Product Strategy Director - Chillers

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Product Strategy Director - Chillers Company: Daikin Applied Americas Location: Remote, United States Job Type: Full-Time Category: Product Strategy & Management / Go-to-Market Operations Date Posted: 2025-12-29 Experience Level: 10+ Years Remote Status: Fully Remote

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the strategic vision, roadmap, and execution for the air and water-cooled chiller portfolio, driving product innovation and market penetration.
• Manage and mentor a high-performing team of product managers and marketing professionals, fostering a data-driven and customer-centric approach.
• Develop deep market and customer insights to identify unmet needs and define differentiated product strategies that align with business objectives.
• Oversee comprehensive go-to-market (GTM) strategies, including product launches, positioning, messaging, and sales enablement to maximize revenue and profitability.
• Drive financial performance by managing departmental budgets, defining pricing strategies, and tracking key performance indicators (KPIs) for product success.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role, while titled "Product Strategy Director," encompasses significant Go-to-Market (GTM) and revenue-driving responsibilities typical of senior operations or commercial leadership roles within a product-centric organization. The emphasis on revenue targets, profitability, and market share positions this as a strategic operational leadership opportunity.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Product Vision & Roadmap Development: Define and articulate the long-term strategic vision and product roadmap for the chiller portfolio, ensuring alignment with Daikin Applied's overall business objectives and market opportunities.
• Team Leadership & Development: Recruit, train, manage, and mentor product managers and marketing professionals, cultivating a culture of accountability, data-driven decision-making, and continuous improvement.
• Market & Customer Intelligence: Conduct in-depth market analysis, competitive landscape assessments, and customer research to identify emerging trends, unmet needs, and opportunities for product differentiation and innovation.
• Go-to-Market (GTM) Strategy & Execution: Develop and execute comprehensive GTM plans for new product introductions and existing product enhancements, including product positioning, messaging, pricing, channel strategy, and sales enablement.
• Product Launch Management: Oversee all aspects of product launches, from initial concept to market release, ensuring successful adoption, revenue generation, and customer satisfaction.
• Performance Monitoring & Optimization: Establish, track, and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) related to product revenue, profitability, market share, customer satisfaction, and product lifecycle management.
• Financial Management: Develop and manage the departmental operating budget, ensuring efficient allocation of resources for product development, marketing initiatives, and promotional activities.
• Pricing & Packaging Strategy: Develop and recommend optimal product positioning, packaging, and pricing strategies to maximize long-term market share and profitability.
• Stakeholder Management: Build and maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders (Engineering, Sales, Marketing, Operations) and external partners (industry influencers, strategic alliances) to ensure seamless execution and market success.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core responsibilities clearly indicate a blend of strategic product leadership and operational execution. The emphasis on GTM strategy, revenue generation, profitability, and budget management highlights the operational impact of this role, requiring strong analytical and strategic planning skills beyond traditional product management.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, Marketing, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.

Experience:

• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in Product Management, with a strong focus on strategic planning and execution.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in people leadership, managing and developing product management and/or marketing teams.
• Proven track record of successfully developing and launching complex products, preferably within the HVAC industry.
• Demonstrated experience in defining and executing Go-to-Market (GTM) strategies that drive revenue growth and market share.

Required Skills:

• Product Strategy & Vision: Ability to define and articulate a compelling product vision and long-term roadmap.
• Market & Customer Analysis: Deep understanding of market research methodologies, competitive analysis, and customer segmentation.
• Go-to-Market (GTM) Expertise: Proven experience in developing and executing successful GTM strategies for new product introductions.
• Team Leadership & Management: Strong leadership skills with the ability to recruit, mentor, and develop high-performing teams.
• Financial Acumen: Proficiency in budget management, pricing strategy development, and financial performance analysis (revenue, profitability).
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Excellent ability to collaborate effectively with Engineering, Sales, Marketing, and other cross-functional teams.
• Communication & Presentation Skills: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present complex strategies to executive leadership and diverse audiences.
• HVAC Product Knowledge: Specific experience with HVAC products, with a strong preference for chiller systems (air-cooled and water-cooled).

