Product Strategy, Manager- Collector

athenahealth
Full_timeβ€’$113k-193k/year (USD)β€’Boston, United States

πŸ“ Job Overview

Job Title: Product Strategy Manager - Collector Company: athenahealth Location: Boston, MA (with flexibility for Austin, TX; Atlanta, GA; Burlington, VT; Belfast, ME) Job Type: Full-Time Category: Product Strategy & Management (GTM Operations Focus) Date Posted: October 29, 2025 Experience Level: 5-10 Years

πŸš€ Role Summary

  • Lead the strategic direction and market positioning for the Collector product, focusing on driving future growth initiatives within the healthcare revenue cycle management (RCM) space.
  • Translate complex market insights, competitive analysis, and client needs into actionable business cases and product-market strategies that inform R&D roadmaps.
  • Drive the execution of go-to-market strategies for new product launches and manage critical cross-functional projects to ensure successful market adoption.
  • Foster organizational alignment by clearly articulating the product vision, value proposition, and how roadmap features deliver key business objectives.
  • Serve as a key liaison between R&D, Sales, Marketing, and Service teams, ensuring a cohesive approach to product development and market engagement.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: This role sits within the Product Management organization, with a strong emphasis on the "Market Strategy" aspect. It requires a deep understanding of the healthcare industry, specifically revenue cycle management, and a proven ability to translate market opportunities into strategic product plans. The "Collector" product focus implies responsibilities related to accounts receivable, collections, and payment processing within the healthcare RCM lifecycle. This role is crucial for bridging the gap between product development and market success, making it a key GTM Operations-adjacent function.

πŸ“ˆ Primary Responsibilities

  • Develop and refine comprehensive business cases and product-market strategies for the Collector product line, identifying target customer segments and market opportunities.
  • Synthesize quantitative and qualitative data from market research, competitive intelligence, client feedback, and internal analytics to inform strategic decision-making.
  • Partner closely with Product Management, Engineering, Sales, Marketing, Finance, and Service leaders to shape product vision, influence roadmaps, and align on go-to-market plans.
  • Lead the planning and execution of go-to-market strategies for new product features, enhancements, and launches, ensuring readiness across all customer-facing teams.
  • Define and articulate the product's value proposition, including developing market-facing proof points, packaging strategies, and pricing frameworks in collaboration with Sales and Finance.
  • Support the Product Management team in developing and prioritizing the product roadmap, ensuring it aligns with the defined vision, strategic goals, and market needs.
  • Collaborate with Product and Client Analytics teams to establish key performance indicators (KPIs), develop client-facing reports, and create insightful dashboards to measure product performance and client value.
  • Support the development of P&L projections and financial models for new product initiatives, providing data-driven insights to support investment decisions.
  • Facilitate cross-functional alignment on product strategy, ensuring all stakeholders understand the roadmap and how specific features contribute to overall company objectives.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strategic, cross-functional role that requires influence and collaboration rather than direct line management of product development. The emphasis on "business cases," "go-to-market strategy," "value proposition," and "pricing framework" clearly positions this as a GTM-focused product strategy role, deeply intertwined with operations. The need to "manage complex cross-functional projects" indicates a project management component.

πŸŽ“ Skills & Qualifications

Education:

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Product Management, Strategy, Public Health, Business Administration, or a related field. An MBA or Master’s degree is a strong asset.

Experience:

  • 5-10 years of progressive experience in product management, product strategy, market analysis, or a related field within the technology or healthcare sectors.
  • Proven experience in healthcare, particularly within revenue cycle management (RCM) or financial operations, is highly preferred.
  • Demonstrated success in developing and executing product strategies and go-to-market plans for complex software or service offerings.

Required Skills:

  • Product Strategy Development: Ability to define product vision, strategy, and roadmap based on market analysis, customer needs, and business objectives.
  • Market Research & Analysis: Expertise in conducting thorough market research, competitive landscape analysis, and synthesizing data to identify actionable insights and opportunities.
  • Business Case Development: Proficiency in building robust business cases, including financial modeling, P&L analysis, and ROI projections, to justify strategic investments.
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration: Exceptional ability to partner with and influence diverse teams including Engineering, Sales, Marketing, Finance, and Customer Success.
  • Communication & Presentation Skills: Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex ideas clearly, synthesize information, and present compelling arguments to executive-level audiences and external stakeholders.
  • Project Management: Demonstrated ability to manage complex, multi-stakeholder projects from initiation through launch, ensuring timely and successful delivery.
  • Healthcare Industry Acumen: Solid understanding of the healthcare ecosystem, regulatory environment, and financial dynamics, with a specific focus on revenue cycle management.

