Product Strategy Operating Model Lead - Executive Director
📍 Job Overview
Job Title: Product Strategy Operating Model Lead - Executive Director Company: JPMorgan Chase Location: New York, NY, United States Job Type: Full time Category: Product Operations & Strategy Date Posted: 2025-10-17T16:26:58 Experience Level: Executive Director (10+ Years) Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Role Summary
- Drive product innovation and transformation by developing strategic initiatives and frameworks across Product, Technology, Design, and Data teams.
- Define and refine a multi-year product operating model strategy, grounded in customer needs and business objectives, to deliver differentiated, measurable value.
- Spearhead high-impact projects to address complex challenges identified by senior leadership, fostering a culture of continuous innovation and driving transformative solutions.
- Analyze product data and insights to increase team maturity and provide coaching on best practices in solution generation, market research, and product delivery.
- Lead the preparation of executive governance materials to ensure strategic alignment and facilitate informed decision-making at the highest levels.
📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as an Executive Director, indicating a senior leadership capacity focused on strategic operational model development within the product domain. The emphasis on "operating model strategy," "transformative solutions," and "executive governance" suggests a deep dive into how product teams function, collaborate, and deliver value at scale, rather than day-to-day product management execution. This role likely bridges the gap between high-level business strategy and the practical execution within product development lifecycles.
📈 Primary Responsibilities
- Define and continuously refine a multi-year product operating model strategy, grounded in customer needs, competitive analysis, and Global Banking objectives, to deliver differentiated, measurable value.
- Spearhead high-impact initiatives and projects to address complex challenges identified by senior leadership, driving transformative solutions that enhance productivity and engagement.
- Analyze product data and insights to understand performance, identify areas for improvement, and provide coaching and guidance to teams to increase their maturity in product development and delivery.
- Proactively monitor industry trends, producing insightful reports and analyses that inform and influence strategic direction, sharing findings with the broader team and senior executives.
- Lead the preparation of executive governance materials, ensuring comprehensive and strategic alignment across Product, Technology, Design, and Data teams, and facilitating informed decision-making at the highest levels.
- Coach and mentor the product team on best practices, including solution generation, market research, prototyping, product adoption strategies, and product delivery, enabling them to effectively achieve objectives.
- Conduct comprehensive market research and competitive analysis to identify emerging trends, unmet customer needs, and potential growth opportunities that align with Global Banking's strategic goals.
- Manage a team of direct reports, providing effective leadership, mentorship, and career development opportunities to drive high performance and engagement within the product strategy function.
📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a strategic, forward-looking approach to how product teams operate. The inclusion of "multi-year strategy," "transformative solutions," and "executive governance" highlights the senior-level nature of this role, focusing on systemic improvements rather than tactical execution. The coaching and mentoring aspect indicates a leadership role in upskilling teams within the product organization.
🎓 Skills & Qualifications
Education: While not explicitly stated, an advanced degree (e.g., MBA, Master's in a related field) is often expected for Executive Director roles in strategy and operations within financial services. Experience: 8+ years of experience in product management, strategy, or related fields is required. This should include a strong focus on operational effectiveness and change management for large-scale organizations.
Required Skills:
- 8+ years of experience in product management, strategy, or related fields.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with a proven track record in data analysis, market research techniques, and utilizing product analytics platforms.
- Exceptional leadership and communication skills, essential for driving organizational change, managing diverse stakeholders across multiple functions, leading cross-functional teams, and guiding products from conception to launch.
- Outstanding ability to analyze complex problems, apply quantitative analytical approaches, and communicate findings confidently and effectively, both orally and in writing.
Preferred Skills:
- 8+ years of experience or equivalent expertise in product development and change management for high-impact and large-scale organizations.
- Proven ability to lead large-scale operational effectiveness initiatives and drive significant improvements in productivity and efficiency.
- Demonstrated experience leading teams operating within agile methodologies and the product development lifecycle.
- Outstanding interpersonal skills necessary for effective collaboration across highly functional teams and the ability to engage stakeholders at all levels.
- Demonstrated prior success in delivering value at scale and influencing effectively within highly matrixed and complex organizational structures.
- Hands-on experience with product analytics platforms; proficiency in Qlik and Tableau is highly desirable for data visualization and reporting.
📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements indicate a blend of strategic thinking, analytical rigor, and strong leadership. The preference for experience in "large-scale organizations" and "highly matrixed environments" points to the complexities of operating within a global financial institution like JPMorgan Chase. The specific mention of Qlik and Tableau highlights a need for practical data visualization and analysis skills.
📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements
Portfolio Essentials:
- Showcase a portfolio demonstrating the development and implementation of strategic operating models or frameworks that have led to measurable improvements in product delivery, team efficiency, or customer value.
- Include case studies detailing how you have analyzed complex organizational challenges and designed transformative solutions, highlighting the process from problem identification to outcome.
- Present examples of your leadership in driving change management initiatives, illustrating how you’ve influenced stakeholders and guided teams through significant operational shifts.
- Demonstrate experience with data-driven decision-making, including how you've leveraged product analytics, market research, and competitive analysis to inform strategic direction and operational model design.
Process Documentation:
- Evidence of designing and documenting sophisticated operating models, including workflow diagrams, governance structures, and RACI matrices relevant to product development lifecycles.
- Documentation of processes for continuous improvement within product organizations, such as feedback loops, performance monitoring, and iterative refinement of methodologies.
- Examples of how you have implemented and automated processes to enhance efficiency, productivity, and engagement across Product, Technology, Design, and Data teams.
- Records of how you have measured the impact and ROI of implemented operational changes, using metrics that demonstrate tangible business value and alignment with strategic objectives.
📝 Enhancement Note: For an Executive Director role focused on operating models, the portfolio should emphasize strategic design, implementation leadership, and measurable impact on organizational processes and outcomes. The focus is less on individual product delivery and more on the systemic improvements of how product organizations function.
💵 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: For an Executive Director role in Product Strategy Operating Model Lead at a major financial institution like JPMorgan Chase in New York City, the estimated annual base salary range is typically between $200,000 and $300,000. This range can vary significantly based on specific experience, performance, and bonus structures. Total compensation, including bonuses and long-term incentives, could significantly increase this figure.
Benefits:
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
- Generous paid time off (PTO), including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
- Retirement savings plans, such as a 401(k) with company match.
- Life and disability insurance coverage.
- Employee assistance programs (EAP) for mental health and well-being support.
- Opportunities for professional development, training, and continuing education.
- Access to employee resource groups and affinity networks.
- Potential for performance-based bonuses and long-term incentive awards.
Working Hours: While a standard 40-hour work week is typical, Executive Director roles often require flexibility and may involve working beyond standard hours to meet project deadlines, attend executive meetings, and manage global teams. The on-site nature implies a requirement to be present in the New York office regularly, with potential for occasional travel.
📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimates are based on industry benchmarks for Executive Director-level positions in strategy and operations within the financial services sector in New York City, considering the firm's prestige and the role's strategic importance. Benefits are standard for large financial institutions and are tailored to attract and retain senior talent.
🎯 Team & Company Context
🏢 Company Culture
Industry: Financial Services (Banking and Investment) Company Size: JPMorgan Chase is a global leader in financial services, employing over 300,000 people worldwide. As a large, established institution, it operates with a complex, matrixed structure that values stability, rigorous risk management, and innovation within a regulated environment. Founded: 2000 (JPMorgan Chase & Co. was formed through the merger of Chase Manhattan Corporation and J.P. Morgan & Co.). Its long history in finance signifies a deep-rooted culture of trust, expertise, and a commitment to serving clients.
Team Structure:
- The Product Office within Global Banking & Investment is likely a central hub responsible for defining product vision, strategy, and operational excellence across various banking product lines.
- This role reports into senior leadership within the Product Office, likely a Chief Product Officer or Head of Product Strategy, and will manage a team of direct reports who support the operational model development and execution.
- Collaboration is expected to be extensive, involving close partnerships with leaders and teams across Product Management, Technology, Design, Data Analytics, and various business lines within Global Banking.
Methodology:
- Emphasis on data-driven decision-making and robust analytics to inform strategic choices and measure operational impact.
- Structured approach to product development and operational improvements, often leveraging agile principles within a larger enterprise framework.
- Focus on customer-centricity, aiming to deliver innovative solutions that meet evolving client needs in the financial services space.
