Senior Product Strategy Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Product Strategy Manager

Company: Expedia Group

Location: Seattle, WA, United States; Chicago, IL, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Product Strategy & Management

Date Posted: March 06, 2026

Experience Level: 8+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the strategic direction and execution of product initiatives for Expedia Group's traveler and partner-facing experiences, driving innovation and growth across multiple brands and platforms.

• Champion customer-centric product development by deeply understanding traveler needs and identifying strategic opportunities to enhance user experiences.

• Collaborate closely with senior leadership across Product, Technology, Analytics, Finance, and Marketing to build consensus and align on high-impact, complex projects.

• Leverage extensive data analysis, competitive intelligence, and market insights to inform and refine long-term product strategies and roadmaps, influencing investment decisions and product evolution.

• Safely integrate and operate AI/ML-enabled solutions to improve outcomes, demonstrating a strong understanding of AI-driven systems and their application to real-world products.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within Expedia's Product Division, specifically on the Product Strategy team. It blends core Product Management responsibilities with a strong strategic focus, requiring the candidate to operate as a product manager on key initiatives while also defining the overarching strategy. The emphasis on "operating as a product manager" suggests a hands-on approach, not just high-level strategic planning. The integration of AI/ML solutions is a critical component, indicating a forward-looking approach to product development within the travel technology sector.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of transformative product strategy initiatives across Expedia Group’s global brands (Expedia, Hotels.com, Vrbo, etc.), utilizing data-driven insights and market trends.

• Identify and define innovative opportunities to enhance customer journeys, boost engagement, and drive measurable business growth through strategic product enhancements.

• Partner with Product, Technology, Analytics, Finance, and Marketing leaders to foster collaboration, build consensus, and ensure alignment on strategic product roadmaps and execution plans.

• Conduct comprehensive analysis of technology trends, competitive landscapes, and internal performance data to shape and inform long-term product vision and strategic investments.

• Structure and effectively solve ambiguous, complex problems, clearly communicating trade-offs, strategic recommendations, and business cases to executive stakeholders through compelling narratives and data-backed presentations.

• Safely integrate and operationalize AI/ML-enabled solutions to optimize user experiences and business outcomes, showcasing proficiency in AI/ML concepts and their practical application in product development.

• Define and articulate the product vision, strategy, and roadmap for key strategic bets, ensuring alignment with overall company objectives and market opportunities.

• Drive cross-functional alignment and execution for strategic product initiatives, ensuring successful delivery and impact measurement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a dual focus on strategic planning and hands-on product management. The emphasis on "leading the development and execution of strategic product initiatives" and "operating as a product manager on some of Expedia’s most important bets" indicates that this role is not purely advisory but involves direct ownership and delivery. The requirement to "safely integrate and operate AI/ML-enabled solutions" is a significant point, suggesting that candidates will need to demonstrate practical experience or a strong understanding of AI/ML in a product context, beyond just theoretical knowledge.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• 8+ years of progressive experience in product management, product strategy, or equivalent strategic roles within the e-commerce, technology, or travel sectors.

• Demonstrated track record of owning and successfully delivering complex, cross-functional product and strategy initiatives, influencing organizational-level decisions and execution.

Required Skills:

• Product Strategy Development: Expertise in defining product vision, strategy, and roadmaps aligned with business objectives.

• Product Management Fundamentals: Deep understanding of customer problem discovery, needs assessment, opportunity framing, and solution design.

• Data Analysis & Insights: Proficiency in leveraging quantitative and qualitative data, competitive intelligence, and market analysis to inform strategic decisions.

• Executive Communication: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with a proven ability to present complex information and influence senior stakeholders.

• Cross-functional Leadership: Ability to lead and collaborate effectively with diverse teams across Product, Technology, Analytics, Finance, and Marketing.

• AI/ML Integration: Technical aptitude and understanding to safely integrate and operate AI/ML-enabled solutions within product offerings.

• Problem Framing & Solving: Strong analytical skills to structure and solve ambiguous, complex business problems.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience delivering scaled product strategies and roadmaps in global, matrixed organizations.

