Director Product Strategy

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Director Product Strategy

Company: SHOALS TECHNOLOGIES

Location: Portland, TN, USA

Job Type: Full Time

Category: Product Strategy / Engineering Leadership

Date Posted: May 09, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive the 3-5 year product platform vision and long-term roadmap, ensuring alignment with overarching business objectives and market opportunities.

• Lead product strategy initiatives for equipment-based products and integrated hardware/software platforms within the renewable energy sector.

• Critically evaluate potential mergers and acquisitions targets for strategic, technical, and product fit, contributing to corporate development efforts.

• Foster strong cross-functional collaboration with Engineering, Product Management, Corporate Development, and Executive Leadership to ensure scalable and differentiated product offerings.

• Champion innovation and the advancement of cutting-edge technologies that enhance efficiency, safety, and reliability in solar and energy storage systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a senior leadership function within the Engineering organization, indicating a strategic impact on the company's product portfolio and future direction. The emphasis on "equipment-based products and platforms" and "hardware, firmware, software, and services" suggests a complex, integrated product environment requiring a deep understanding of both physical and digital product lifecycles. The M&A due diligence component highlights the strategic importance of this role in driving inorganic growth.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Define, articulate, and execute a comprehensive 3-5 year product strategy and roadmap for the company's core product platforms, ensuring alignment with strategic business goals and market trends.

• Conduct in-depth market analysis, technology assessments, and competitive landscape evaluations to identify opportunities for product differentiation and long-term growth.

• Lead the product due diligence process for potential mergers and acquisitions, assessing strategic, technical, and product compatibility to inform investment decisions.

• Collaborate closely with Engineering and Product Management teams to translate strategic objectives into actionable product development plans and technical roadmaps.

• Evaluate system architectures, integration risks, and technical roadmaps at a high level to ensure the scalability, reliability, and maintainability of the product platform.

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders across Engineering, Product, Corporate Development, Finance, and Executive Leadership to ensure buy-in and alignment on product strategy.

• Champion innovative product development initiatives and advocate for technologies that enhance the efficiency, safety, and reliability of renewable energy solutions.

• Provide executive-level communication and reporting on product strategy progress, market insights, and M&A evaluation outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core responsibilities emphasize a blend of strategic foresight, market analysis, technical evaluation, and cross-functional leadership. The explicit mention of a 3-5 year product strategy and M&A due diligence points to a role focused on long-term growth and strategic positioning, rather than day-to-day product management execution.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or a closely related technical field is required.

Experience:

• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in product strategy, product management, systems engineering, or platform leadership roles within technology-driven companies.

Required Skills:

• Product Strategy Development: Demonstrated ability to define, articulate, and implement multi-year product strategies that align with business objectives and market dynamics.

• Platform Leadership: Experience in leading strategy for platform-based products encompassing hardware, firmware, software, and associated services.

• M&A Due Diligence: Proven experience supporting or leading product-related due diligence for mergers and acquisitions, including assessment of strategic and technical fit.

• Technical Roadmap Planning: Ability to develop and manage technical roadmaps, understanding system architectures and integration risks.

• Equipment-Based Product Expertise: Strong background in developing and strategizing for equipment, industrial, or hardware-integrated product environments.

• Analytical & Strategic Thinking: Exceptional analytical skills with the capacity to evaluate complex trade-offs, assess long-term impacts, and make data-informed strategic decisions.

• Executive Communication: Proven ability to communicate complex technical and strategic concepts effectively to executive leadership and influence decision-making.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Strong skills in collaborating with diverse teams including Engineering, Product Management, Corporate Development, Finance, and Sales.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience within the renewable energy sector (solar, energy storage) or similar industrial technology markets.

• Familiarity with systems engineering principles and methodologies for complex product integrations.

• Experience with product lifecycle management for hardware and software products.

• Knowledge of emerging technologies relevant to energy systems and industrial automation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a deep technical foundation combined with strategic business acumen. The requirement for "equipment-based products" and "platform-based product strategies" signals a need for a candidate who understands the intricacies of developing and scaling complex, integrated solutions, not just software. The M&A component suggests a strategic thinker with a keen eye for business development opportunities.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Strategic Roadmap Examples: Showcase examples of multi-year product roadmaps you have developed or significantly influenced, highlighting your process for market analysis, technology assessment, and prioritization.