- Strong adherence to governance, risk management, and compliance, which are paramount in the financial industry.
Company Website: https://www.jpmorganchase.com/
📝 Enhancement Note: JPMorgan Chase's culture is characterized by its scale, global reach, and commitment to excellence in financial services. Operations and product strategy roles within such an organization require adaptability, a strategic mindset, and the ability to navigate complex organizational structures while driving impactful change.
📈 Career & Growth Analysis
Operations Career Level: This role is at an Executive Director level, signifying a senior leadership position with significant strategic responsibility. It sits at the intersection of product strategy, operational excellence, and organizational design within the Global Banking product ecosystem. The scope includes defining and evolving the operating model for product teams, impacting how strategy is translated into execution across a large organization. Reporting Structure: The role reports to senior leadership within the Product Office, likely a Chief Product Officer or similar executive. The Executive Director will also manage a team of direct reports, guiding their development and performance. This structure provides visibility to executive leadership and the opportunity to influence strategic direction. Operations Impact: The operations impact is substantial. By defining and refining the product operating model, this role directly influences the efficiency, effectiveness, and innovation capacity of all product-related teams (Product, Technology, Design, Data). This leads to better product outcomes, improved customer experiences, and enhanced business performance for Global Banking.
Growth Opportunities:
- Leadership Advancement: Potential to move into higher executive roles within the Product Office, such as Head of Product Strategy or Chief Product Officer, or to lead broader operational transformation initiatives across the firm.
- Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in operating model design, organizational transformation, product strategy, and executive stakeholder management within the complex financial services landscape.
- Cross-Functional Leadership: Opportunity to lead and influence diverse, global teams, further honing skills in managing complex stakeholder relationships and driving consensus in a matrixed environment.
- Strategic Influence: Play a pivotal role in shaping the future direction of product development and delivery for Global Banking, contributing to the firm's competitive advantage.
📝 Enhancement Note: The career path for an Executive Director in this domain typically involves moving into broader strategic leadership roles or taking on P&L responsibility for product lines. The focus on operating models offers a unique perspective on organizational design and efficiency that is highly transferable across industries.
🌐 Work Environment
Office Type: This is an on-site role, meaning the expectation is to work from a JPMorgan Chase office location in New York City. The environment will be corporate, professional, and likely fast-paced, characteristic of a major financial institution. Office Location(s): New York City, NY. This central location offers access to a vast network of financial professionals and resources. Workspace Context:
- The workspace will likely be a professional office setting, with dedicated desk space and access to corporate IT infrastructure.
- Collaboration will be a key component, with opportunities for in-person meetings, brainstorming sessions, and cross-functional workshops within the office.
- Access to advanced technology, analytics tools, and internal communication platforms will be standard.
- The environment encourages interaction with a diverse group of colleagues from various departments, fostering a rich learning and networking experience.
Work Schedule: While the standard work week is 40 hours, the Executive Director level often involves a demanding schedule, requiring flexibility to attend executive meetings, address urgent issues, and manage global teams across different time zones. This role demands significant commitment and proactive time management.
📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in a major financial hub like New York City underscores the importance of in-person collaboration, direct engagement with senior leadership, and immersion in the firm's operational rhythm.
📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process
Interview Process:
- Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will conduct an initial screening to assess basic qualifications and cultural fit. Be prepared to discuss your experience in product strategy, operating models, and leadership.
- Hiring Manager Interview: A more in-depth discussion with the hiring manager focusing on your strategic thinking, problem-solving abilities, and experience leading teams and initiatives.
- Panel Interviews: Expect interviews with key stakeholders, including peers, direct reports, and senior leaders from Product, Technology, and Business lines. These interviews will assess your technical expertise, leadership style, and ability to collaborate across functions. Be ready to present case studies.
- Case Study/Presentation: You may be asked to prepare and present a case study on a relevant topic, such as designing an operating model for a specific product challenge or outlining a strategy for driving innovation at scale.
- Executive Interview: A final interview with a senior executive (e.g., CPO, Head of Global Banking Product) to evaluate your strategic vision, leadership potential, and alignment with the firm's objectives.
Portfolio Review Tips:
- Focus on Strategic Impact: Highlight how your work has influenced organizational strategy, improved operational efficiency, and driven measurable business outcomes.
