Product Strategy Director

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Product Strategy Director Company: Cox powered by Atrium Location: Atlanta, Georgia, United States Job Type: Contract (12-month W2 contract assignment with potential for extension or permanent transition) Category: Product Strategy & Operations Date Posted: January 09, 2026 Experience Level: 10+ years Remote Status: Hybrid (3 days onsite per week)

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is pivotal in defining and executing long-term product strategies within the automotive industry, focusing on identifying new market opportunities and developing innovative capabilities.
• The Product Strategy Director will act as a key liaison, engaging directly with clients, external partners, and internal cross-functional teams to shape strategic direction and drive value.
• A significant aspect of this role involves deep market analysis, data-driven decision-making, and performance metric evaluation to ensure strategic initiatives align with core business objectives and foster client growth.
• The position requires strong leadership through influence, enabling collaboration with executive leaders, business stakeholders, product teams, and corporate strategy to ensure cohesive product design and development methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Product Strategy Director," the responsibilities heavily lean into operationalizing strategy and ensuring alignment across product development and business objectives. This role requires a blend of strategic foresight and operational execution, making it relevant for candidates with a strong GTM (Go-to-Market) operations background, particularly in product strategy and market analysis. The contract nature also implies a need for candidates who can quickly integrate and deliver impactful results within a defined timeframe.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Identify and analyze new market opportunities, crafting comprehensive long-term strategic plans for products and capabilities to drive business growth.
• Deeply understand client needs and market dynamics to position Cox Automotive's offerings effectively and deliver significant value.
• Collaborate closely with executive leadership, business stakeholders, product management, and corporate strategy teams to ensure unified product design and development methodologies.
• Support the development and refinement of product strategies across the Cox Automotive portfolio, ensuring alignment with foundational business strategies and core revenue streams.
• Conduct thorough market and opportunity analysis to identify new growth avenues, assess the potential of new product offerings, and evaluate lines of business.
• Perform comprehensive analysis to ensure proposed opportunities align with overarching strategy, enhancing long-term success from technological, product, and service perspectives.
• Advise management on the identification, evaluation, and execution of potential acquisitions, partnerships, alliances, joint ventures, and internal start-up opportunities.
• Direct various workstreams to analyze the potential impact and benefits of initiatives on the business.
• Align strategies across Cox Automotive to contribute to shared end-state and market-oriented outcomes, fostering a cohesive GTM approach.
• Coach product leaders (AVPs, Directors, Sr Managers) to ensure their product lines are strategically aligned and contribute to the overall company vision.
• Develop and maintain deep subject matter expertise in the evolving landscape of auto retailing, wholesaling, ownership, and fleet maintenance.
• Identify opportunities to consolidate or coordinate capabilities that span multiple solution sets or delivery streams, building integrated product offerings.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize strategic planning, market analysis, and cross-functional collaboration, which are core to GTM operations. The ability to "coach product leaders" and "advise management on acquisitions" highlights a senior-level influence and strategic advisory capacity. The focus on "revenue streams" and "client growth" directly links product strategy to business outcomes, a key performance indicator for operations professionals.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related discipline (e.g., Business, Marketing, Economics, Engineering) or equivalent practical experience.
• Advanced degrees such as an MBA or relevant certifications are preferred for deeper strategic analysis and executive communication.

Experience:

• A minimum of 10 years of experience in a related field, such as automotive industry strategy, strategy consulting, or technology consulting.
• Proven track record in strategic formation, developing long-term strategies, and transforming innovative ideas into actionable plans.
• Demonstrated experience in market analysis, data-driven decision-making, and performance metrics evaluation.
• Proficiency in data analysis tools and methodologies, including advanced frameworks like root cause analysis.
• Experience in facilitating workshops with cross-functional teams (R&D, marketing, business leaders) is crucial for collaborative strategy development.
• Proven ability to lead using influence within highly complex, matrixed organizations.
• Experience in product management, including the ability to articulate and write product strategies.
• Demonstrated experience in developing comprehensive product strategies that outline capabilities, target customers, and positioning.
• A top-tier strategy consulting background is preferred, indicating a strong foundation in structured problem-solving and strategic frameworks.
• People leadership experience is preferred, suggesting potential for mentorship and team development.
• Corporate strategy experience is preferred, indicating familiarity with broader business planning and strategic alignment.