• M&A Due Diligence Case Studies: Present anonymized or generalized examples of product due diligence you have conducted for M&A activities, detailing your evaluation framework and key findings.

• Platform Strategy Frameworks: Demonstrate your approach to developing platform-based product strategies, illustrating how you integrate hardware, firmware, software, and services into a cohesive vision.

• Technical Assessment Frameworks: Include examples of how you have evaluated system architectures, technical roadmaps, and integration risks for complex equipment-based products.

• Business Alignment Evidence: Provide examples of how your product strategies have directly supported and driven key business objectives, such as revenue growth, market penetration, or competitive differentiation.

Process Documentation:

• Strategic Planning Process: Document your methodology for developing and executing long-term product strategies, including stakeholder engagement, market research integration, and risk management.

• M&A Evaluation Process: Outline a structured process for evaluating the strategic and technical fit of potential acquisition targets, from initial screening to in-depth due diligence.

• Cross-functional Alignment Process: Detail your approach to ensuring alignment and buy-in from various departments (Engineering, Product, Finance, Executive Leadership) on product strategy and roadmap initiatives.

• Technology Trend Analysis Process: Describe your system for monitoring technological advancements, assessing their relevance to the company's product portfolio, and integrating them into strategic planning.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Director-level role focused on strategy and M&A, the portfolio should clearly demonstrate strategic thinking, analytical rigor, and a structured approach to complex problem-solving. Emphasis should be placed on showcasing the impact of their strategic decisions and due diligence efforts, ideally with quantifiable results where possible. Documentation of processes used to achieve these outcomes will be critical.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

For a Director Product Strategy role with 10+ years of experience in Portland, TN, a competitive salary range would typically fall between $170,000 - $230,000 annually. This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for senior leadership positions in engineering and product strategy, considering the company's status as a publicly traded entity (NASDAQ: SHLS) and the cost of living in the Portland, TN area.

• Methodology: This range is derived from analyzing compensation data for similar roles in the manufacturing and technology sectors in the broader Nashville metropolitan area, adjusted for the specific location and the seniority of the Director title. It accounts for the specialized skills required, including M&A due diligence and platform strategy for equipment-based products.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision insurance plans to support employee well-being.

• Retirement Savings Plan: 401(k) plan with potential company match to aid in long-term financial planning.

• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation, sick leave, and paid holidays to promote work-life balance.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for continuous learning through training, conferences, and certifications relevant to product strategy and the renewable energy industry.

• Equity/Stock Options: Potential for participation in employee stock purchase plans or stock option grants, aligning employee success with company growth.

• Life and Disability Insurance: Company-provided life insurance and short/long-term disability coverage.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time work schedule, typically 40 hours per week.

• Flexibility may be offered for strategic planning sessions or critical project deadlines, often managed through effective time management and project planning.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is provided based on the role's seniority, location, and industry. Benefits are typical for a full-time leadership position at a publicly traded company, with an emphasis on professional development that aligns with the strategic nature of the role.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Renewable Energy, Manufacturing (Electrical Balance of Systems - EBOS), Technology. Shoals Technologies is a key player in the rapidly expanding solar and energy storage market, providing critical components that enable clean energy infrastructure. This context implies a dynamic, innovation-driven environment focused on sustainability and technological advancement.

Company Size: Publicly traded company (NASDAQ: SHLS) with a significant global presence. This indicates a structured organization with established processes, a focus on growth and profitability, and opportunities for significant impact.

Founded: 1996. With over two decades of experience, Shoals Technologies has a strong foundation in the industry, demonstrating resilience, adaptability, and a history of innovation.

Team Structure:

• Engineering Organization: The Director of Product Strategy will be a senior leader within the Engineering department, working closely with various engineering disciplines (e.g., hardware, firmware, software).

• Reporting Structure: Likely reports to a VP of Engineering, Chief Technology Officer (CTO), or a similar senior executive, with direct oversight of product strategy functions.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: This role is inherently cross-functional, requiring close partnerships with Product Management, Corporate Development, Marketing, Sales, Finance, and Executive Leadership to ensure cohesive strategy execution.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Strategy: Emphasis on utilizing market data, customer insights, and technological trends to inform product strategy decisions.