Preferred Skills:

  • Go-to-Market (GTM) Strategy: Experience in designing and executing GTM plans, including positioning, messaging, pricing, and channel strategy.
  • Pricing & Packaging: Familiarity with developing effective pricing models and product packaging strategies.
  • Data Analytics & KPIs: Ability to define, track, and interpret key performance indicators (KPIs) and leverage data analytics for product performance measurement and improvement.
  • Client Relationship Management: Experience engaging with clients and users to gather feedback and validate product strategies.
  • Agile Methodologies: Familiarity with Agile development processes and how to effectively integrate strategy with sprint planning.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The requested experience level (5+ years) combined with the responsibilities of leading strategy, developing business cases, and influencing cross-functional leaders suggests this is a Manager-level role. The "5+ years of experience in product management or strategy role(s), preferably in healthcare and revenue cycle management" is a direct requirement, reinforcing the niche expertise needed. The preferred skills like "Go-to-Market Strategy" and "Pricing & Packaging" are critical for GTM operations alignment.

πŸ“Š Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

  • Strategic Frameworks: Examples showcasing the application of strategic frameworks (e.g., Porter's Five Forces, SWOT analysis, market segmentation models) to define product-market fit and competitive positioning.
  • Business Case & Financial Models: Demonstrations of developed business cases, including market opportunity assessment, financial projections (P&L, ROI), and risk analysis for new product initiatives.
  • Go-to-Market Plans: Evidence of creating and executing comprehensive go-to-market strategies, detailing target audiences, positioning, messaging, launch plans, and success metrics.
  • Product Strategy Documentation: Examples of product vision documents, strategic roadmaps, and value proposition statements that guided product development and market engagement.

Process Documentation:

  • Market Research Synthesis: Documented examples of how market research, competitive intelligence, and customer feedback were synthesized into actionable strategic recommendations.
  • Cross-Functional Alignment: Case studies illustrating how alignment was achieved across diverse teams (e.g., Engineering, Sales, Marketing) for product strategy execution and launches.
  • KPI Definition & Tracking: Examples of defining relevant KPIs for product success and demonstrating how these metrics were tracked and analyzed to inform strategy adjustments.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: While not explicitly stated as a "portfolio requirement," the nature of the roleβ€”leading strategy, developing business cases, and influencing GTMβ€”strongly implies that candidates will be expected to showcase their past work in these areas. This section outlines what a strong operations-focused candidate would bring to demonstrate their capabilities.

πŸ’΅ Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $113,000 - $193,000 USD per year

Benefits:

  • Comprehensive Health Benefits
  • Financial Benefits (e.g., retirement plans, potential for bonuses/incentives)
  • Tuition Assistance for continued education and skill development.
  • Employee Assistance Programs providing confidential support for personal and professional challenges.
  • Commuter Support, particularly relevant for hybrid or on-site roles in major metropolitan areas.
  • Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) fostering community, diversity, and inclusion.
  • Access to collaborative and modern Workspaces.
  • Opportunities for flexible work arrangements and work-life balance.
  • Potential eligibility for annual discretionary bonus plans, variable compensation plans, and equity plans, depending on role and performance.

Working Hours:

  • Standard full-time work week, likely around 40 hours per week. The company emphasizes flexibility and work-life balance, suggesting potential for adaptable scheduling within team and project constraints.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The salary range is provided. The benefits listed are derived from the company description, highlighting aspects particularly relevant to professionals seeking stability, growth, and work-life balance. The mention of "flexibility" and "balance" in the company description suggests that while the role is full-time, there's an emphasis on accommodating individual needs where possible, which is beneficial for operations roles that often require focused, uninterrupted work periods.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏒 Company Culture

Industry: Healthcare Technology (specifically, Health IT and Revenue Cycle Management solutions). Company Size: Large Enterprise (athenahealth has a significant employee base, indicated by its status as a major player in the Health IT space). Founded: The company was founded in 1997, giving it a substantial history and established presence in the market.