- Quantify Achievements: Use data and metrics wherever possible to demonstrate the impact of your initiatives (e.g., percentage increase in productivity, reduction in time-to-market, improvement in customer satisfaction scores).
- Showcase Operating Model Design: Include examples of operating models you've designed or refined, detailing the problem, your solution, the implementation process, and the results.
- Demonstrate Leadership: Provide examples of how you've led teams, managed stakeholders, and driven change in complex environments.
- Tailor to JPMorgan Chase: Research JPMorgan Chase's current strategic priorities, particularly within Global Banking, and align your portfolio examples to demonstrate how your skills can address their challenges.
Challenge Preparation:
- Operating Model Design: Be prepared to discuss frameworks and methodologies for designing and implementing effective product operating models. Consider how to balance agility with governance.
- Change Management: Anticipate questions about how you drive large-scale organizational change, manage resistance, and ensure adoption of new processes and ways of working.
- Strategic Problem-Solving: Practice breaking down complex business problems, identifying root causes, and proposing data-driven, strategic solutions.
- Stakeholder Management: Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed relationships with diverse stakeholders, including senior executives, and navigated complex organizational dynamics.
📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for an Executive Director role at JPMorgan Chase will be rigorous, focusing on strategic acumen, leadership capabilities, and proven experience in driving significant organizational change within a complex financial services environment. A well-curated portfolio that showcases strategic impact and quantitative results is crucial.
🛠 Tools & Technology Stack
Primary Tools:
- Product Management & Strategy Tools: Tools for roadmap planning, strategy formulation, and portfolio management (e.g., Aha!, Productboard, Jira Portfolio).
- Project & Workflow Management: Platforms for managing initiatives, tracking progress, and facilitating collaboration (e.g., Jira, Asana, Confluence).
- Collaboration & Communication: Enterprise-grade tools for internal communication and document sharing (e.g., Microsoft Teams, Slack, SharePoint).
Analytics & Reporting:
- Business Intelligence & Visualization: Qlik and Tableau are explicitly mentioned as highly desirable, indicating a strong need for expertise in data analysis, dashboard creation, and reporting for executive audiences.
- Product Analytics Platforms: Tools for tracking user behavior, product performance, and identifying insights (e.g., Adobe Analytics, Google Analytics, Mixpanel).
- Data Analysis Tools: Proficiency in SQL for data extraction and manipulation, and potentially Python or R for more advanced statistical analysis.
CRM & Automation:
- While not the primary focus, understanding how CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) and automation tools integrate with product strategy and operations can be beneficial for understanding the end-to-end customer journey and operational efficiency.
📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Qlik and Tableau highlights these as critical tools for this role. Proficiency in these platforms, alongside general product management and analytics tools, will be essential for analyzing product data, creating executive-level reports, and informing strategic decisions.
👥 Team Culture & Values
Operations Values:
- Customer Focus: A deep commitment to understanding and serving the needs of Global Banking clients through innovative and effective product solutions.
- Excellence & Integrity: Upholding the highest standards of performance, ethical conduct, and trustworthiness in all aspects of work and decision-making.
- Innovation: Encouraging creative thinking, challenging traditional approaches, and fostering a culture where new ideas are explored to drive competitive advantage.
- Collaboration: Promoting a team-oriented environment where cross-functional partnerships are valued, and collective success is prioritized over individual achievement.
- Accountability: Taking ownership of responsibilities, delivering on commitments, and being transparent about progress and challenges.
Collaboration Style:
- Cross-Functional Integration: The role demands seamless collaboration with Product, Technology, Design, and Data teams, requiring strong relationship-building and communication skills to align diverse perspectives and drive shared objectives.
- Executive Engagement: A proactive and strategic approach to engaging with senior leadership, providing clear insights, and facilitating informed decision-making through well-prepared governance materials.
- Mentorship & Coaching: A commitment to developing team members, sharing knowledge, and fostering a continuous learning environment within the product organization.
- Data-Informed Dialogue: Encouraging discussions grounded in data and analytics to ensure strategic decisions are objective and impactful.
📝 Enhancement Note: JPMorgan Chase's culture emphasizes professionalism, a strong work ethic, and a commitment to client success, all within a highly regulated environment. For this role, collaboration and the ability to influence across diverse teams and senior leadership are paramount.
⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities
Challenges:
- Navigating a Large Matrixed Organization: Effectively influencing and driving change across numerous departments and stakeholders with varying priorities and reporting structures within a global financial institution.
- Defining and Implementing a Sustainable Operating Model: Ensuring the designed operating model is practical, scalable, adaptable to market changes, and effectively adopted by all relevant teams.
- Balancing Innovation with Risk and Regulation: Fostering a culture of innovation while adhering to stringent regulatory requirements and risk management protocols inherent in the financial services industry.
- Driving Measurable Impact: Clearly demonstrating the tangible business value and ROI of new operating models and strategic initiatives to executive leadership.
Learning & Development Opportunities:
- Executive Leadership Training: Access to advanced leadership development programs and executive coaching tailored for senior roles.
- Industry Expertise: Deepening knowledge of financial services products, market trends, and regulatory landscapes through internal resources and external engagement.
- Strategic Transformation Methodologies: Gaining hands-on experience with cutting-edge methodologies for organizational design, operational efficiency, and product strategy execution.
- Networking: Building a robust network of senior leaders and subject matter experts across JPMorgan Chase and the broader financial industry.
📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for senior strategic roles in large, complex organizations, requiring strong change management and stakeholder influence skills. The growth opportunities align with executive career progression, focusing on leadership development and strategic impact.
💡 Interview Preparation
Strategy Questions:
- "Describe a time you designed and implemented a new operating model for a product organization. What were the key challenges, and what was the measurable impact?" (Focus on your process, decision-making, and results).
- "How would you approach defining a multi-year product strategy aligned with the objectives of Global Banking and leveraging competitive analysis and customer insights?" (Highlight your strategic planning framework and research methodologies).
- "Given the complexity of JPMorgan Chase, how would you ensure buy-in and adoption of a new operating model across Product, Technology, Design, and Data teams?" (Emphasize your stakeholder management and change management strategies).
Company & Culture Questions:
- "What do you know about JPMorgan Chase's strategy in Global Banking, and how would your role contribute to its success?" (Showcase your research and understanding of the firm's business).
- "How do you foster a culture of continuous innovation within product teams, especially within a regulated financial environment?" (Connect innovation with agility, customer needs, and risk awareness).
- "Describe your leadership philosophy and how you mentor and develop high-performing teams, particularly in a remote or hybrid environment." (Focus on empowerment, accountability, and career development).
Portfolio Presentation Strategy:
- Structure: Begin with a high-level overview of the challenge, then detail your strategic approach, the specific operating model or initiative you designed/implemented, the key steps in execution, and finally, the quantifiable results and lessons learned.
- Data Visualization: Use clear charts and graphs (especially from Qlik/Tableau if applicable) to illustrate data points, trends, and the impact of your work.
- Storytelling: Frame your examples as compelling narratives that showcase your problem-solving skills, leadership, and strategic thinking.
- Company Alignment: Clearly articulate how your past successes and approach align with JPMorgan Chase's values and the specific needs of the Global Banking Product Office.
📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating strategic depth, leadership capability, and a data-driven approach. Be ready to articulate complex concepts clearly and to connect your experience directly to the challenges and opportunities at JPMorgan Chase.
📌 Application Steps
To apply for this operations position:
- Submit your application through the provided Oracle Cloud Human Capital Management portal link.
- Tailor your Resume: Update your resume to prominently feature keywords related to product strategy, operating model design, executive leadership, change management, data analysis, and financial services. Quantify achievements wherever possible (e.g., "Increased team productivity by X%", "Reduced time-to-market by Y%").
- Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Briefly explain why you are a strong fit for an Executive Director role focused on operating models at JPMorgan Chase, highlighting your most relevant strategic achievements and leadership experience.
- Prepare Your Portfolio: Organize examples of your work that demonstrate your ability to design, implement, and refine operating models, drive strategic initiatives, and lead cross-functional teams. Focus on impact and quantifiable results.
- Research JPMorgan Chase Global Banking: Understand their strategic priorities, recent performance, and any public information on their product or technology initiatives. This will help you tailor your application and interview responses.
⚠️ 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
8+ years of experience in product management or related fields is required. Strong analytical, leadership, and communication skills are essential for driving change and managing stakeholders.