Lead Strategy & Planning Consultant — AI Product Strategy & Innovation

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Lead Strategy & Planning Consultant — AI Product Strategy & Innovation

Company: Wells Fargo

Location: Charlotte, NC; Irving, TX; Chandler, AZ; Minneapolis, MN (On-site)

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Revenue Operations / Product Strategy & Innovation

Date Posted: 2026-06-08

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive product strategy and execution for a portfolio of no-code and low-code AI products and workflow automation capabilities, focusing on enhancing operational efficiency and delivering measurable business value.

• Act as a strategic partner to product leadership, translating high-level business objectives into actionable roadmaps, operating plans, and disciplined execution routines.

• Identify and capitalize on opportunities to create significant business value by analyzing operational challenges, process inefficiencies, and stakeholder needs to inform technology-enabled solutions.

• Foster collaboration and alignment across diverse teams, products, and business groups to reduce duplication of effort and improve overall strategic coherence within the product portfolio.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within Wells Fargo's Chief Operating Office, indicating a strong focus on operational excellence, process improvement, and the strategic application of AI and automation technologies to drive tangible business outcomes within a large financial services institution. The emphasis on "no-code and low-code AI products" suggests a need for a consultant who can bridge the gap between business users and AI/automation capabilities, enabling broader adoption and impact.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic planning and execution for a portfolio of no-code/low-code AI and workflow automation products, ensuring alignment with operational efficiency goals and business value delivery.

• Partner with product leadership to define strategic priorities, clarify objectives, and translate complex business goals into actionable roadmaps, comprehensive operating plans, and robust execution routines.

• Conduct thorough assessments of operational challenges, process inefficiencies, and evolving stakeholder needs to identify and prioritize technology-enabled solutions that drive measurable business value.

• Facilitate cross-functional collaboration, identifying synergies, mitigating redundancies, and ensuring strategic alignment across various teams, products, and business units within the broader product portfolio.

• Support and structure innovation initiatives by evaluating new concepts, defining experimentation frameworks, establishing success criteria, and ensuring that all exploratory work is directly linked to quantifiable business outcomes.

• Establish, manage, and optimize critical operating routines, including leadership cadences, portfolio reviews, intake forums, prioritization discussions, status reporting, and executive-ready communications.

• Develop and maintain key frameworks, materials, and reporting mechanisms to enable leadership decision-making on strategic priorities, resource allocation, risk management, dependency tracking, delivery progress, adoption metrics, and overall business value realization.

• Proactively collaborate with product pods to identify and remove execution roadblocks, manage interdependencies, and ensure seamless alignment among business, product, technology, risk, and control stakeholders.

• Contribute to resource planning, demand management, intake prioritization processes, and overall portfolio-level visibility to ensure the team's focus remains on the highest-impact initiatives.

• Craft clear, concise, and well-structured communications for senior leadership and diverse stakeholder audiences, including strategic updates, decision support materials, meeting summaries, adoption guidance, and compelling portfolio narratives.

• Leverage data, key performance indicators (KPIs), stakeholder feedback, and business outcomes to continuously assess progress, identify areas for improvement, and drive a culture of continuous enhancement across the product organization.

• Champion and foster a collaborative environment that emphasizes accountability, operational excellence, risk awareness, disciplined adoption, and a commitment to continuous learning and development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic thinking, operational discipline, and strong execution capabilities. This role requires someone who can not only define strategy but also manage the operational mechanisms to ensure successful implementation and adoption of AI and automation solutions across a large enterprise. The emphasis on "operating routines" and "leadership cadence" suggests a need for strong process management and communication skills.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Strategy, Operations Management, Technology, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience. Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in strategy, planning, product management, or a related operational consulting role, with a demonstrated ability to drive strategic initiatives and operational improvements. Required Skills:

• Product Strategy & Roadmap Development: Proven ability to define and articulate product vision, strategy, and multi-year roadmaps, particularly for technology-enabled initiatives.

• Portfolio Management: Experience in managing and prioritizing a portfolio of products or initiatives, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives and resource constraints.

• AI & Automation Understanding: Familiarity with AI concepts, and specifically no-code/low-code AI platforms and workflow automation capabilities, including their potential applications in enterprise environments.

• Stakeholder Management & Communication: Exceptional ability to build relationships, manage expectations, and communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders, including senior leadership, business partners, and technology teams.

• Operational Rigor & Process Improvement: Strong understanding of operational processes, with a proven track record of identifying inefficiencies and implementing structured improvements.

