Lead Strategy & Planning Consultant — AI Product Strategy & Innovation

Wells Fargo
Full-time$119k-206k/year (USD)Minneapolis, United States

📍 Job Overview

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

Company: Wells Fargo

Location: Charlotte, NC, United States (On-site)

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Revenue Operations / GTM Strategy

Date Posted: 2026-06-16

Experience Level: 5+ 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.

  • Partner closely with product leadership to define strategic priorities, clarify objectives, and translate high-level business goals into actionable roadmaps and disciplined execution routines.

  • Identify and assess opportunities for business value creation by understanding operational challenges, process inefficiencies, and evolving stakeholder needs.

  • Establish and manage critical operating routines, including leadership cadences, portfolio reviews, intake forums, and executive communications to ensure strategic alignment and progress.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title mentions "AI Product Strategy & Innovation," the core responsibilities and desired qualifications strongly indicate a role within Revenue Operations or a closely related GTM Strategy function. The emphasis on operational efficiency, workflow automation, product portfolio management, and driving business value through technology solutions aligns directly with the strategic planning and execution aspects of modern operations roles, particularly those focused on leveraging AI and automation to optimize business processes. The primary focus is on the strategic and operational execution of AI product portfolios, rather than deep technical AI development.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

  • Spearhead the strategic direction and execution for a portfolio comprising no-code and low-code AI products and workflow automation solutions.

  • Collaborate with product leadership to establish clear strategic priorities, define measurable objectives, and transform business goals into executable roadmaps and robust operating plans.

  • Proactively identify opportunities to generate significant business value by analyzing operational pain points, process bottlenecks, and stakeholder requirements.

  • Foster synergy and reduce redundancy by connecting workstreams across various teams, products, and business units to ensure cohesive portfolio management.

  • Support innovation initiatives by evaluating novel ideas, structuring exploratory efforts, defining success metrics, and linking experimentation directly to tangible business outcomes.

  • Develop and maintain effective operating routines, including leadership forums, portfolio reviews, intake processes, prioritization mechanisms, and executive-level reporting.

  • Create and disseminate frameworks, materials, and reports that empower leadership to make informed decisions regarding strategic priorities, resource allocation, risk management, dependency tracking, delivery progress, adoption rates, and overall business value realization.

  • Act as a key liaison for product pods, proactively identifying and mitigating execution roadblocks, managing interdependencies, and ensuring alignment across business, product, technology, risk, and control functions.

  • Contribute to resource planning, demand management, intake prioritization, and portfolio-level visibility to ensure optimal focus on high-value initiatives.

  • Craft clear, concise, and compelling communications for diverse leadership and stakeholder audiences, encompassing strategic updates, decision support materials, meeting summaries, adoption guides, and overarching portfolio narratives.

  • Leverage data, key performance indicators (KPIs), stakeholder feedback, and business outcomes to monitor progress, pinpoint areas for enhancement, and drive continuous improvement across the product organization.

  • Champion a culture rooted in collaboration, accountability, operational excellence, risk awareness, adoption discipline, and a commitment to continuous learning.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize strategic planning, execution oversight, and stakeholder management within a product portfolio context, which are core functions of advanced operations roles. The focus on "no-code and low-code AI products and workflow automation capabilities" indicates a need for understanding how technology can drive operational efficiency and business value, a key area for Revenue Operations and GTM Strategy.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

  • While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Strategy, Economics, Finance, Computer Science, or a related field is typically expected for a Lead Consultant role at this level. Advanced degrees (MBA, Master's) may be preferred. Experience:

  • Minimum of 5 years of experience in Strategy and Planning, or equivalent demonstrated through work experience, training, military experience, or education. Required Skills:

  • Strategic Planning & Execution: Proven ability to develop and implement comprehensive strategies, translate vision into actionable plans, and drive disciplined execution.

  • Portfolio Management: Experience managing a portfolio of products or initiatives, including prioritization, resource allocation, and performance tracking.

  • Operational Rigor: Deep understanding of operational processes and the ability to identify inefficiencies, implement improvements, and ensure strong execution discipline.

  • Stakeholder Management: Exceptional ability to build rapport, influence, and collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders across business, product, technology, and control functions.

  • Analytical & Problem-Solving Skills: Strong aptitude for synthesizing complex information, identifying root causes, and developing data-driven solutions tied to measurable outcomes.

  • Executive Communication: Skill in preparing clear, concise, and compelling communications for senior leadership, including presentations, reports, and decision materials.

Preferred Skills:

  • Product Strategy & Roadmapping: Demonstrated experience in shaping product vision, developing roadmaps, and defining strategic priorities for a product portfolio.

