Team Interaction: The 3-day office presence is designed to foster connection, collaboration, and knowledge sharing with team members and relevant stakeholders across the organization.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is 40 hours per week, with a hybrid arrangement balancing remote work for focused tasks and in-office time for collaboration and team engagement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model is a key feature, balancing flexibility with the need for in-person interaction essential for strategic collaboration and team cohesion in a complex financial environment. The Toronto location places the role in a dynamic professional setting.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of applications, resumes, and cover letters to assess alignment with the required experience, education, and skills.

• First Interview (VP/Hiring Manager): A discussion focused on strategic thinking, leadership through influence, investment acumen, and understanding of the asset management landscape. Expect questions about past strategic projects and problem-solving approaches.

• Case Study/Strategic Challenge: Candidates may be asked to complete a take-home assignment or present a case study demonstrating their ability to analyze a complex strategic problem, develop recommendations, and articulate them clearly. This will likely involve market analysis, product strategy, or competitive positioning.

• Stakeholder Interviews: Interviews with key cross-functional partners (e.g., from Product Innovation, Sales, Marketing) to assess collaboration style, communication effectiveness, and ability to build relationships.

• Final Interview (Senior Leadership): A final discussion with senior leaders to assess overall fit, strategic vision, and potential impact on the organization.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Strategic Impact Focus: Prioritize showcasing projects where your strategic analysis led to tangible business outcomes, product improvements, or informed critical decision-making. Quantify impact whenever possible (e.g., revenue growth, market share increase, cost savings).

• Process & Frameworks: Clearly articulate the strategic frameworks, analytical models, or product lifecycle methodologies you employed. Demonstrate your systematic approach to problem-solving and decision-making.

• Executive Communication Examples: Include examples of presentations, reports, or summaries that effectively communicate complex ideas to senior audiences. Highlight your ability to distill information and present clear, concise recommendations.

• Influence & Mentorship Examples: If possible, include brief descriptions of situations where you influenced stakeholders without formal authority or mentored colleagues to improve team capabilities.

• Tailor to Mackenzie: Research Mackenzie Investments' current strategic priorities, product offerings, and market challenges. Where possible, tailor your portfolio examples to demonstrate how your skills align with their specific needs.

Challenge Preparation:

• Research Market Trends: Stay abreast of current trends in asset management, capital markets, fintech, and investor behavior. Understand disruptive forces and potential future shifts.

• Understand Mackenzie's Business: Familiarize yourself with Mackenzie Investments' product suite, target markets, competitive positioning, and recent strategic announcements.

• Practice Strategic Frameworks: Be prepared to apply common strategic frameworks (e.g., SWOT, Porter's Five Forces, market sizing models) to hypothetical scenarios.

• Articulate "Why": For any recommendation, be ready to clearly explain the rationale, the underlying analysis, and the potential business impact, as well as the associated risks and mitigation strategies.

• Communication Clarity: Practice presenting complex information concisely and persuasively, anticipating questions and preparing thoughtful answers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is likely to be rigorous, focusing heavily on strategic thinking, analytical depth, and influencing capabilities. A well-curated portfolio that demonstrates tangible impact and a systematic approach to strategy and product development will be crucial.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Financial Modeling Software: Advanced proficiency in Excel for complex financial modeling, scenario analysis, and valuation.

• Presentation Software: Expert use of PowerPoint or similar tools for creating executive-level presentations, reports, and strategic documents.

• Data Analysis & Visualization Tools: Familiarity with tools like Tableau, Power BI, or similar platforms for data exploration, analysis, and creating compelling visualizations to support strategic insights.

• Internal Collaboration Platforms: Proficiency with tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, or other enterprise communication and collaboration suites for seamless team interaction and project management.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Market Data Platforms: Access to and ability to leverage data from platforms such as Bloomberg Terminal, Refinitiv Eikon, or similar financial data providers for market research and analysis.

• CRM Systems: Understanding of CRM principles and data structures (e.g., Salesforce, although not directly managed, understanding its output is key) to grasp client insights and market segmentation.

• Internal Reporting Dashboards: Experience interpreting and utilizing data from internal reporting systems and dashboards related to product performance, sales, and market share.

CRM & Automation:

• Understanding of CRM Data: While not a direct CRM administrator role, an understanding of how CRM data informs product strategy and client needs is beneficial.

• Process Automation Awareness: Familiarity with concepts of process automation and efficiency improvements within a strategic context, even if not directly implementing solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific tools aren't listed, a Director of Product Strategy and Research in asset management would be expected to be highly proficient in financial modeling, data analysis and visualization, and executive communication tools. Access to robust market data platforms is essential for this role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Be Better: A commitment to continuous improvement in all aspects of strategy, research, and product development, always striving for enhanced quality and effectiveness.

• Be Accountable: Fostering clarity in strategic direction and empowering oneself and others to act responsibly, taking ownership of outcomes and decisions.

• Be a Team: Unity and collaboration to drive collective impact, ensuring that strategic initiatives are well-integrated and supported across the organization to achieve shared goals.

• Client-Centricity: A deep focus on meeting the needs of investors and advisors, ensuring that all strategic choices and product decisions are driven by client value.