• Agile/Iterative Product Development: Likely employs agile methodologies to manage product lifecycles, from concept to launch and iteration, particularly for software and firmware components.

• Systems Thinking: A strong focus on understanding how individual product components integrate into a larger system (EBOS for solar/storage) and how the overall platform evolves.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on renewable energy and its status as a public company suggest a culture that values innovation, technical excellence, and strategic growth. The "rebellious hero" branding implies a culture that is not afraid to challenge the status quo and push boundaries, which is crucial for a role focused on future product direction.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior leadership position, demanding strategic thinking, extensive experience, and the ability to influence executive decisions. It sits at the cusp of technical product development and corporate strategy, requiring a blend of deep technical understanding and business acumen.

Reporting Structure: The Director will likely report to a VP of Engineering, CTO, or Chief Product Officer, indicating a high level of visibility and strategic input. They will also work closely with the Corporate Development team for M&A activities.

Operations Impact: The impact of this role is significant, directly shaping the company's technological future and competitive positioning. By defining the product platform vision and roadmap, the Director influences long-term revenue streams, market share, and the company's ability to innovate and adapt in the fast-paced renewable energy sector. Their M&A evaluations can lead to strategic acquisitions that accelerate growth or enhance capabilities.

Growth Opportunities:

• Executive Leadership: Potential to advance into VP-level roles within Engineering, Product, or Corporate Development, or even C-suite positions within the company or other organizations.

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas of renewable energy technology, platform strategy, or M&A strategy.

• Strategic Initiative Leadership: Lead major strategic initiatives, such as entering new markets, developing disruptive technologies, or driving significant partnerships.

• Broader Corporate Strategy: Transition to roles with a wider scope of corporate strategy, business development, or venture investment within the energy sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a critical stepping stone for individuals aspiring to senior executive positions in technology and manufacturing. The combination of product strategy and M&A due diligence offers a unique pathway to broader strategic leadership roles.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in Portland, TN, at the company headquarters. This suggests a primary office environment, likely with modern facilities supporting engineering and administrative functions. Given the company's manufacturing presence, there may be opportunities for interaction with production and R&D facilities.

Office Location(s): The primary work location is 1400 Shoals Way, Portland, TN 37148. This is north of Nashville, offering a balance between a dedicated operational hub and access to a larger metropolitan area.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The emphasis on cross-functional collaboration indicates a workspace designed to facilitate teamwork, potentially including meeting rooms, project spaces, and open-plan areas alongside private offices for focused work.

• Tools and Technology: Access to industry-standard product lifecycle management (PLM) tools, engineering software, business intelligence platforms, and communication tools will be essential for effective strategy development and execution.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for direct interaction with engineering teams, product managers, and executive leadership, fostering a dynamic exchange of ideas and strategic alignment.

Work Schedule:

• Standard full-time hours (approx. 40 hours/week) are expected.

• Given the senior nature of the role and strategic responsibilities, some flexibility may be required to accommodate critical project timelines, M&A deal cycles, or executive meetings. This would typically involve proactive time management and prioritization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in Portland, TN, suggests a hands-on approach to leadership and collaboration, emphasizing the importance of in-person interaction for strategic alignment and team cohesion.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and application to assess alignment with the core qualifications, particularly experience in product strategy, equipment-based products, and M&A due diligence.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion with the hiring manager (likely a VP of Engineering or CTO) to delve into your strategic approach, experience with product platforms, and leadership style.

• Panel Interviews: Meetings with key stakeholders from Engineering, Product Management, and Corporate Development. These interviews will assess your technical understanding, strategic thinking, collaboration skills, and ability to evaluate M&A opportunities.

• Executive Interview: A final interview with senior executive leadership (e.g., C-suite) to discuss your vision for the company's product strategy, long-term impact, and alignment with business goals.

• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session where you will present key aspects of your portfolio, showcasing case studies of product strategy development, M&A due diligence, and platform evolution.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Strategic Narrative: Structure your portfolio presentation around a clear narrative that highlights your ability to connect market needs, technological capabilities, and business objectives.

• Quantifiable Impact: Whenever possible, use data and metrics to demonstrate the impact of your strategic decisions and due diligence efforts (e.g., revenue growth, cost savings, market share increase, successful integration outcomes).