• Advanced skills in financial modeling and business case development for strategic investments.

• Demonstrated leadership in synthesizing emerging technology trends, particularly AI/ML advancements, to shape long-term product vision.

• Proven experience taking products from concept through to scaled global adoption.

• Experience within the travel or e-commerce industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Minimum Qualifications" list 8+ years of experience, which aligns with a Senior level. The emphasis on "technical aptitude" and "safely integrate AI/ML-enabled solutions" suggests a need for practical understanding of how these technologies function and can be applied, rather than just theoretical knowledge. The preferred qualifications emphasize experience in global, matrixed environments and product scaling, which are critical for a company of Expedia Group's size and scope.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Strategic Initiative Case Studies: Showcase examples of leading complex product strategy initiatives from conception to execution, detailing the problem space, strategic approach, cross-functional collaboration, and measurable outcomes.

• Product Vision & Roadmap Examples: Present instances where you have defined and communicated a compelling product vision and a strategic roadmap, demonstrating alignment with business goals and market opportunities.

• Data-Driven Decision-Making: Include case studies that highlight how you utilized data analysis, market research, and competitive intelligence to identify opportunities, frame problems, and inform strategic product decisions.

• AI/ML Integration Projects: If possible, provide examples of projects where you were involved in the integration or operationalization of AI/ML-enabled solutions, detailing the approach, challenges, and impact.

• Executive Communication Artifacts: Demonstrate your ability to synthesize complex information into clear, concise presentations or documents tailored for executive audiences, highlighting strategic recommendations and trade-offs.

Process Documentation:

• Strategic Planning Frameworks: Outline your approach to strategic planning, including how you assess market opportunities, competitive threats, and internal capabilities to define strategic priorities.

• Product Development Lifecycle Management: Detail your experience managing products through the entire lifecycle, from ideation and strategy formulation to execution, launch, and iteration.

• Cross-functional Alignment Processes: Describe the methodologies you employ to ensure alignment and collaboration among diverse stakeholders (Product, Engineering, Marketing, Finance, etc.) on strategic initiatives.

• Performance Measurement & Reporting: Explain how you define key performance indicators (KPIs) for strategic initiatives and how you track, measure, and report on their impact.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the original job description doesn't explicitly ask for a portfolio, the nature of a "Senior Product Strategy Manager" role, especially one that involves executive communication and driving complex initiatives, strongly implies that candidates will need to demonstrate their past work. The requirements here are inferred based on industry best practices for senior strategy roles, focusing on strategic impact, data-driven decision-making, and cross-functional leadership. The inclusion of AI/ML integration is a specific requirement derived from the job description.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Seattle, WA: $173,000 - $242,500 annually. Potential to reach $277,000 based on sustained performance.

• Chicago, IL: $161,000 - $225,500 annually. Potential to reach $257,500 based on sustained performance.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary ranges are provided directly in the job description for both Seattle and Chicago. The ranges are presented as total cash compensation, with potential for increases based on performance. The note about starting pay varying based on location, budget, and candidate qualifications is standard.

Benefits:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO)

• Parental Leave

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

• Wellness & Travel Reimbursement

• Travel Discounts

• International Airlines Travel Agent (IATAN) Membership

• Career Development Resources

Working Hours:

• Likely a standard 40-hour work week, with flexibility expected due to the senior and strategic nature of the role, which may involve occasional work outside of standard business hours to meet project deadlines or accommodate global teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: Specific benefits are listed in the job description. The working hours are inferred to be standard full-time, but the senior level implies a degree of flexibility and expectation to go above and beyond when necessary, especially in a global organization.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Online Travel and Technology

Company Size: Large (Expedia Group is a major global online travel company with tens of thousands of employees globally, though specific office site sizes may vary).

Founded: 1996 (Expedia Group's origins trace back to this year).

Team Structure:

• The Product Strategy team sits within the broader Product Division, indicating a central role in shaping product direction across the company.

• This team collaborates extensively with senior leaders across Product, Technology, Analytics, Finance, Marketing, and Business units, suggesting a highly cross-functional and matrixed operational environment.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: The team relies heavily on data analysis, market insights, and customer research to inform strategic decisions and product development.