  • AI/Automation Understanding: Familiarity with no-code/low-code AI products and workflow automation capabilities, and their application in driving business value.

  • Innovation Frameworks: Experience supporting innovation efforts, structuring exploratory work, and defining success criteria for new concepts.

  • Change Management & Adoption: Experience in driving business implementation, operating model changes, and ensuring successful adoption of new capabilities.

  • Risk & Control Awareness: Understanding of risk management principles and the ability to integrate them into operational planning and execution.

  • Financial Services Industry Knowledge: Familiarity with the financial services sector, its regulatory environment, and operational challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: The desired qualifications strongly suggest a need for experience in product strategy and portfolio management, which are critical for operations leaders overseeing technology adoption and process optimization. The emphasis on AI and workflow automation points to a modern operations skillset.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

  • Demonstrated ability to structure and manage a portfolio of AI and workflow automation products, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives.

  • Experience in developing frameworks for assessing business value, identifying ROI, and tracking metrics for technology-enabled initiatives.

  • Proficiency in establishing and maintaining governance routines for product intake, prioritization, and ongoing portfolio reviews.

  • Ability to connect disparate initiatives and demonstrate how they contribute to a cohesive operational strategy and overall business goals. Process Documentation:

  • Experience in documenting and optimizing workflows related to product strategy development, planning, and execution.

  • Ability to create clear process maps and standard operating procedures for managing product portfolios, including intake, decision-making, and reporting.

  • Skill in defining metrics and reporting mechanisms to track process adherence, operational efficiency gains, and business value realization from implemented solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section infers the need for a structured approach to managing product portfolios and processes, common in operations roles focused on strategic implementation and efficiency. The emphasis on "no-code/low-code AI products and workflow automation" suggests a need to document and streamline the adoption and management of these tools.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $119,000.00 - $206,000.00 USD per year

Benefits:

  • Health benefits

  • 401(k) Plan

  • Paid time off

  • Disability benefits

  • Life insurance

  • Critical illness insurance

  • Accident insurance

  • Parental leave

  • Critical caregiving leave

  • Discounts and savings

  • Commuter benefits

  • Tuition reimbursement

  • Scholarships for dependent children

  • Adoption reimbursement Working Hours:

  • Standard full-time work hours, likely around 40 hours per week, with potential for extended hours during critical project phases or reporting cycles. The role is on-site, implying adherence to typical office working hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is based on the input data and reflects a senior-level consultant role within a large financial institution. The broad range accounts for variations in experience, specific skill sets, and potential location-based adjustments, though the role is primarily listed as on-site in Charlotte, NC. The comprehensive benefits package is typical for a large enterprise like Wells Fargo.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Financial Services

Company Size: Wells Fargo is a global financial services leader with tens of thousands of employees, indicating a large, complex organizational structure with established processes and diverse career opportunities.

Founded: The company has a long history, founded in 1852, suggesting a culture that values stability, tradition, and long-term strategic thinking, while also embracing innovation to remain competitive.

Team Structure:

  • The role sits within the Chief Operating Office (COO), a central hub for operational strategy, efficiency, and execution.

  • The AI Product Strategy & Innovation team likely comprises product managers, strategy consultants, business analysts, and potentially AI/ML specialists, all working collaboratively to advance the company's AI and automation agenda.

  • This team will collaborate extensively with various business lines, technology departments, risk management, and compliance functions across the organization. Methodology:

  • The team is expected to employ data-driven decision-making, leveraging analytics and metrics to inform strategy, prioritize initiatives, and measure impact.

  • A focus on operational excellence and continuous improvement will guide workflow planning and optimization strategies.

  • Automation and efficiency practices will be central to the team's mission, aiming to streamline processes and enhance productivity through AI and low-code/no-code solutions.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: As part of the Chief Operating Office, this role is positioned to influence operational efficiency across the enterprise. The financial services industry context implies a strong emphasis on regulatory compliance, risk management, and robust governance, which will be integral to any AI product strategy.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Lead Strategy & Planning Consultant signifies a senior individual contributor role with significant responsibility for strategic direction and execution within a specialized domain (AI Product Strategy & Innovation). This role is crucial for driving operational improvements and innovation.

Reporting Structure: This role likely reports to a Director or Senior Director within the Chief Operating Office, focusing on AI Product Strategy and Innovation. The position requires close collaboration with Product Leadership and direct engagement with various business and technology stakeholders.

Operations Impact: The role has a direct impact on enhancing operational efficiency, strengthening execution discipline, and creating measurable business value through the strategic deployment of AI and workflow automation products. This contributes directly to the company's overall productivity, cost-effectiveness, and competitive advantage.