• Process Clarity: Clearly articulate the frameworks and processes you use for strategic planning, market analysis, technology assessment, and M&A evaluation.

• M&A Focus: For M&A sections, emphasize your methodology for assessing strategic fit, technical viability, integration challenges, and potential ROI.

• Equipment & Platform Expertise: Ensure your examples specifically address complex equipment-based products and integrated hardware/software platforms.

• Conciseness: While comprehensive, ensure your presentation is focused and respects the time of the interviewers.

Challenge Preparation:

• Strategic Case Study: Be prepared to discuss a hypothetical or past product strategy challenge, outlining your approach to problem-solving, analysis, and recommendation development.

• M&A Scenario: You may be presented with a scenario of a potential acquisition target and asked to outline your due diligence approach and key considerations.

• Technical Evaluation: Be ready to discuss how you would evaluate the technical roadmap and integration risks of a complex product platform.

• Executive Presentation: Practice articulating your strategic vision and recommendations clearly and concisely, as you would to executive leadership.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to rigorously assess strategic thinking, technical depth, and leadership potential. A well-prepared portfolio that showcases a structured, data-driven approach to product strategy and M&A evaluation will be crucial for success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) Software: Tools like Arena, PTC Windchill, or Siemens Teamcenter for managing product data, configurations, and workflows, especially for hardware development.

• Product Roadmap & Strategy Tools: Platforms such as Aha!, Productboard, or Roadmunk for visualizing and communicating product roadmaps, prioritizing features, and gathering market insights.

• Business Intelligence (BI) & Analytics Platforms: Tools like Tableau, Power BI, or Looker for analyzing market data, performance metrics, and identifying strategic opportunities.

• CRM Systems: Salesforce or similar for understanding customer needs, market segments, and sales pipeline impact, which informs product strategy.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Market Research Databases: Access to industry-specific market intelligence platforms and financial data providers (e.g., Bloomberg, Refinitiv, IHS Markit) for M&A due diligence and strategic planning.

• Competitive Analysis Tools: Platforms that track competitor product launches, market share, and strategic moves.

• Financial Modeling Software: Excel or specialized financial modeling tools for assessing the financial viability and ROI of product strategies and potential acquisitions.

CRM & Automation:

• Collaboration & Project Management Tools: Tools like Jira, Asana, Trello, or Microsoft Teams for managing cross-functional projects and communication.

• Document Management Systems: SharePoint, Google Workspace, or similar for organizing and sharing strategic documents and M&A evaluation materials.

• Presentation Software: Advanced proficiency in PowerPoint or Google Slides for executive-level presentations.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific tools are not listed, a Director of Product Strategy would be expected to be proficient in a range of tools for strategic planning, market analysis, financial modeling, and cross-functional collaboration, particularly those supporting complex, hardware-integrated products.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation & Disruption: A drive to challenge existing norms and develop groundbreaking solutions that advance the renewable energy sector.

• Integrity & Accountability: Upholding the highest ethical standards in decision-making, product development, and M&A activities, with a strong sense of ownership for outcomes.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering an environment where diverse perspectives are valued, and cross-functional teams work together effectively to achieve common goals.

• Customer Focus: Deep understanding of customer needs and market demands to ensure product strategies deliver maximum value and solve critical challenges.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Relying on robust data analysis and market intelligence to inform strategic choices and measure success.

Collaboration Style:

• Strategic Partnership: Working as a strategic partner with Engineering, Product Management, and Corporate Development to align efforts and drive cohesive execution.

• Influence & Persuasion: Utilizing strong communication and analytical skills to influence stakeholders and gain buy-in for strategic initiatives.

• Open Communication: Encouraging transparent and open communication channels to facilitate feedback, knowledge sharing, and rapid problem-solving.

• Results-Oriented: A shared focus on achieving tangible business outcomes and driving growth through effective product strategy and strategic investments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's stated identity as "the rebellious hero" suggests a culture that embraces bold ideas and challenges the status quo. This implies a need for a leader who is not only strategic but also visionary and capable of driving change.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Rapidly Evolving Market: The renewable energy sector is dynamic, requiring constant adaptation of product strategy to keep pace with technological advancements and shifting market demands.

• Balancing Innovation with Execution: The challenge of fostering groundbreaking innovation while ensuring the practical development and deployment of complex, equipment-based products within budget and timeline constraints.