Preferred Skills:

• MBA or advanced degree in a relevant field.
• Experience with both air-cooled and water-cooled chiller technologies.
• Familiarity with product lifecycle management (PLM) software and methodologies.
• Experience in developing and managing product P&Ls.
• Knowledge of digital marketing strategies and tools for B2B products.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for HVAC and specifically chiller experience is critical. While the base requirements are strong, candidates demonstrating a deep understanding of these specific product lines and their market dynamics will have a significant advantage. The blend of strategic thinking and operational execution is key.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Strategic Roadmapping: Examples of developed product roadmaps, showcasing strategic alignment with market trends, customer needs, and business objectives.
• Go-to-Market (GTM) Case Studies: Demonstrations of successful GTM strategies implemented for product launches, highlighting market entry plans, positioning, and sales enablement.
• Product Launch Documentation: Evidence of comprehensive product launch plans, including messaging frameworks, competitive battlecards, and sales training materials.
• Market Analysis Reports: Samples of market research, competitive analysis, and customer insight reports that informed product strategy decisions.
• Pricing and Packaging Strategies: Examples of pricing models and packaging strategies developed to optimize market share and profitability.

Process Documentation:

• Product Strategy Frameworks: Documentation outlining the methodologies used for defining product vision, strategy, and roadmaps.
• GTM Process Models: Defined processes for product launch management, including cross-functional team coordination and execution phases.
• Market Research Protocols: Standard operating procedures for conducting market research, competitive intelligence gathering, and customer feedback collection.
• Performance Measurement Systems: Frameworks for defining and tracking product KPIs, including dashboards and reporting mechanisms for revenue, profitability, and market share.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a senior role like this, a portfolio showcasing strategic impact is crucial. Candidates should be prepared to present case studies that demonstrate not just product development, but also the strategic planning, market analysis, and GTM execution that led to measurable business outcomes like revenue growth, market share expansion, and profitability improvements.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Estimated Base Salary: $142,600 - $243,600 annually (Virginia benchmark)
• Bonus Potential: Up to 30% of base salary, performance-based.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range ($142,600-$243,600) is based on the Virginia location benchmark. As the role is fully remote, actual compensation may vary based on candidate location, with potential adjustments for higher cost-of-living areas or regional market rates for senior product strategy roles. The 30% bonus is a significant component of the total compensation.

Benefits:

• Health & Wellness: Multiple medical insurance plan options, comprehensive dental and vision insurance.
• Retirement Savings: 401K retirement plan with employer matching (100% on the first 3% and 50% on the next 2% of employee contributions).
• Insurance Coverage: Company-provided life insurance, with options for voluntary life insurance, dependent life, and voluntary accident coverage.
• Disability Protection: Short-term and long-term disability insurance.
• Paid Time Off: 3 weeks of Paid Time Off (PTO) for new employees, accruing monthly, plus 11 company-paid holidays.
• Sick Leave: Paid sick time in accordance with federal, state, and local laws.
• Family Support: Paid parental leave.
• Professional Development: Tuition reimbursement after 6 months of continuous service.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time work week, typically 40 hours.
• As a remote role, flexibility may be offered, but consistent availability for team collaboration and key business hours is expected.

📝 Enhancement Note: The benefits package is comprehensive, offering robust health, retirement, and income protection options, along with valuable professional development support like tuition reimbursement. The PTO and holiday schedule is competitive.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) Manufacturing and Solutions. Daikin Applied operates within a highly competitive and technically driven industry focused on energy efficiency, sustainability, and advanced climate control solutions. Company Size: Daikin Applied is part of the Daikin Industries, Ltd. global conglomerate, a Fortune 1000 company with a significant international presence. This implies a large, established organization with robust processes and resources. Founded: Daikin Industries, Ltd. was founded in 1924, indicating a long history of innovation and market leadership. Daikin Applied Americas has a substantial operational history within North America.