Required Skills:

• Strategic Formation: Ability to develop and articulate clear, long-term strategic plans for products and capabilities.
• Market Analysis & Opportunity Analysis: Expertise in conducting in-depth market research, competitive analysis, and identifying new growth avenues.
• Data-Driven Decision-Making: Proficiency in leveraging data analysis, performance metrics, and advanced frameworks (e.g., root cause analysis) to inform strategic choices.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration & Influence Leadership: Proven ability to effectively collaborate with and influence diverse stakeholders, including executive leaders, product teams, and business units, within a complex matrix environment.
• Product Strategy Development: Experience in defining product roadmaps, value propositions, target customer segments, and market positioning.
• Client Engagement & Business Acumen: Ability to interact directly with customers and partners, understanding their needs and translating them into business value, coupled with strong overall business acumen.
• Workshop Facilitation: Skill in leading productive workshops with cross-functional teams to drive strategic alignment and ideation.
• Presentation Skills: Proven ability to deliver high-impact presentations to C-suite executives, effectively conveying complex information using data visualizations.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in the automotive industry (retailing, wholesaling, ownership, fleet maintenance).
• Experience in strategy consulting or technology consulting roles.
• Technical competence to partner effectively with architecture on technical approaches.
• Experience in evaluating and advising on potential acquisitions, partnerships, and joint ventures.
• Corporate strategy experience.
• People leadership experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a blend of strategic thinking, analytical rigor, and strong interpersonal/leadership skills. The preference for consulting backgrounds and advanced degrees points to a need for candidates with structured problem-solving methodologies and executive-level communication capabilities. For operations professionals, highlighting experience in data analysis, performance metrics, and cross-functional alignment will be key.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Strategic Initiative Case Studies: Showcase examples of long-term strategies developed, including market analysis, opportunity assessment, and projected business impact.
• Product Strategy Frameworks: Demonstrate experience in creating comprehensive product strategies, including capability definition, target customer segmentation, and market positioning.
• Market Analysis & Opportunity Assessment: Present detailed analyses of market trends, competitive landscapes, and identified growth opportunities, with clear recommendations.
• Cross-Functional Alignment Examples: Illustrate instances where you successfully aligned disparate teams or business units towards a common strategic product goal.
• Data Analysis & Impact Metrics: Include examples of how data was used to inform strategic decisions and how the impact of strategic initiatives was measured (e.g., revenue growth, market share increase, efficiency gains).

Process Documentation:

• Strategic Planning Process: Document your approach to developing long-term strategies, from initial ideation and research to stakeholder buy-in and execution planning.
• Market Research & Analysis Methodology: Outline your systematic process for conducting market research, competitive intelligence gathering, and opportunity assessment.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration Framework: Detail your methods for engaging with and influencing diverse teams (e.g., product, engineering, marketing, sales) to achieve strategic objectives.
• Performance Measurement & Reporting: Describe your approach to defining key performance indicators (KPIs) for strategic initiatives and reporting on progress and outcomes to executive leadership.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Product Strategy Director role, the portfolio should emphasize strategic frameworks, market analysis, and the demonstrable impact of strategic initiatives. Operations professionals should highlight their ability to translate strategic vision into actionable plans and measure success through data and KPIs, showcasing a structured approach to strategy development and execution.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• $110 - $117 per hour (Paid Weekly)
• This equates to an annual salary range of approximately $228,800 - $243,360 based on a 40-hour work week.

Benefits:

• Medical Benefits: Comprehensive medical coverage provided through Atrium.
• Fringe Benefits: Additional benefits offered by Atrium, details to be provided upon offer.
• Overtime Pay: Eligible for overtime pay in accordance with federal and state requirements.
• Potential for Extension/Permanent Role: Opportunity for contract extension or transition to a permanent, full-time position based on performance and business needs.
• Paid Weekly: Regular and predictable compensation schedule.

Working Hours:

• 40 hours per week.
• Standard business hours, Monday to Friday.
• Flexibility may be available within the hybrid work model, but core hours will likely be expected for team collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The compensation is presented as an hourly rate for a contract role, which is common for these types of assignments. The specified range reflects a senior-level position. The benefits package is provided by the contracting agency (Atrium), not directly by Cox, and candidates should inquire for full details. The potential for conversion to a permanent role is a significant aspect of this contract position.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Automotive Products and Services, Technology Services, Media. Cox Automotive is a leader in the automotive industry, providing a comprehensive suite of solutions designed to support dealers, manufacturers, and consumers. Their operations span digital marketing, software solutions, vehicle remarketing, and logistics, aiming to innovate and drive the future of automotive commerce. Company Size: Cox Automotive is a large organization, part of Cox Enterprises. As part of a major corporation, it operates with substantial resources and a broad market reach. Founded: Cox Enterprises was founded in 1898, with Cox Automotive evolving as a significant division over time, building on a long history of business innovation and market leadership.