• Strategic Initiative Leadership: Focus on defining and driving large-scale, cross-functional strategic projects that have a significant impact on the business and customer experience.

• Agile Product Development: While not explicitly stated, it's standard in tech companies like Expedia to employ agile methodologies for product development and execution.

• AI/ML Integration: A key methodology involves exploring, integrating, and operationalizing AI/ML solutions to enhance products and drive business outcomes.

Company Website: https://careers.expediagroup.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company description emphasizes values like openness, belonging, and celebration of differences. The "flexible work model" and "cool offices" suggest a modern, employee-focused environment. The team's strategic role within the Product Division and its extensive cross-functional collaboration are key aspects. The mention of AI/ML integration points to a forward-thinking approach to technology adoption.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level:

Reporting Structure:

Operations Impact:

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to move into Director or VP-level Product Strategy or Product Management roles within Expedia Group.

• Strategic Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas of product strategy, such as AI/ML product integration, platform strategy, or specific market segments.

• Cross-Functional Expertise: Development of advanced skills in stakeholder management, executive communication, and influencing across a large, matrixed organization.

• Industry Influence: The role offers a platform to shape the future of travel technology, potentially leading to industry recognition and thought leadership.

• Continuous Learning: Access to Expedia's career development resources, travel perks, and exposure to cutting-edge technologies like AI/ML foster ongoing skill enhancement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" title, combined with the 8+ years of experience requirement, signifies a leadership-track role. The emphasis on influencing senior executives and driving company-wide initiatives points to significant career growth potential within Expedia Group's product organization. The specific mention of AI/ML integration also presents an opportunity for specialization in a high-demand field.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type:

Office Location(s):

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The emphasis on cross-functional collaboration means the workspace is designed to facilitate interaction, brainstorming, and team alignment.

• Technology-Enabled: As a tech company, expect access to up-to-date hardware, software, and connectivity necessary for product strategy and management work.

• Team Interaction: While hybrid, the on-site component allows for direct interaction with product teams, engineering counterparts, and leadership, crucial for driving strategy and alignment.

Work Schedule:

• The role is full-time, likely a standard 40-hour work week. However, due to the strategic nature and global scope of Expedia Group, some flexibility may be required, potentially including occasional work outside of standard business hours to accommodate different time zones or critical project milestones.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "flexible work model" combined with "on-site" locations suggests a hybrid approach, where employees are expected to be in the office for a portion of the week. The description of Expedia's offices as "cool" and their commitment to employee well-being implies a modern, amenity-rich workspace.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter will likely review applications for minimum qualifications and fit.

• Hiring Manager Interview: An in-depth discussion focusing on experience, strategic thinking, problem-solving skills, and leadership capabilities. Expect questions around past strategic initiatives and product successes.

• Panel Interviews: Candidates may participate in interviews with cross-functional partners (e.g., Product, Engineering, Marketing leaders) to assess collaboration style and strategic alignment.

• Case Study / Presentation: A common element for strategy roles, involving a hypothetical or real business problem that the candidate must analyze and present strategic recommendations for, often to a panel of senior leaders. This will heavily test strategic thinking, data analysis, and executive communication skills.

• Executive Interview: A final interview with a senior executive (e.g., VP Product) to assess overall fit, strategic vision, and leadership potential.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Strategic Impact: For each case study or project presented, clearly articulate the strategic problem, the unique insights derived (data, market, customer), the strategic solution proposed, and the measurable business impact.

• Demonstrate Problem Framing: Show your ability to dissect complex, ambiguous problems into manageable components and identify the core issues to address.

• Highlight Cross-Functional Collaboration: Provide examples of how you successfully partnered with diverse teams, navigated differing opinions, and built consensus to drive initiatives forward.

• Showcase Executive Communication: Prepare concise, impactful presentations that clearly articulate strategy, trade-offs, and recommendations, tailored for an executive audience. Quantify outcomes wherever possible.

• Integrate AI/ML Context: If applicable, clearly explain your role in integrating or leveraging AI/ML solutions, focusing on the strategic benefit and operational considerations.