• Strategic Execution & Planning: Ability to translate strategic concepts into actionable plans, driving disciplined execution and ensuring follow-through.

• Analytical & Problem-Solving Skills: Demonstrated ability to synthesize complex information, identify root causes, analyze data, and develop practical, data-driven solutions.

• Executive-Level Communication: Proficiency in preparing and delivering clear, concise, and persuasive presentations and reports for senior management.

Preferred Skills:

• Financial Services Industry Experience: Prior experience within the financial services sector, understanding its unique regulatory environment, operational complexities, and risk considerations.

• No-Code/Low-Code Platform Expertise: Hands-on experience or deep understanding of specific no-code/low-code AI or workflow automation platforms.

• Innovation Management: Experience in driving innovation initiatives, including ideation, experimentation, and scaling new solutions.

• Change Management & Adoption: Familiarity with change management principles and strategies to drive successful adoption of new technologies and processes.

• Governance Frameworks: Experience in establishing and managing governance structures for product portfolios or strategic initiatives.

• Risk & Control Management: Understanding of risk management principles and their integration into product strategy and operational processes within a regulated environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Desired Qualifications" significantly bolster the role's requirements, suggesting that candidates with specific experience in translating strategy into tangible product execution, managing innovation, and navigating complex corporate structures (especially within financial services) will be highly competitive. The emphasis on "no-code/low-code" is a critical differentiator.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Strategic Alignment: Demonstrate how past projects or initiatives directly supported overarching business strategies and enterprise objectives.

• Process Optimization Case Studies: Present detailed examples of where you identified operational inefficiencies and implemented structured solutions, quantifying the impact (e.g., time saved, cost reduction, improved throughput).

• Technology Implementation & Adoption: Showcase experience in planning for and supporting the implementation and adoption of new technologies or platforms, highlighting user engagement and value realization.

• Value Proposition & ROI: Clearly articulate the business value and return on investment (ROI) for initiatives you have been involved in, using data and metrics to support claims.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Provide examples of documenting existing workflows and proposing optimized alternatives, focusing on clarity, efficiency, and scalability.

• Implementation Planning: Illustrate how you have contributed to the planning and execution phases of process or technology implementations, including risk assessment and mitigation.

• Performance Measurement: Showcase your approach to defining, tracking, and reporting on key performance indicators (KPIs) for processes and initiatives, demonstrating continuous improvement cycles.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role focused on strategy and planning within AI Product Strategy & Innovation, a portfolio is crucial. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate not just strategic thinking but also the practical application of those strategies through concrete examples of process improvements, technology adoption, and measurable business impact, particularly related to AI and automation.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• The provided salary range for this Lead Strategy & Planning Consultant position is $119,000 - $206,000 USD per year. This range reflects the competitive compensation offered for a role requiring significant experience and strategic expertise within a major financial institution like Wells Fargo. The final salary will be determined based on factors such as the candidate's demonstrated skills, prior performance, years of experience, and the specific work location (Charlotte, NC; Irving, TX; Chandler, AZ; or Minneapolis, MN). Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Includes medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Retirement Savings: A robust 401(k) plan designed to support long-term financial security.

• Paid Time Off (PTO): Generous provisions for vacation, personal days, and holidays to promote work-life balance.

• Disability Support: Short-term and long-term disability benefits to provide financial security during unexpected health events.

• Life & Assurance Coverage: Life insurance, critical illness insurance, and accident insurance for added peace of mind.

• Family Support: Parental leave and critical caregiving leave to support employees during significant life events.

• Financial Wellness: Access to discounts and savings programs, commuter benefits, and tuition reimbursement opportunities.

• Educational Investment: Scholarships for dependent children and adoption reimbursement programs.

Working Hours:

• This is a full-time position, typically requiring approximately 40 hours per week. While the role is designated as on-site, Wells Fargo generally fosters a supportive work environment that may offer some flexibility in daily scheduling, subject to team and operational needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is substantial and indicative of a senior-level, strategic role. The extensive benefits package is typical for a large, established financial institution like Wells Fargo, emphasizing employee well-being and long-term career support. The on-site requirement means candidates should be prepared for a traditional office environment.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Financial Services. Wells Fargo operates within a highly regulated and competitive landscape, demanding a strong emphasis on risk management, compliance, operational excellence, and customer trust. The integration of AI and automation is a strategic imperative for enhancing efficiency, security, and customer experience in this sector.

Company Size: Wells Fargo is a large, global financial services institution, employing tens of thousands of individuals worldwide. This scale implies a complex organizational structure, extensive resources, and a wide array of diverse roles and opportunities. For operations professionals, this means opportunities for significant impact, exposure to large-scale systems, and a structured environment for career progression.