Team Structure:

• Product & Marketing Department: This role will lead a team of product managers and marketing professionals responsible for the chiller product line.
• Reporting Structure: The Director will likely report to a Vice President or Senior Director of Product Management, Product Marketing, or Commercial Operations.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: The role requires close collaboration with Engineering (R&D, design), Sales (field sales, channel partners), Marketing (demand generation, brand), Operations (supply chain, manufacturing), and Finance.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Emphasis on using market data, customer feedback, and performance metrics to inform strategic decisions and product development.
• Agile Product Development: Likely adoption of agile methodologies for product development cycles, focusing on iterative improvements and rapid response to market changes.
• Customer-Centricity: A core focus on understanding and meeting customer needs to drive product adoption and satisfaction.
• Operational Excellence: Commitment to efficiency, quality, and continuous improvement in all aspects of product strategy and GTM execution.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Daikin Applied's position as a global leader in HVAC suggests a culture that values innovation, quality, and sustainability. The company's long history indicates stability, while its global reach suggests opportunities for diverse market engagement. The "Forbes Best-In-State Employers 2025" recognition points towards a positive employee experience and strong company culture.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is a senior leadership position within the Product Strategy and Go-to-Market function. It requires a strategic mindset, significant experience in product management and people leadership, and a strong understanding of the HVAC market. It's a director-level role with P&L influence and strategic decision-making authority.

Reporting Structure: The Director will lead a team and report to a higher-level executive, likely a VP or SVP of Product Management, Commercial Operations, or a similar function. This position has significant visibility and interaction with executive leadership.

Operations Impact: This role has a direct and substantial impact on Daikin Applied's revenue and profitability through the strategic direction and successful market execution of its chiller portfolio. Effective product strategy and GTM execution are critical drivers of market share, customer acquisition, and overall business growth in the competitive HVAC market.

Growth Opportunities:

• Executive Leadership: Potential to advance to VP or SVP roles within Product Management, Marketing, or Commercial Operations, overseeing broader product lines or business units.
• Strategic Initiatives: Opportunity to lead significant strategic projects, such as market expansion into new geographies or product categories, or driving digital transformation within product operations.
• Industry Expertise Development: Continued growth in specialized knowledge of HVAC technology, market dynamics, and global business strategy.
• Mentorship & Development: Opportunity to mentor and develop future leaders within the product and marketing organizations.

📝 Enhancement Note: This is a pivotal role for career progression, offering a direct path to executive leadership. The scope of responsibility for a core product line like chillers provides a strong foundation for broader commercial or operational leadership roles within a large, global organization like Daikin.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Fully Remote. This offers significant flexibility in terms of work location, reducing the need for daily commutes and allowing for a more integrated work-life balance. Office Location(s): While the role is remote, the salary benchmark is tied to Virginia (Staunton, VA 24402). This may indicate the company's primary operational base or a reference point for compensation. Candidates can be located anywhere within the United States, though "Remote PA" in the raw data might suggest a preference for Eastern or Central Time Zones for collaboration.

Workspace Context:

• Home Office Setup: Candidates are expected to maintain a dedicated, productive home office environment conducive to focused work and virtual collaboration.
• Technology & Tools: Access to Daikin Applied's standard suite of collaboration and productivity tools will be provided.
• Team Interaction: Regular virtual meetings, team syncs, and cross-functional project collaborations via video conferencing and communication platforms.

Work Schedule:

• Standard 40-hour work week is expected.
• Flexibility in daily scheduling may be available, provided that core business hours and team meetings are accommodated.
• Occasional travel may be required for key meetings, conferences, or team offsites, although the role is primarily remote.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Remote PA" designation in the raw data is a bit ambiguous given the "Remote" location type. It's advisable for candidates to clarify any geographical constraints or preferences during the application process. The core expectation is a remote setup with strong virtual collaboration skills.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or Recruiter call to assess basic qualifications, interest, and cultural fit.
• Hiring Manager Interview: In-depth discussion with the hiring manager focusing on experience, leadership style, strategic thinking, and understanding of the HVAC/chiller market.
• Team/Peer Interviews: Meetings with key team members (product managers, marketing leads) and cross-functional partners (e.g., Engineering Director, Sales Leader) to evaluate collaboration skills and technical acumen.
• Executive Interview: A final interview with a senior executive (e.g., VP of Product) to discuss strategic vision, leadership philosophy, and overall fit with Daikin Applied's executive team.
• Case Study/Presentation: Candidates may be asked to prepare and present a strategic analysis of a specific market segment, a proposed product roadmap, or a GTM plan for a hypothetical new product.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Strategic Impact Focus: Highlight achievements that demonstrate strategic thinking, market influence, and measurable business outcomes (revenue growth, market share, profitability).
• GTM Execution Clarity: Clearly articulate your role in developing and executing GTM strategies, including specific tactics, challenges faced, and results achieved.
• Data-Driven Evidence: Quantify your successes with data and metrics. Showcase how you used data to inform decisions and measure impact.
• Leadership Examples: Provide specific examples of how you led, mentored, and developed teams to achieve challenging goals.
• Concise & Visual: Present your portfolio in a clear, concise, and visually appealing format. Use charts, graphs, and diagrams where appropriate to illustrate complex strategies or results.