Challenge Preparation:

• Anticipate Strategy Case Studies: Practice frameworks for analyzing market opportunities, competitive threats, product-market fit, and growth strategies within the travel tech industry.

• Data Interpretation: Be prepared to analyze provided data sets (market share, customer behavior, financial metrics) and draw strategic conclusions.

• AI/ML Application: Think about how AI/ML can be applied to enhance travel experiences, optimize operations, or create new business models within Expedia's ecosystem.

• Stakeholder Management Scenarios: Prepare responses for questions about managing conflicting priorities, gaining buy-in from senior leaders, and driving alignment across departments.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the role's seniority and focus on strategy, a case study or strategic presentation is highly probable. The advice emphasizes demonstrating strategic thinking, data-driven insights, executive communication, and cross-functional leadership – all critical for this level of role. The AI/ML component is specifically called out for preparation.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Product Management Platforms: Jira, Confluence, Asana (for project tracking, documentation, and roadmap planning).

• Product Analytics Tools: Amplitude, Mixpanel, Google Analytics (for understanding user behavior, feature adoption, and campaign performance).

• Data Visualization & BI Tools: Tableau, Power BI, Looker (for creating dashboards and reports to track KPIs and communicate insights).

• Competitive Intelligence Tools: Tools like SimilarWeb, Crayon, or internal market intelligence platforms.

• Collaboration Suites: Microsoft 365 (Teams, SharePoint, Word, Excel, PowerPoint) or Google Workspace.

Analytics & Reporting:

• SQL: Essential for direct data querying and analysis from various data warehouses.

• Advanced Excel: For financial modeling, data manipulation, and detailed analysis.

• Business Intelligence Dashboards: Proficiency in interpreting and contributing to dashboards that track key business and product metrics.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a primary focus for this role, understanding CRM principles (e.g., Salesforce) and marketing automation concepts is beneficial for understanding the broader customer journey and partner interactions.

• AI/ML Platforms/Tools: Familiarity with cloud-based AI/ML services (e.g., AWS SageMaker, Google AI Platform, Azure ML) or specific AI/ML libraries/frameworks may be advantageous for understanding integration possibilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is inferred based on common tools used in large tech companies for product management, strategy, and data analysis. The emphasis on data analysis, BI tools, and AI/ML platforms is directly derived from the job description's responsibilities. Proficiency in SQL and advanced data analysis is a standard expectation for strategic roles involving data.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Focus: A deep commitment to understanding and serving traveler needs to create exceptional travel experiences. This translates to prioritizing initiatives that directly benefit the end-user.

• Innovation: Driving forward with new ideas, technologies (like AI/ML), and approaches to stay ahead in the competitive travel market.

• Collaboration: Working effectively across diverse teams and functions to achieve shared goals, fostering an environment where diverse perspectives are valued.

• Data-Driven: Making decisions based on robust data analysis and insights, ensuring strategic choices are grounded in evidence.

• Accountability: Taking ownership of strategic initiatives and driving them to successful execution and measurable impact.

Collaboration Style:

• Partnership-Oriented: The role requires building strong relationships with Product, Technology, Analytics, Finance, and Marketing leaders, acting as a strategic partner to these functions.

• Consensus Building: Actively working to align diverse stakeholders on strategic direction, often involving negotiation and clear communication of trade-offs.

• Influence Without Authority: The ability to drive change and alignment through compelling arguments, data, and strategic vision, rather than direct reporting lines.

• Open Communication: Encouraging transparency and open dialogue to ensure all perspectives are considered in strategic planning and execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: Expedia's stated values (openness, belonging, winning together) are integrated here, along with inferred values based on the role's responsibilities such as customer focus, data-driven decision-making, and innovation. The collaboration style emphasizes partnership and influence, which are crucial for a senior strategy role in a matrixed organization.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating a Large Matrixed Organization: Balancing the needs and priorities of multiple brands, business units, and functional teams within a global corporation.

• Ambiguity and Complexity: Tackling ill-defined problems and developing strategic clarity in a rapidly evolving industry.