Founded: Wells Fargo was founded in 1852. Its long history signifies stability, deep market understanding, and a legacy of adaptation and growth through various economic cycles. This historical context often translates into a culture that values tradition while embracing necessary evolution, particularly in technology and innovation.

Team Structure:

• Product Portfolio Focus: The role operates within a team dedicated to AI Product Strategy & Innovation, likely part of the Chief Operating Office (COO) or a related strategic innovation unit. This team is responsible for a portfolio of no-code/low-code AI products and workflow automation capabilities.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Expect close collaboration with Product Managers, Technology Partners, Business Stakeholders, and Operational Teams across various business lines within Wells Fargo. This requires strong matrixed management skills and the ability to influence without direct authority.

• Leadership Cadence: The role involves establishing and managing operating routines for leadership, implying a structured reporting and decision-making hierarchy where strategic alignment and progress are regularly reviewed.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: The role emphasizes using data, metrics, and business outcomes to assess progress, identify improvements, and support decision-making, aligning with modern operations and product development best practices.

• Strategic Planning & Execution: The core of the methodology involves translating strategic priorities into actionable roadmaps, detailed operating plans, and disciplined execution routines, with a focus on measurable business value.

• Innovation & Experimentation: A key aspect is supporting innovation by evaluating new ideas, structuring exploratory work, and ensuring experimentation is tied to concrete business results, reflecting a forward-thinking approach to product development.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Wells Fargo's status as a large, established financial institution means the operations environment will be characterized by robust processes, strong governance, and a significant focus on risk and compliance. The "Chief Operating Office" placement for this AI product strategy role underscores its critical importance in driving enterprise-wide efficiency and innovation.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is a "Lead Strategy & Planning Consultant," positioning it at a senior individual contributor level. It requires substantial experience (5+ years) and is responsible for driving strategy and execution across a portfolio, indicating a significant scope of influence and responsibility. It’s a critical role for shaping the future of AI and automation within Wells Fargo's operations.

Reporting Structure: The role reports into product leadership within the Chief Operating Office, focusing on AI Product Strategy & Innovation. This suggests a direct line of sight to senior decision-makers and the ability to influence strategic direction. Collaboration will be matrixed across product, technology, and various business units.

Operations Impact: The primary impact of this role is enhancing operational efficiency, strengthening controls, and delivering measurable business value through the strategic deployment of AI and workflow automation. This directly contributes to cost savings, improved customer experiences, and a more agile and effective enterprise operations framework.

Growth Opportunities:

• Strategic Leadership: Develop into a Product Leader or Head of Strategy for specific AI/automation domains, taking ownership of larger portfolios or strategic initiatives.

• Specialized Expertise: Deepen expertise in AI product strategy, no-code/low-code platforms, or enterprise automation, becoming a recognized subject matter expert within Wells Fargo and the broader financial services industry.

• Cross-Functional Mobility: Leverage experience in strategy and planning to move into broader product management, business transformation, or operational leadership roles across different divisions of Wells Fargo.

• Mentorship & Development: Gain opportunities to mentor junior team members and contribute to the development of best practices within the operations and product strategy functions.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a strategic pathway for experienced professionals looking to make a significant impact on how a major financial institution leverages cutting-edge AI and automation technologies. The growth potential is strong, particularly for those who can demonstrate leadership in driving complex initiatives and delivering measurable business results.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role, implying a traditional office environment where collaboration and day-to-day interactions occur in person. Wells Fargo offices are typically professional and well-equipped to support business operations.

Office Location(s): The position is open to multiple key Wells Fargo hubs: Charlotte, NC; Irving, TX; Chandler, AZ; and Minneapolis, MN. This offers candidates flexibility in choosing a location that best suits their personal circumstances while working from a primary Wells Fargo corporate office.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hubs: Offices are designed to foster collaboration, with meeting rooms, common areas, and desk spaces conducive to team interaction and cross-functional work.

• Technology-Rich Environment: Expect access to robust IT infrastructure, necessary software, and communication tools required for strategic planning and execution in a corporate setting.

• Professional Atmosphere: The environment will be professional, reflecting the standards of a leading financial institution, with opportunities for direct engagement with colleagues and leadership.