Growth Opportunities:

  • Specialization Advancement: Deepen expertise in AI product strategy, innovation frameworks, and workflow automation within the financial services sector, potentially leading to senior product management or strategy roles.

  • Leadership Development: Progress into management roles overseeing strategy and planning teams, or take on broader portfolio management responsibilities.

  • Cross-Functional Exposure: Gain extensive experience working across diverse business units and technology teams, building a comprehensive understanding of the enterprise and expanding network.

  • Industry Impact: Contribute to shaping the future of AI adoption and operational efficiency within a leading financial institution, gaining recognition for driving tangible business outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for growth within strategic operations and product management, particularly in the burgeoning field of AI-driven business solutions within a large, established financial institution. The emphasis on strategic planning and execution positions candidates for leadership roles.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role, indicating a traditional office environment within a Wells Fargo corporate location. The company generally promotes a professional and collaborative atmosphere.

Office Location(s): The primary location is Charlotte, NC, with flexibility or potential for roles in Irving, TX; Chandler, AZ; and Minneapolis, MN. This offers options for candidates in different regions.

Workspace Context:

  • The workspace will facilitate collaboration with product managers, technology partners, and business stakeholders, likely through a mix of in-person meetings, shared office spaces, and digital collaboration tools.

  • Access to standard corporate IT infrastructure, including necessary software, communication platforms, and potentially specialized analytics or AI tools, is expected.

  • Opportunities for informal "water cooler" conversations and team huddles are inherent in an on-site environment, fostering team cohesion and spontaneous problem-solving. Work Schedule:

  • The role is full-time, with standard business hours. While on-site, the company culture as described ("Living the Well Life") suggests an emphasis on work-life balance, though demanding project cycles may require flexibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement for this role suggests a preference for in-person collaboration and team integration, which can be beneficial for complex strategic planning and stakeholder alignment in a large financial institution.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

  • Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will likely review applications, focusing on alignment with required and desired qualifications, particularly experience in strategy, planning, and product management.

  • Hiring Manager Interview: This will delve into your experience with product strategy, portfolio management, stakeholder collaboration, and your understanding of operational efficiency through AI/automation. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of your strategic contributions.

  • Panel Interview(s): Expect interviews with cross-functional team members (e.g., product managers, technology leads, business representatives) to assess your collaboration style, problem-solving approach, and ability to articulate complex ideas.

  • Case Study/Presentation: A common element for strategy roles, you may be asked to analyze a business problem, develop a strategic recommendation, or present a past project focusing on its strategic impact and execution.

  • Final Interview: May involve senior leadership to assess cultural fit and overall strategic alignment with the organization's goals.

Portfolio Review Tips:

  • Strategic Impact: For any project presented, clearly articulate the strategic objective, your role in defining and executing the strategy, and the measurable business outcomes achieved.

  • Process Optimization: Showcase examples where you identified operational inefficiencies and implemented solutions (especially technology-driven ones like AI/automation) that led to tangible improvements (e.g., cost savings, increased throughput, reduced errors).

  • Product Portfolio Context: If possible, include examples of managing or contributing to a portfolio of initiatives, demonstrating prioritization, roadmapping, and stakeholder alignment.

  • Data & Metrics: Quantify your achievements using relevant metrics. For this role, focus on metrics related to operational efficiency, adoption rates, business value generated, and ROI.

  • Communication Skills: Prepare to present your portfolio items clearly, concisely, and persuasively, tailoring your narrative to the specific requirements of this Lead Consultant role.

Challenge Preparation:

  • Strategic Problem Solving: Be ready to tackle hypothetical scenarios related to AI product strategy, operational efficiency challenges, or portfolio prioritization. Practice structuring your approach: define the problem, identify key stakeholders, propose solutions, outline execution steps, and define success metrics.

  • Stakeholder Alignment Scenarios: Prepare to discuss how you would manage conflicting priorities or gain buy-in from different business units and technology teams.

  • AI/Automation Application: Think about how AI and workflow automation can be applied to common challenges in the financial services industry to drive efficiency and innovation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio review and potential case study suggests that candidates should be prepared to demonstrate practical application of their strategic thinking and planning skills, particularly in areas related to technology adoption and operational efficiency.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

  • Product Management & Roadmapping Tools: Familiarity with tools like Jira, Confluence, Aha!, or similar platforms for backlog management, roadmap visualization, and documentation.

  • Collaboration & Communication Platforms: Proficiency in tools such as Microsoft Teams, Slack, Zoom, and internal Wells Fargo communication suites for day-to-day interaction and virtual meetings.

  • Presentation Software: Expertise in PowerPoint or Google Slides for developing executive-level communications, strategic proposals, and portfolio updates.