• Driving Change: Influencing and aligning senior stakeholders and diverse teams to adopt new strategies or product directions.

• Integrating Emerging Technologies: Safely and effectively integrating AI/ML solutions into existing product ecosystems, managing technical complexities and user adoption.

• Balancing Short-Term vs. Long-Term: Ensuring immediate business needs are met while investing in long-term strategic vision and innovation.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Strategy & Product Skills: Opportunities to hone skills in market analysis, competitive strategy, product roadmapping, and executive stakeholder management.

• AI/ML Product Integration Expertise: Deepen knowledge and practical experience in applying AI/ML to product development challenges within the travel sector.

• Leadership Development: Develop leadership capabilities through managing complex projects, influencing senior leaders, and potentially mentoring junior team members.

• Industry Exposure: Gain insights into the global travel industry, emerging technology trends, and best practices from a leading travel tech company.

• Cross-Functional Acumen: Enhance understanding of various business functions (tech, marketing, finance, analytics) through close collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are derived from the inherent complexities of a senior strategy role in a large, global tech company, with a specific emphasis on the AI/ML integration aspect. Growth opportunities focus on advancing strategic, technical, and leadership skills.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you identified a significant strategic opportunity for a product or business. How did you validate it, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on problem framing, data analysis, and impact.)

• "How would you approach developing a product strategy for [hypothetical Expedia product/feature, e.g., personalized travel recommendations] considering AI/ML capabilities?" (Assess strategic thinking, AI/ML application, and market awareness.)

• "Walk me through a complex, ambiguous problem you solved. What was your process, and how did you communicate your recommendation to senior leaders?" (Evaluate problem-solving, structured thinking, and executive communication.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about Expedia Group's mission and the travel industry?" (Gauge passion and cultural fit.)

• "How do you foster collaboration and alignment among diverse teams, especially when dealing with different priorities or perspectives?" (Evaluate collaboration and influencing skills.)

• "Expedia Group values X, Y, Z. Can you give an example of how you've embodied one of these values in your work?" (Assess alignment with company culture.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: For each case study, follow a clear narrative: Problem/Opportunity -> Your Role & Approach -> Strategic Solution -> Key Insights/Data -> Execution & Collaboration -> Measurable Impact -> Lessons Learned.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use data and metrics to demonstrate the success of your strategies and initiatives (e.g., % increase in conversion, $ revenue generated, % improvement in customer satisfaction).

• Highlight Strategic Thinking: Emphasize why certain decisions were made, the trade-offs considered, and how the strategy aligned with broader business objectives.

• Showcase AI/ML Relevance: If presenting a relevant project, clearly articulate the AI/ML component, its strategic purpose, and the outcomes achieved.

• Conciseness: Be prepared to present your key findings and recommendations within a limited timeframe (e.g., 20-30 minutes), leaving ample time for Q&A.

📝 Enhancement Note: These interview questions and preparation tips are tailored for a Senior Product Strategy Manager role, focusing on strategic thinking, data acumen, executive communication, and the specific requirement of AI/ML integration. The advice on portfolio presentation emphasizes demonstrating strategic impact and quantitative results.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Product Strategy Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided Workday link: https://expedia.wd108.myworkdayjobs.com/search/job/Washington---Seattle-Campus/Senior-Product-Strategy-Manager_R-101819

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your 8+ years of experience in product management and strategy, emphasizing accomplishments related to driving strategic initiatives, cross-functional leadership, data analysis, and executive communication. Quantify your impact wherever possible.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Gather 2-3 key case studies showcasing your most impactful strategic projects. Focus on demonstrating your ability to frame complex problems, leverage data, drive consensus, and achieve measurable business outcomes, particularly highlighting any experience with AI/ML integration.

• Research Expedia Group: Understand their brands, business model, recent strategic moves, and company values. Be prepared to articulate why you are a good fit for their culture and how your strategic vision aligns with theirs.

• Practice Interview Questions: Rehearse answers to common strategy and behavioral questions, focusing on the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) and preparing specific examples relevant to the role's requirements, including AI/ML applications.

⚠️ 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.