Work Schedule:

• Standard full-time business hours (approximately 40 hours per week) are expected. While on-site roles are typically structured, Wells Fargo aims to support work-life balance where operational needs permit, though specific flexibility will depend on team dynamics and manager discretion.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is a key factor for candidates. It suggests that face-to-face collaboration, team cohesion, and direct access to office resources are considered essential for this strategic and cross-functional role.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter will likely conduct an initial phone screen to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A more in-depth discussion with the hiring manager focusing on strategic thinking, experience with AI/automation, portfolio management, and understanding of operational efficiency.

• Panel Interviews: Expect interviews with key stakeholders, including product leadership, technology partners, and business unit representatives. These interviews will likely assess your ability to collaborate, manage dependencies, and articulate strategic plans.

• Case Study/Presentation: A common element for strategy roles. You may be asked to prepare a presentation or analyze a business scenario related to AI product strategy, workflow automation, or operational improvement, demonstrating your problem-solving and communication skills.

• Final Round: Potentially a final interview with senior leadership to confirm strategic alignment and overall fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Quantify Impact: For each project in your portfolio, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the solution implemented, and, most importantly, the quantifiable results (e.g., percentage increase in efficiency, cost savings, adoption rates).

• Showcase Strategy to Execution: Highlight examples where you successfully translated a strategic vision into actionable plans and saw them through to execution and measurable outcomes, especially concerning technology or process improvements.

• Focus on AI/Automation: Prioritize examples that demonstrate your understanding and application of AI, no-code/low-code platforms, or workflow automation, even if within different contexts.

• Tailor to the Role: Emphasize experiences relevant to product strategy, portfolio planning, stakeholder management, and operational rigor.

• Clarity and Conciseness: Present your portfolio clearly, using visuals where appropriate, and be prepared to walk through each example concisely, focusing on the key takeaways and impact.

Challenge Preparation:

• AI/Automation Use Cases: Be ready to discuss potential applications of AI and workflow automation within financial services operations, focusing on areas like process optimization, customer service, risk management, and data analysis.

• Strategic Prioritization Frameworks: Familiarize yourself with common frameworks for prioritizing initiatives within a product portfolio, considering factors like business value, feasibility, risk, and strategic alignment.

• Stakeholder Alignment Scenarios: Prepare to discuss how you would approach aligning diverse stakeholders with competing priorities on a strategic initiative.

• Operational Efficiency Metrics: Understand key metrics used to measure operational efficiency and effectiveness in a corporate environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a Lead Strategy & Planning Consultant is likely to be rigorous, testing not only technical and strategic acumen but also interpersonal and communication skills critical for influencing across a large organization. A well-curated portfolio that demonstrates tangible impact is essential.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Tools such as Jira, Asana, or Microsoft Project for tracking initiatives, roadmaps, and task management.

• Collaboration Platforms: Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar for real-time communication and team collaboration.

• Presentation Software: Advanced proficiency in Microsoft PowerPoint or Google Slides for creating executive-ready presentations and strategy documents.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Business Intelligence (BI) Tools: Experience with platforms like Tableau, Power BI, or QlikView for data visualization, dashboard creation, and performance reporting.

• Spreadsheet Software: Advanced Excel skills for data analysis, modeling, and reporting.

• Data Analysis Tools: Familiarity with tools or methodologies for analyzing operational data, identifying trends, and measuring impact.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems: While not directly a CRM role, understanding how CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) integrate with broader operational workflows and AI initiatives is beneficial.

• Workflow Automation Tools: Familiarity with or experience in using platforms that facilitate no-code/low-code automation, such as Microsoft Power Automate, UiPath, or similar enterprise solutions.

• AI/ML Platforms: Exposure to AI/ML platforms or concepts, particularly those supporting no-code/low-code AI development and deployment.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific tools aren't mandated, a strong command of standard enterprise productivity, project management, BI, and workflow automation tools is expected. The role's focus on "no-code/low-code AI" implies a need for familiarity with platforms that empower business users to build and deploy solutions.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Operational Excellence: A core commitment to efficiency, effectiveness, and continuous improvement in all processes and initiatives.

• Data-Driven Approach: Valuing decisions and strategies informed by robust data analysis, metrics, and measurable outcomes.

• Customer Focus: Ensuring that operational improvements and product strategies ultimately serve the needs of internal and external customers.

• Risk Awareness & Mitigation: A strong emphasis on understanding and managing risks, ensuring compliance, and maintaining strong controls within all operations.

• Innovation & Adaptability: Embracing new technologies and methodologies, such as AI and automation, to drive forward-thinking solutions and stay competitive.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Expect a highly collaborative environment where working across product, technology, business units, and risk/control functions is the norm.

• Transparent Communication: A culture that encourages open, honest, and timely communication, especially regarding progress, challenges, and strategic decisions.