Team Structure:

  • Product Management Organization: The role is situated within the Product Management department, which is responsible for defining and guiding the product lifecycle.
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration: This role requires extensive collaboration with R&D (Engineering), Sales, Marketing, Finance, and Service teams, indicating a matrixed or highly collaborative environment.
  • Reporting: The role likely reports into a Product Strategy Director or VP of Product Management, with significant interaction with executive leadership.

Methodology:

  • Data-Driven Decision Making: The company emphasizes using data, insights, and analytics to inform strategy and product development.
  • Agile & Iterative Development: While not explicitly stated, large tech companies like athenahealth typically employ agile methodologies for product development, requiring flexibility and continuous iteration.
  • Customer-Centric Approach: A strong focus on meeting client needs and delivering value is central to athenahealth's mission.

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

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: athenahealth is a well-established leader in the healthcare IT sector. Its mission to simplify healthcare and create a sustainable ecosystem for accessible, high-quality care is a significant cultural driver. The emphasis on "athenistas" as a diverse, mission-driven workforce points to a culture that values collaboration, accountability, and innovation. The DEI commitment further underscores a commitment to inclusivity.

πŸ“ˆ Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Manager (Product Strategy/Market Strategy). This role is a management-level position focused on strategic planning and execution within the product domain, requiring significant experience and the ability to influence without direct authority. It’s a critical link in the GTM operations pipeline. Reporting Structure: The role reports into a senior leadership position within Product Management, likely a Director or VP. It involves close collaboration with leaders across various departments (Sales, Marketing, R&D, Finance), demonstrating its strategic importance and broad reach. Operations Impact: This role has a direct impact on the company's growth and revenue by shaping product strategy, defining market opportunities, and driving successful product launches. It influences the company's ability to effectively serve its clients and achieve its mission of accessible, high-quality healthcare.

Growth Opportunities:

  • Leadership Advancement: Potential to advance into senior product strategy or product management leadership roles (e.g., Director, VP of Product Management) with increased scope and responsibility.
  • Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in healthcare RCM, product marketing, or specific market segments within the healthcare industry.
  • Cross-Functional Mobility: Potential to move into related GTM strategy, business operations, or strategic planning roles within athenahealth.
  • Continuous Learning: Access to company-sponsored learning initiatives, industry events, and potential for further education (e.g., sponsoring MBA/Master's degrees) to enhance strategic and operational capabilities.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a strategic contributor to the company's product portfolio and market success. The emphasis on influencing without direct authority and managing complex projects suggests a path towards broader leadership responsibilities in product strategy or GTM operations.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The description mentions "collaborative workspaces" and the ability to "find a balance that feels fulfilling and productive for each individual situation," suggesting a modern, dynamic office environment that supports both focused work and teamwork. Office Location(s): Primary location is Boston, MA, with flexibility and opportunities in Austin, TX; Atlanta, GA; Burlington, VT; and Belfast, ME. This offers geographical choice for candidates. Workspace Context:

  • Collaborative Atmosphere: The company culture fosters collaboration, with dedicated workspaces designed to encourage interaction and idea-sharing among teams.
  • Technology & Tools: As a health IT company, expect access to robust digital collaboration tools and modern technology infrastructure to support remote and hybrid work.
  • Team Interaction: Frequent interaction with diverse teams across product, engineering, sales, and marketing is integral to the role.

Work Schedule:

  • While a standard full-time schedule is expected, athenahealth emphasizes work-life balance and flexibility. This suggests that while core hours and team collaboration are important, there's an understanding that not all work must be done within traditional office hours or settings, accommodating the needs of operations professionals.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The mention of "flexibility" and "balance" alongside "collaborative workspaces" indicates a hybrid work model is likely supported, allowing for a blend of in-office collaboration and remote productivity. This is a common and often preferred arrangement for operations roles that require deep work interspersed with team syncs.

πŸ“„ Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

  • Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will conduct an initial phone screen to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.
  • Hiring Manager Interview: A deeper dive into your experience with product strategy, market analysis, business case development, and healthcare RCM. Expect questions about your approach to problem-solving and influencing cross-functional teams.
  • Cross-Functional Interviews: Interviews with key stakeholders from Product Management, Engineering, Sales, or Marketing to assess your ability to collaborate and align diverse perspectives. Case studies or scenario-based questions may be used.
  • Presentation/Case Study: Candidates may be asked to prepare and present a strategic analysis, business case, or go-to-market plan based on a provided prompt related to the Collector product or a similar market challenge. This is a critical opportunity to showcase your strategic thinking and presentation skills.
  • Executive Interview (Potential): A final interview with a senior leader (e.g., VP of Product) to confirm strategic alignment and assess overall fit for the organization.