• Integrity: Upholding the highest ethical standards in research, analysis, and decision-making, building trust with internal stakeholders and external clients.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: A collaborative style that actively seeks integration with Product Innovation & Development, Sales, Marketing, and other PSRO functions to ensure holistic strategy and product development.

• Thought Partnership: Engaging with senior leaders and peers as a trusted advisor, offering insightful perspectives and challenging assumptions constructively to drive better outcomes.

• Knowledge Sharing & Mentorship: A proactive approach to sharing expertise, mentoring junior colleagues, and fostering a learning environment that elevates the collective capabilities of the team.

• Data-Driven Consensus Building: Utilizing rigorous analysis and clear communication to build consensus and alignment around strategic recommendations among diverse stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company values emphasize a growth mindset, accountability, and collaborative spirit. The collaboration style is expected to be proactive, influential, and focused on driving integrated strategies that benefit the client and the firm.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Ambiguity: Tackling complex, ill-defined strategic questions with limited precedent, requiring strong analytical skills to frame problems and develop solutions.

• Driving Change Through Influence: Implementing strategic recommendations and driving product lifecycle interventions without direct managerial authority, requiring exceptional influencing and stakeholder management skills.

• Balancing Short-Term Needs with Long-Term Vision: Ensuring that immediate product needs and market pressures are balanced with the development of a sustainable, forward-looking product strategy.

• Synthesizing Diverse Inputs: Integrating insights from market research, internal stakeholders, competitive analysis, and regulatory changes into cohesive strategic plans.

• Staying Ahead of Market Disruption: Continuously monitoring and anticipating market trends, technological advancements, and competitive shifts to ensure Mackenzie's product shelf remains relevant and competitive.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deepening Asset Management Expertise: Continuous learning through research, industry conferences, and engagement with complex product strategies, enhancing expertise in investment theory, capital markets, and product development.

• Strategic Leadership Development: Opportunities to refine strategic planning, business case development, and executive communication skills through high-visibility projects and interaction with senior leadership.

• Mentorship and Coaching Skills: Developing leadership capabilities through mentoring junior team members, enhancing coaching and influence skills.

• Exposure to Senior Decision-Making: Direct involvement in shaping the strategic direction of Mackenzie Investments, providing invaluable experience in high-level corporate decision-making.

• Industry Network Expansion: Building a robust professional network through interactions with internal leaders, external partners, and industry events.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents significant intellectual challenges and opportunities for professional growth, particularly for those who thrive in dynamic, strategic environments and are motivated by influencing business direction and developing deep expertise.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to define a thematic research agenda for a complex market. What was your process, and what was the outcome?" (Preparation: Focus on your systematic approach to identifying trends, prioritizing research areas, and translating insights into actionable strategic questions.)

• "Walk me through a strategic recommendation you made that involved a significant 'pivot' or modernization of an existing product or strategy. How did you develop the business case, and how did you influence stakeholders?" (Preparation: Highlight your ability to analyze current state, identify needs for change, build a compelling financial and strategic case, and navigate organizational dynamics.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Based on your understanding of Mackenzie Investments, where do you see the greatest opportunities for product innovation or strategic differentiation in the next 3-5 years?" (Preparation: Research Mackenzie's current strategy, product strengths, and industry trends. Formulate thoughtful, data-supported opinions.)

• "How do you foster collaboration and drive strategic alignment when working with teams that have different priorities, such as Product Development or Sales?" (Preparation: Emphasize your communication skills, ability to build consensus, and understanding of cross-functional dynamics, referencing your experience with influence.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure for Impact: Organize your portfolio around key strategic themes or types of projects (e.g., Market Entry Strategy, Product Lifecycle Optimization, Competitive Analysis). For each project, clearly state the objective, your role, the methodology used, the key findings/recommendations, and the ultimate impact (quantified if possible).

• Highlight Analytical Rigor: For quantitative projects, be prepared to discuss the data sources, analytical models, and assumptions used. For qualitative projects, explain how you gathered insights and synthesized complex information.

• Demonstrate Influence: Where applicable, describe how you presented your findings and recommendations to senior stakeholders and what steps you took to gain buy-in and drive action.

• Conciseness is Key: Focus on the most impactful projects that directly align with the responsibilities of a Director of Product Strategy and Research. Be prepared to discuss them in detail but also to provide a high-level summary quickly.

• Practice Your Narrative: Rehearse your presentation to ensure a smooth, confident delivery. Be ready to answer in-depth questions about any aspect of your presented work.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating strategic thinking, analytical depth, influencing capabilities, and a deep understanding of the asset management industry and product strategy. A well-prepared portfolio that showcases tangible impact and a structured approach will be essential.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link: https://www.mackenzieinvestments.com/en/careers.

• Tailor your resume and cover letter: Highlight specific experience in product strategy, research, asset management, and strategic analysis, using keywords from the job description. Quantify achievements wherever possible.

• Prepare your portfolio: Curate examples of strategic analyses, business cases, product strategy contributions, and stakeholder influence that directly align with the Director's responsibilities. Be ready to discuss your process and impact.

• Research Mackenzie Investments: Understand their product offerings, market position, recent strategic initiatives, and company values to articulate your fit and strategic thinking during interviews.

• Practice your interview responses: Prepare for questions related to strategic problem-solving, influencing stakeholders, and your approach to research and product lifecycle management, drawing on your portfolio examples.

⚠️ 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.