Challenge Preparation:

• Market Analysis: Be prepared to discuss current trends, competitive dynamics, and future opportunities in the chiller market. Think about technological advancements (e.g., sustainability, IoT integration), regulatory impacts, and evolving customer demands.
• Strategic Planning: Practice articulating how you would develop a 3-5 year product roadmap for chillers, considering various market scenarios and business objectives.
• GTM Scenario: Prepare to walk through a hypothetical GTM plan for a new chiller product, covering target audience, messaging, channels, sales enablement, and success metrics.
• Leadership Scenarios: Anticipate behavioral questions related to team management, conflict resolution, stakeholder management, and driving change.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is likely rigorous, reflecting the senior level of the role. A strong portfolio that demonstrates strategic impact, GTM execution, and leadership is paramount. Candidates should prepare to articulate their strategic thinking and operational execution capabilities with concrete examples.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) Software: Experience with systems like Arena, PTC Windchill, or similar for managing product data, revisions, and workflows.
• Project Management Software: Proficiency in tools such as Jira, Asana, Monday.com, or Microsoft Project for managing product development timelines and cross-functional initiatives.
• CRM Systems: Familiarity with Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics, or similar for understanding customer data, sales pipelines, and market feedback.
• Collaboration Platforms: Extensive use of Microsoft Teams, Slack, Zoom, or Google Workspace for communication, virtual meetings, and document sharing.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Business Intelligence (BI) Tools: Experience with Tableau, Power BI, Qlik Sense, or similar for creating dashboards, analyzing performance data, and generating reports on product metrics.
• Spreadsheet Software: Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets for data manipulation, financial modeling, and detailed analysis.
• Market Research Platforms: Familiarity with tools for competitive intelligence, market sizing, and trend analysis.

CRM & Automation:

• Marketing Automation Platforms: Understanding of HubSpot, Marketo, Pardot, or similar for GTM campaign execution and lead nurturing.
• Data Analysis & Visualization: Tools for analyzing sales data, market trends, and customer feedback to inform product strategy and GTM decisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific tools aren't listed, a senior Product Strategy Director is expected to be proficient in common enterprise-level product management, project management, CRM, and analytics platforms. The ability to leverage data and technology for strategic decision-making and GTM execution is crucial.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation: A drive to develop and implement cutting-edge solutions that address evolving market needs and enhance product performance.
• Customer Focus: A commitment to understanding and exceeding customer expectations through superior product quality and service.
• Collaboration: Fostering a teamwork environment where cross-functional input is valued and integrated to achieve common goals.
• Accountability: Taking ownership of product strategy, execution, and outcomes, with a focus on data-driven results.
• Efficiency & Optimization: A continuous pursuit of improving processes, workflows, and product lifecycle management to drive operational excellence and profitability.
• Sustainability: A commitment to developing energy-efficient and environmentally responsible HVAC solutions, aligning with global sustainability goals.