Portfolio Review Tips:

  • Focus on Impact: Curate examples that clearly demonstrate your impact on product strategy, market success, and business outcomes. Quantify achievements whenever possible (e.g., "Increased market share by X%," "Generated $Y in new revenue").
  • Showcase Strategic Thinking: Include examples of how you identified market opportunities, developed robust business cases, and translated insights into actionable strategies.
  • Demonstrate Cross-Functional Leadership: Highlight projects where you successfully led or influenced cross-functional teams to achieve product goals.
  • Highlight RCM/Healthcare Expertise: If possible, include examples specific to the healthcare or revenue cycle management domain to showcase relevant industry knowledge.
  • Structure for Clarity: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type (e.g., Strategy Development, GTM Execution, Market Analysis) or by key skills. Clearly articulate the problem, your approach, the solution, and the results.

Challenge Preparation:

  • Strategic Analysis: Be prepared to discuss how you would approach analyzing the market for the Collector product, identifying key trends, competitive threats, and customer needs.
  • Business Case Development: Practice structuring a business case for a new product initiative, including market sizing, revenue projections, and key success factors.
  • Go-to-Market Planning: Consider how you would develop a go-to-market strategy for a new feature or product enhancement, focusing on target segments, positioning, and launch execution.
  • Stakeholder Management: Prepare to discuss how you would gain alignment and influence stakeholders across different departments with competing priorities.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The role's strategic nature and emphasis on influencing cross-functional teams make a presentation or case study a highly probable component of the interview process. Candidates should be ready to demonstrate their strategic thinking, analytical capabilities, and communication skills in a practical format.

πŸ›  Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

  • CRM: Salesforce (likely used for sales data, customer insights, and GTM planning support).
  • Product Management Platforms: Tools like Jira, Confluence, Aha!, or Productboard for roadmap planning, backlog management, and documentation.
  • Collaboration Suites: Microsoft 365 (Teams, SharePoint, Outlook) or Google Workspace for day-to-day communication, document sharing, and project collaboration.

Analytics & Reporting:

  • Business Intelligence Tools: Tableau, Power BI, or Looker for data visualization, dashboard creation, and performance reporting.
  • Analytics Platforms: Web analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics) and potentially specialized healthcare analytics platforms for client and product data.
  • Spreadsheet Software: Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets for data manipulation, financial modeling, and analysis.

CRM & Automation:

  • Data Analysis Tools: SQL for querying databases, Python or R for advanced statistical analysis and modeling.
  • Market Research Tools: Access to industry-specific market research databases and competitive intelligence platforms.
  • Presentation Software: PowerPoint or Google Slides for developing and delivering strategic presentations.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: While specific tools aren't listed, a role focused on product strategy, GTM, and data analysis within a tech company like athenahealth would heavily rely on CRM systems, BI tools, project management software, and standard office productivity suites. Proficiency in data analysis and visualization tools is essential for developing data-driven strategies.

πŸ‘₯ Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

  • Customer-Centricity: A strong focus on understanding and meeting client needs to deliver accessible, high-quality healthcare solutions.
  • Innovation & Problem-Solving: A culture that encourages creative thinking and proactive solutions to complex challenges in the healthcare industry.
  • Accountability & Ownership: Taking responsibility for outcomes and driving initiatives to completion with a focus on measurable results.
  • Collaboration & Inclusivity: Working effectively across diverse teams and backgrounds to achieve shared goals, fostering an environment where all voices are valued.
  • Data-Driven Approach: Leveraging data and insights to inform strategic decisions and measure operational effectiveness.

Collaboration Style:

  • Cross-Functional Integration: Emphasis on seamless collaboration between product strategy, R&D, sales, marketing, and service teams to ensure cohesive product development and market execution.
  • Open Communication: Encouraging transparent communication and feedback loops across all levels and departments.
  • Shared Vision: Working towards a unified understanding of the product vision and company mission, fostering a collective drive towards achieving strategic objectives.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The company's stated values of "inclusiveness, accountability, and support," along with a mission to deliver "accessible, high-quality, and sustainable healthcare for all," are foundational to its culture. For an operations-focused role, this translates to a need for collaborative problem-solving, data integrity, and a commitment to driving efficiency and value for clients.