• Solution-Oriented: A collective focus on identifying problems and collaboratively developing practical, effective solutions that drive business value.

• Accountability and Ownership: Team members are expected to take ownership of their responsibilities and drive initiatives to successful completion.

📝 Enhancement Note: Wells Fargo, as a major financial institution, will likely foster a culture that balances innovation with a strong foundation of risk management and operational discipline. The emphasis on collaboration and data-driven decision-making is critical for success in this strategic role.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Large Enterprise Complexity: Managing strategy and execution across a vast organization with diverse stakeholders, established processes, and potentially siloed departments.

• Balancing Innovation with Risk: Driving adoption of new AI and automation technologies while adhering to strict regulatory requirements and risk management frameworks inherent in financial services.

• Demonstrating Measurable ROI: Clearly quantifying the business value and return on investment for AI and automation initiatives, which can sometimes be challenging to attribute directly.

• Driving Adoption of New Technologies: Overcoming resistance to change and ensuring successful adoption of no-code/low-code AI and automation tools across various business units.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deep Dive into AI/Automation: Gain extensive experience with cutting-edge AI and workflow automation technologies within a large-scale enterprise context.

• Strategic Portfolio Management: Hone skills in managing complex product portfolios, strategic planning, and driving enterprise-wide initiatives.

• Cross-Functional Leadership: Develop strong influencing and stakeholder management skills by working across numerous departments and levels within Wells Fargo.

• Financial Services Sector Expertise: Deepen understanding of the intricacies, regulations, and operational challenges specific to the financial services industry.

• Executive Presence & Communication: Enhance abilities to communicate complex strategies and outcomes effectively to senior leadership.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents a significant opportunity for growth by tackling complex challenges within a leading financial institution. The challenges are directly tied to the high-impact nature of the role, offering substantial professional development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to develop a product strategy for a new technology. What was your process, and what were the key challenges?" (Focus on your structured approach, market analysis, and how you translated vision into a roadmap.)

• "How would you approach prioritizing a portfolio of AI/automation initiatives with competing demands and limited resources?" (Discuss frameworks like RICE, MoSCoW, or custom weighted scoring, emphasizing alignment with business objectives and ROI.)

• "Imagine you need to gain buy-in from multiple business units for a new workflow automation platform. What steps would you take to ensure alignment and drive adoption?" (Highlight stakeholder analysis, value proposition tailoring, pilot programs, and change management strategies.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Wells Fargo and this specific role within our AI Product Strategy & Innovation team?" (Research Wells Fargo's recent technological initiatives, their commitment to innovation, and how your skills align with the COO's objectives.)

• "How do you approach building relationships and collaborating with diverse teams, especially in a large, matrixed organization like Wells Fargo?" (Provide examples of successful cross-functional projects and your methods for communication and influence.)

• "How do you measure the success of strategic initiatives, particularly those involving new technologies like AI?" (Discuss key performance indicators (KPIs), ROI calculations, and how you track adoption and business value realization.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each case study, follow a clear story arc: Problem -> Your Role/Approach -> Solution -> Results (quantified impact).

• Highlight Strategic Alignment: Explicitly state how each project contributed to broader business goals or strategic objectives.

• Emphasize Process & Efficiency: Detail the operational improvements, workflow optimizations, or efficiency gains achieved.

• Showcase AI/Automation Impact: If applicable, clearly articulate the role of AI, low-code/no-code platforms, or automation in your project's success.

• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about your specific contributions, the challenges faced, and alternative approaches you considered.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating a strategic mindset, practical execution capabilities, and a deep understanding of how AI and automation drive business value in a complex, regulated environment. The portfolio presentation is a critical opportunity to showcase tangible achievements.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Wells Fargo careers portal.

• Tailor Your Resume: Customize your resume to highlight experience in strategy, planning, product management, AI/automation, and operational efficiency. Use keywords from the job description, such as "Product Strategy," "Portfolio Planning," "Workflow Automation," and "Stakeholder Management."

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate 2-3 key projects that best demonstrate your ability to drive strategy, implement process improvements, and deliver measurable business value, particularly with technology or innovation. Be ready to present these with a focus on quantified results.

• Research Wells Fargo: Understand Wells Fargo's mission, values, recent strategic initiatives (especially in technology and AI), and the role of the Chief Operating Office. This will help you tailor your responses during interviews.

• Practice Interview Questions: Rehearse answers to common strategy, behavioral, and situational questions, focusing on providing specific, STAR-method-based examples that showcase your relevant experience and problem-solving skills.

⚠️ 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.

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