Collaboration Style:

• Proactive Engagement: Actively seeking input and collaboration from Engineering, Sales, Marketing, and Operations teams throughout the product lifecycle.
• Transparent Communication: Maintaining open and honest communication channels, sharing insights, progress, and challenges effectively.
• Cross-Functional Alignment: Ensuring all stakeholders are aligned on product strategy, roadmaps, and GTM plans, facilitating a unified approach to market execution.
• Feedback Integration: Establishing mechanisms for receiving and integrating feedback from internal teams and external customers to drive continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: Daikin Applied's emphasis on innovation, customer focus, and sustainability, coupled with their global presence, suggests a culture that values excellence, integrity, and forward-thinking solutions. The director role will be instrumental in embedding these values within the product strategy and GTM execution.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Market Volatility: Navigating dynamic market conditions, including fluctuating raw material costs, evolving regulatory landscapes (e.g., refrigerant regulations), and intense competitive pressures.
• Technological Advancements: Keeping pace with rapid technological changes in HVAC, such as smart building integration, IoT capabilities, and advanced energy efficiency technologies.
• Global Supply Chain Complexity: Managing product strategy and launches within a complex global supply chain, ensuring timely delivery and cost-effectiveness.
• Balancing Stakeholder Needs: Aligning the diverse interests and priorities of various internal departments (Engineering, Sales, Marketing, Operations) and external customers.
• Remote Team Management: Effectively leading and motivating a remote team to maintain high performance, collaboration, and engagement without direct physical oversight.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Industry Certifications: Pursuing certifications relevant to HVAC, product management, or leadership.
• Advanced Training: Access to executive education programs, leadership development workshops, and specialized training in areas like strategic marketing or financial management.
• Industry Conferences: Participation in key HVAC and product management conferences to stay abreast of emerging trends, network with peers, and gain insights from industry leaders.
• Cross-Functional Exposure: Opportunities to gain deeper understanding of other business functions through project involvement or rotational assignments.
• Mentorship: Access to senior leaders within Daikin Applied for guidance and career development advice.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant opportunities for professional growth by tackling complex market challenges and leveraging Daikin's resources for continuous learning and development. The ability to navigate these challenges will be a key indicator of success and future potential.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for developing a 3-5 year product strategy for a complex B2B product line like chillers. How would you incorporate market trends, competitive analysis, and internal capabilities?"
• "Walk me through a successful Go-to-Market strategy you developed and executed for a new product launch. What were the key components, challenges, and measurable outcomes?"
• "How do you approach pricing and packaging strategy to maximize market share and profitability for industrial products? Provide an example."
• "Imagine our market share in a key chiller segment is declining. What steps would you take to diagnose the problem and propose a strategic response?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Daikin Applied and our position in the HVAC market? What excites you about our company and this role?"
• "How do you foster a data-driven and customer-centric culture within your product management team?"
• "Describe your leadership style and how you motivate and develop your team, particularly in a remote environment."
• "How do you ensure alignment and collaboration with Engineering, Sales, and Marketing teams when developing product strategy and GTM plans?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your presentation logically, perhaps by product lifecycle stage or strategic initiative. Start with the strategic context, detail your actions, and conclude with quantifiable results.
• Quantify Impact: For each case study, clearly state the problem, your solution, your specific role, the metrics used, and the achieved results (e.g., "% increase in revenue," "% improvement in market share," "ROI achieved").
• Highlight GTM: Emphasize your contribution to GTM strategy, including how you collaborated with sales and marketing to drive adoption and revenue.
• Leadership Narrative: Weave in examples of your leadership, team development, and cross-functional collaboration throughout your presentation.
• Conciseness: Be mindful of time. Focus on the most impactful examples and be prepared to elaborate on specific details if asked.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to demonstrate a deep understanding of product strategy, GTM execution, market dynamics within the HVAC industry, and strong leadership capabilities. The portfolio presentation is a critical opportunity to showcase these skills with tangible evidence.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided application link on the Daikin Applied careers portal.
• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight experience in Product Management, Strategic Planning, Go-to-Go-Market (GTM) execution, Team Leadership, and specific HVAC/Chiller product knowledge. Use keywords from the job description and quantify achievements with data.
• Portfolio Curation: Prepare a professional portfolio showcasing your strategic roadmapping, GTM case studies, product launch documentation, and market analysis reports. Focus on demonstrating measurable business impact.
• Interview Preparation: Thoroughly research Daikin Applied, its products, and its market position. Prepare to answer strategic, behavioral, and situational questions, and practice presenting your portfolio with a focus on quantifiable results and GTM execution.
• Understand the Role: Familiarize yourself with the nuances of product strategy and GTM operations within the industrial B2B sector, specifically for capital equipment like chillers.

⚠️ 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.