⚑ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

  • Navigating Healthcare Complexity: The healthcare industry is highly regulated and constantly evolving, requiring continuous adaptation of strategies.
  • Balancing Stakeholder Needs: Aligning the interests and priorities of diverse internal teams (R&D, Sales, Marketing) and external stakeholders (clients, regulators).
  • Driving Innovation in a Mature Market: Identifying and capitalizing on new opportunities within the established revenue cycle management space.
  • Translating Strategy into Execution: Ensuring that strategic plans are effectively implemented and translate into tangible product success and market adoption.
  • Data Synthesis: Effectively gathering, analyzing, and synthesizing vast amounts of quantitative and qualitative data from various sources.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

  • Industry Expertise: Deepen knowledge in healthcare finance, revenue cycle management, and evolving healthcare technology trends.
  • Strategic Acumen: Develop advanced skills in market analysis, competitive strategy, business case development, and product portfolio management.
  • Leadership Skills: Enhance capabilities in influencing, cross-functional leadership, and executive communication.
  • Professional Development: Access to company-sponsored training, workshops, industry conferences, and potential tuition assistance for further education.
  • Mentorship: Opportunities to learn from experienced leaders within athenahealth's Product and GTM organizations.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The role offers significant opportunities for professional growth by tackling complex industry challenges and developing advanced strategic and operational skills. The company's commitment to learning and development suggests a supportive environment for career progression.

πŸ’‘ Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

  • "Describe a time you developed a product strategy for a complex market. What was your process, and what were the key outcomes?" (Focus on your methodology, data sources, and impact.)
  • "How would you approach assessing the competitive landscape for our Collector product and identifying new market opportunities?" (Demonstrate your market research and analytical process.)
  • "Walk me through a business case you developed for a new product or initiative. What were the key financial assumptions and how did you validate them?" (Highlight your financial modeling and strategic justification skills.)
  • "How do you ensure alignment across R&D, Sales, and Marketing when defining and launching a new product?" (Focus on your collaboration, communication, and influence strategies.)

Company & Culture Questions:

  • "What interests you about athenahealth's mission and our role in the healthcare ecosystem?" (Showcase your understanding of the company's vision and values.)
  • "How do you approach working within a large, cross-functional organization with diverse priorities?" (Discuss your collaboration style and ability to navigate organizational dynamics.)
  • "Describe your experience with data-driven decision-making. How do you ensure your strategies are grounded in evidence?" (Emphasize your analytical rigor and use of KPIs.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

  • Tell a Story: For each portfolio item, structure it as a narrative: the challenge, your strategic approach, the actions you took, and the measurable results.
  • Quantify Impact: Use data and metrics to demonstrate the value and success of your strategies and initiatives.
  • Focus on "Why": Clearly articulate the strategic rationale behind your decisions and how they aligned with business objectives.
  • Showcase Process: Explain your thought process and the methodologies you employed (e.g., market segmentation, competitive analysis frameworks, financial modeling).
  • Tailor to the Role: Emphasize experiences relevant to product strategy, GTM, healthcare RCM, and cross-functional leadership.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: Given the strategic nature of this role, expect a case study or presentation component. Prepare to articulate your strategic thinking, analytical process, and ability to translate complex information into actionable plans and compelling narratives.

πŸ“Œ Application Steps

To apply for this Product Strategy Manager position:

  • Submit your application through the provided link: https://athenahealth.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/External/job/Boston-MA/Product-Strategy--Manager--Collector_R13761
  • Tailor Your Resume: Highlight experience in product strategy, market analysis, business case development, healthcare RCM, and cross-functional project management. Use keywords from the job description and company mission.
  • Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate 2-3 key projects that best showcase your ability to develop product strategy, conduct market analysis, build business cases, and lead go-to-market efforts. Focus on quantifiable achievements and strategic impact.
  • Research athenahealth: Familiarize yourself with their mission, values, products (especially in the RCM space), and recent company news. Understand their competitive landscape.
  • Practice Interview Questions: Prepare for behavioral, situational, and strategic questions, particularly those related to product strategy, market assessment, and cross-functional collaboration. Be ready to present your portfolio effectively.

⚠️ 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.


Application Requirements

Candidates should have a Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience in Product Management/Strategy, Public Health, or Business, along with 5+ years in a product management or strategy role, preferably in healthcare. Strong analytical and communication skills are essential for success in this role.