Team Structure:

• The Product Strategy Director will likely be part of a strategic planning or product leadership team within Cox Automotive, potentially within a specific business unit or across multiple product lines.
• The role reports to executive leadership (e.g., VP of Product, Chief Strategy Officer) and works closely with other Directors and AVPs responsible for product management and development.
• Collaboration is inherently cross-functional, involving deep partnerships with business stakeholders, product teams, R&D, marketing, corporate strategy, and potentially finance and legal departments for M&A activities.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Strategy: Emphasis on market analysis, client feedback, and performance metrics to inform strategic decisions and product development.
• Collaborative Planning: A structured approach to strategy development that involves extensive input and alignment from various internal and external stakeholders.
• Innovation Focus: A drive to identify and capitalize on new opportunities, leveraging technology and market insights to create value and shape the future of the automotive industry.
• Influence and Alignment: Strategies are developed and implemented through influence rather than direct command, requiring strong communication and relationship-building skills to gain buy-in across a complex organization.

Company Website: https://coxcareers.atriumworks.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Cox Automotive's position as a large, established player in the automotive sector suggests a dynamic yet structured environment. The emphasis on innovation and customer value, coupled with a strong historical foundation, indicates a culture that balances tradition with forward-thinking strategies. For operations professionals, understanding this blend will be key to aligning with the company's strategic direction.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior-level Director role, requiring significant strategic experience and leadership capabilities. It sits at a strategic advisory level, influencing product direction and business development rather than managing day-to-day operational execution. Reporting Structure: The role reports to executive leadership within Cox Automotive and will work closely with other senior leaders across product, strategy, and business units. Direct reports are possible, as indicated by the "People leader experience preferred" and "Coach product leaders" responsibilities. Operations Impact: The Product Strategy Director has a direct impact on Cox Automotive's future revenue streams, market positioning, and competitive advantage. By identifying and shaping new product opportunities and strategic initiatives, this role is critical to the company's long-term growth and success in the evolving automotive market.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to move into VP-level roles within Product Strategy, Corporate Strategy, or specific business units within Cox Automotive.
• Strategic Impact: Opportunity to lead high-visibility initiatives with significant business impact, contributing directly to the company's direction.
• Industry Expertise Development: Deepen subject matter expertise in the automotive industry, becoming a recognized leader in auto retailing, wholesaling, and related services.
• Conversion to Full-Time: Successful performance in the contract role can lead to a permanent, full-time position, offering greater long-term career stability and benefits within Cox Automotive.
• Mentorship & Coaching: Opportunity to mentor and coach product leaders, developing leadership and people management skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a significant opportunity for experienced professionals to influence strategic direction at a major industry player. The contract nature provides a potential pathway to a permanent role, which is a key consideration for career progression. The emphasis on influence and strategic advisory capacity positions this role as a critical stepping stone for senior leadership in the operations and product strategy domains.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work environment, requiring 3 days per week onsite in Atlanta, GA. This suggests a blend of in-office collaboration and remote flexibility. Office Location(s): Atlanta, Georgia, United States. This location likely offers a modern office setting designed to foster collaboration and innovation.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: The office environment is expected to support cross-functional team interactions, workshops, and executive presentations.
• Technology & Tools: Access to necessary technology and analytical tools for market research, data analysis, and strategic planning will be provided.
• Team Interaction: Opportunities for direct interaction with executive leadership, product teams, and business stakeholders, fostering a dynamic and engaging work environment.