• M&A Integration Complexity: Successfully evaluating and integrating acquired companies or technologies, ensuring strategic and technical alignment without disrupting core operations.

• Cross-functional Alignment: Achieving consensus and driving unified action across diverse departments with potentially competing priorities.

• Long Product Development Cycles: Managing the inherent long lead times for hardware and industrial product development while responding to market pressures.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Industry Leadership: Opportunities to shape the future of the renewable energy industry through strategic product vision and M&A.

• Executive Exposure: Direct engagement with C-suite executives, providing mentorship and insight into broader corporate strategy.

• Advanced Strategy Skills: Deepening expertise in areas like platform architecture, technology forecasting, and advanced financial modeling for M&A.

• Global Market Understanding: Gaining insights into international markets and regulatory landscapes through Shoals' global operations.

• Leadership Development Programs: Access to internal or external programs focused on executive leadership, strategic negotiation, and corporate development.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant challenges that are commensurate with the growth potential. Navigating these challenges successfully will provide invaluable experience for future leadership roles.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for developing a 3-5 year product strategy for a complex, equipment-based platform. How do you incorporate market trends, competitive analysis, and internal capabilities?"

  • Preparation: Prepare a detailed framework that includes steps like market segmentation, unmet needs identification, technology assessment, competitive benchmarking, strategic option generation, roadmap creation, and stakeholder alignment. Use a past example to illustrate.

• "Walk us through a time you supported or led product due diligence for an M&A opportunity. What were your key evaluation criteria, and what was the outcome?"

  • Preparation: Select a relevant M&A experience. Detail your methodology for assessing strategic fit, technical viability, integration risks, intellectual property, and potential synergies. Highlight any critical findings or deal-breakers you identified.

• "How do you balance the need for aggressive innovation with the realities of long product development cycles for hardware and integrated systems?"

  • Preparation: Discuss strategies like phased development, modular architectures, early prototyping, agile methodologies applied to hardware, and robust risk management processes.

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about Shoals Technologies and its role in the renewable energy industry?"

  • Preparation: Research Shoals' mission, products, recent news, and financial performance. Connect your passion for innovation and sustainability to the company's objectives.

• "How do you foster collaboration between engineering, product management, and corporate development when driving strategic initiatives?"

  • Preparation: Discuss your communication style, stakeholder management techniques, and experience in building cross-functional alignment. Emphasize transparency and shared goals.

• "How do you measure the success of a product strategy, and what metrics would you prioritize for Shoals' product platform?"

  • Preparation: Think about metrics beyond just revenue, such as market share, customer adoption, product differentiation, technological leadership, and long-term platform health.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Executive Summary: Begin with a high-level overview of your strategic philosophy and key achievements.

• Thematic Grouping: Organize your portfolio by key themes like "Product Platform Strategy," "M&A Due Diligence," or "Growth Initiatives" rather than chronological order.

• Storytelling: For each case study, frame it as a problem, your approach/solution, and the measurable results/impact.

• Visuals: Use clear, professional visuals (charts, diagrams, simplified roadmaps) to illustrate complex concepts and data.

• Focus on Impact: Constantly tie your work back to business outcomes, demonstrating your understanding of how product strategy drives revenue, market position, and company growth.

• Be Prepared to Dive Deep: While presenting high-level summaries, be ready to answer detailed questions about your methodologies and decision-making processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating strategic depth, a structured approach to complex problems, and the ability to communicate effectively with senior leadership. Specific examples related to equipment-based products and M&A will be highly valued.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Director Product Strategy position:

• Submit your application: Apply through the provided link on the Paycom platform.

• Tailor your resume: Highlight your experience in product strategy, platform leadership, systems engineering, and M&A due diligence, using keywords from the job description. Quantify achievements whenever possible.

• Curate your portfolio: Prepare a concise portfolio that showcases your strategic roadmaps, M&A evaluation frameworks, and examples of complex product strategy development for equipment-based products. Focus on demonstrating impact and process.

• Research Shoals Technologies: Understand their products, market position, competitors, and recent company news to articulate your interest and strategic insights effectively.

• Practice your presentation: Rehearse your portfolio presentation and prepare for potential interview questions, focusing on strategic thinking, leadership, and problem-solving skills.

⚠️ 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.