Work Schedule:

• Standard 40-hour work week, Monday to Friday.
• The hybrid model allows for some flexibility in scheduling workdays, but a consistent presence in the office for key collaborative activities is required.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model is a common arrangement for senior roles, balancing the need for in-person collaboration with the flexibility of remote work. Operations professionals should be prepared to manage their time effectively to maximize the benefits of both onsite and remote workdays.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and qualifications by Atrium and/or Cox Automotive recruiters to assess suitability for the role.
• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion with the hiring manager (likely an executive leader) to evaluate strategic thinking, experience, and cultural fit. This may involve in-depth questions about past strategic initiatives.
• Cross-Functional Interviews: Meetings with key stakeholders from product, business units, and corporate strategy to assess collaboration skills and alignment with team dynamics.
• Case Study Presentation/Strategic Challenge: Candidates may be asked to present a strategic analysis or proposed strategy for a given business challenge, demonstrating their analytical, strategic, and presentation skills.
• Executive Interview: A final interview with a senior executive (e.g., VP, C-suite) to confirm strategic alignment and suitability for the leadership role.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Impact: For each case study, clearly articulate the problem, your strategic approach, the actions taken, and the measurable business impact (e.g., revenue growth, market share, efficiency).
• Showcase Strategic Frameworks: Highlight your use of structured methodologies for market analysis, opportunity assessment, and strategy development.
• Demonstrate Influence: Provide examples of how you influenced stakeholders and gained buy-in for your strategic recommendations, especially in complex, matrixed environments.
• Data Visualization: Be prepared to present data effectively, using charts and graphs to illustrate complex information and support your strategic arguments.
• Tailor to Cox Automotive: Research Cox Automotive's business, market position, and strategic priorities to tailor your portfolio examples and presentation to their context.

Challenge Preparation:

• Anticipate Strategic Questions: Prepare to discuss your approach to identifying new market opportunities, developing long-term product visions, and navigating competitive landscapes.
• Practice Data Analysis & Interpretation: Be ready to analyze hypothetical business scenarios and propose data-driven strategic solutions.
• Develop Presentation Skills: Practice delivering concise, impactful presentations that clearly articulate complex strategies and their potential business outcomes.
• Understand Automotive Market: Brush up on current trends, challenges, and opportunities within the automotive industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a Director-level role will be rigorous, focusing on strategic acumen, leadership through influence, and demonstrable impact. A well-curated portfolio that showcases strategic thinking, analytical skills, and successful outcomes in complex environments is essential. Operations candidates should emphasize their ability to translate strategy into actionable plans and measure results.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Presentation Software: Microsoft PowerPoint, Google Slides, Keynote for executive presentations and strategy documentation.
• Collaboration Platforms: Microsoft Teams, Slack, Zoom for cross-functional communication and virtual meetings.
• Project Management Tools: Tools like Asana, Jira, or Trello may be used for tracking strategic initiatives, though direct management of day-to-day project execution might be handled by product managers.
• Document Management: SharePoint, Google Drive for organizing and sharing strategic documents and market research.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Proficiency with tools like Excel (advanced functions, pivot tables), Tableau, Power BI, or similar for data analysis, visualization, and reporting.
• Market Research Databases: Familiarity with industry-specific databases and market intelligence platforms (e.g., IHS Markit, JD Power, internal Cox Automotive data sources).
• CRM Systems: While not directly managing CRM operations, understanding how CRM data (e.g., Salesforce) informs customer strategy and market segmentation is beneficial.

Strategy & Planning Tools:

• Strategic Planning Software: Potentially tools for SWOT analysis, PESTLE analysis, competitive benchmarking, and scenario planning.
• Financial Modeling Software: Excel is typically the primary tool for financial projections related to new product opportunities or acquisitions.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific tools are not listed, the role implies a need for strong analytical and presentation software skills. For operations professionals, demonstrating proficiency with data analysis and visualization tools, alongside a structured approach to strategic planning and market research, will be critical. Understanding how data from CRM and other business systems informs strategy is also important.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Focus: A deep understanding of client needs and a commitment to delivering value and solutions that address market demands.
• Innovation & Forward-Thinking: Encouragement to explore new ideas, technologies, and business models to drive the future of automotive retail.
• Data-Driven Excellence: A culture that values rigorous analysis, evidence-based decision-making, and the continuous pursuit of measurable business outcomes.
• Collaboration & Influence: A strong emphasis on working effectively across diverse teams and levels within a complex organization, using influence to drive consensus and action.
• Integrity & Accountability: Upholding high ethical standards and taking ownership of strategic initiatives and their outcomes.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Active engagement with various departments (product, R&D, marketing, sales, corporate strategy) to ensure strategic alignment and coordinated execution.
• Executive Engagement: Regular interaction with senior leadership, requiring clear communication, data-backed insights, and the ability to present complex strategies effectively.
• Partnership Approach: Working closely with external partners, vendors, and potentially clients to co-create strategies and solutions.
• Mentorship and Coaching: A willingness to share knowledge, guide product leaders, and foster a culture of continuous learning and development within the product strategy domain.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture at Cox Automotive, as implied by the role's responsibilities, values strategic thinking, customer centricity, and collaborative execution. Operations professionals who can demonstrate these values in their approach to strategy development and implementation will be well-suited for this environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating a Complex Organization: Influencing strategy and driving change across a large, matrixed organization with diverse stakeholders and priorities.
• Rapidly Evolving Automotive Market: Keeping pace with technological advancements, changing consumer behaviors, and competitive pressures in the automotive industry.
• Translating Strategy into Action: Ensuring that strategic plans are effectively operationalized and lead to tangible business results, rather than remaining theoretical documents.
• Balancing Short-Term Needs with Long-Term Vision: Aligning immediate revenue goals and operational demands with the development of future-state products and capabilities.
• Data Synthesis and Interpretation: Synthesizing vast amounts of market, customer, and internal data into actionable strategic insights.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Strategic Leadership Development: Gaining experience in high-level strategic decision-making and influencing executive leadership.
• Industry Specialization: Deepening expertise in the intricacies of the automotive retail and wholesale ecosystem.
• M&A and Partnership Experience: Developing skills in evaluating and advising on strategic acquisitions, partnerships, and joint ventures.
• Cross-Functional Exposure: Broadening understanding of various business functions and their interdependencies within a large corporation.
• Potential for Full-Time Conversion: The opportunity to transition into a permanent role offers long-term career growth and stability within Cox Automotive.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for senior strategy roles in large corporations. For operations professionals, these challenges are opportunities to apply their problem-solving and execution skills in a high-impact strategic context. The growth opportunities highlight the role's potential for significant career advancement.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you identified a significant new market opportunity and developed a long-term strategy to capitalize on it. What was the process, and what were the results?" (Focus on your structured approach, data analysis, and impact).
• "How do you approach aligning product strategies across different business units or product lines in a complex organization?" (Highlight your influence, collaboration, and communication strategies).
• "Walk us through your process for conducting market and opportunity analysis. What methodologies do you employ?" (Emphasize your analytical rigor, data sources, and strategic frameworks).
• "How do you balance the need for immediate revenue generation with the development of long-term product innovations?" (Demonstrate your understanding of business priorities and strategic phasing).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Cox Automotive's current position in the automotive market, and where do you see opportunities for strategic growth?" (Research recent news, market reports, and company initiatives).
• "How would you coach and influence product leaders to ensure their strategies align with the company's overall north star?" (Prepare examples of your leadership and mentorship style).
• "Describe your experience working in a hybrid environment and collaborating with cross-functional teams remotely and in-person." (Showcase your adaptability and communication skills).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Begin with a concise executive summary, followed by the problem statement, your strategic approach, key actions, and quantifiable results.
• Data Emphasis: Clearly present the data that informed your strategy and the metrics used to measure success. Use visualizations effectively.
• Influence Narrative: Weave in how you built consensus, managed stakeholders, and overcame obstacles through influence.
• Cox Automotive Relevance: Whenever possible, draw parallels between your past experiences and the potential challenges and opportunities at Cox Automotive.
• Conciseness: Be prepared to present your core findings and strategic recommendations within a defined timeframe (e.g., 20-30 minutes), leaving ample time for Q&A.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating strategic thinking, analytical prowess, and the ability to influence outcomes in a complex corporate setting. Operations professionals should frame their experience in terms of process optimization, data-driven decision-making, and measurable business impact, even within a strategic context.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Product Strategy Director position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Cox Careers portal.
• Portfolio Customization: Prepare a portfolio that highlights 2-3 key strategic initiatives you've led, emphasizing market analysis, strategy development, cross-functional alignment, and measurable business outcomes. Tailor examples to reflect automotive industry relevance if possible.
• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your experience in strategic formation, market analysis, data-driven decision-making, and leadership through influence. Quantify achievements wherever possible.
• Interview Preparation: Practice answering strategic questions, prepare your portfolio presentation, and research Cox Automotive's business, market position, and recent strategic moves. Understand the company's values and how they align with your own.
• Company Research: Thoroughly research Cox Automotive's operations, key product lines, and strategic challenges. Understand their competitive landscape and identify potential areas where your strategic expertise can add value.

⚠️ 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 (Atrium/Cox Automotive) before making application decisions. As this is a contract role, clarify benefits, contract duration, and potential for conversion during the interview process.