Analytics & Reporting:

  • Business Intelligence Tools: Experience with platforms like Tableau, Power BI, or internal BI solutions for data analysis, dashboard creation, and performance reporting.

  • Spreadsheet Software: Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets for data manipulation, financial modeling, and detailed analysis.

CRM & Automation:

  • CRM Systems: While not a direct CRM role, understanding how CRM data (e.g., Salesforce) can inform strategy and operational improvements is beneficial.

  • Workflow Automation Tools: Familiarity with no-code/low-code platforms (e.g., Microsoft Power Automate, ServiceNow, Pega, or custom internal solutions) is highly relevant, given the role's focus.

  • AI/ML Platforms: Exposure to AI product development lifecycles or platforms, even at a high level, would be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role requires a strong understanding of the tools used in strategic planning, product management, and data analysis, with a specific emphasis on workflow automation and no-code/low-code AI platforms, aligning with the core responsibilities.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

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

  • Data-Driven Decision Making: Utilizing data and analytics to inform strategy, measure impact, and guide decision-making.

  • Collaboration & Partnership: Fostering strong working relationships with cross-functional teams to achieve shared goals.

  • Innovation & Adaptability: Embracing new technologies and approaches to solve business challenges and drive progress.

  • Accountability & Ownership: Taking responsibility for outcomes and delivering on commitments with a focus on measurable results.

Collaboration Style:

  • The team operates with a collaborative, cross-functional approach, working closely with product managers, technologists, business leaders, and risk/control partners.

  • Expect a culture that encourages open communication, constructive feedback, and shared problem-solving to navigate complex initiatives.

  • The emphasis on "Living the Well Life" suggests a culture that values employee well-being and work-life balance, alongside high performance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's stated values and the nature of the role within the COO indicate a culture that prioritizes efficiency, data, collaboration, and innovation, all within the robust framework of a financial institution's compliance and risk requirements.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

  • Navigating Ambiguity: The role requires bringing structure to complex, fast-moving environments and defining clear paths forward for AI product strategy.

  • Cross-Functional Alignment: Securing buy-in and aligning diverse stakeholders with competing priorities across a large organization can be challenging.

  • Measuring ROI of AI: Quantifying the business value and ROI of AI and automation initiatives, especially for early-stage products, requires robust metrics and data analysis.

  • Pace of Innovation: Keeping pace with rapid advancements in AI technology and integrating them effectively into operational strategies while managing risk.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

  • AI & Automation Specialization: Deepen expertise in the practical application of AI and automation tools within enterprise environments, particularly in financial services.

  • Strategic Leadership: Develop advanced skills in strategic planning, portfolio management, and executive stakeholder engagement.

  • Industry Trends: Gain insights into emerging trends in financial technology (FinTech) and operational innovation.

  • Professional Development Programs: Wells Fargo offers various internal training programs, workshops, and potentially tuition reimbursement for relevant external courses or certifications in strategy, product management, or AI.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents significant opportunities to grow in the high-demand field of AI-driven operational strategy, with the potential to tackle complex challenges and contribute to the strategic direction of a major financial institution.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

  • "Describe a time you developed a product strategy or roadmap for a complex portfolio. What was your process, and what were the key outcomes?"

  • "How would you assess the business value and potential ROI of a new no-code AI product for improving operational efficiency?"

  • "Walk me through how you would establish operating routines and governance for a new AI product initiative within a large enterprise."

  • "Describe a situation where you had to align multiple stakeholders with differing priorities on a strategic initiative. What was your approach?" Company & Culture Questions:

  • "What do you know about Wells Fargo's approach to AI and innovation?"

  • "How do you see this role contributing to Wells Fargo's mission of helping customers succeed?"

  • "Describe your ideal team culture and how you contribute to fostering a collaborative and accountable environment." Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

  • Structure: Begin with the strategic objective, your specific role, the challenges faced, the solution/strategy implemented, the key metrics used to measure success, and the quantifiable business impact (e.g., efficiency gains, cost savings, risk reduction).

  • Focus on Operations: Highlight instances where your work led to process improvements, automation, or enhanced operational efficiency, especially through technology.

  • AI/Automation Relevance: If possible, showcase projects involving AI, automation, or data-driven decision-making.

  • Conciseness: Practice presenting your key achievements within a limited timeframe, ensuring clarity and impact.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating strategic thinking, operational acumen, and the ability to translate complex ideas into actionable plans with measurable results, particularly in the context of AI and automation.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

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

  • Tailor your resume: Highlight your experience in strategy and planning, product portfolio management, operational efficiency, stakeholder management, and any exposure to AI or workflow automation tools. Use keywords from the job description.

  • Prepare your portfolio: Select 2-3 key projects that best demonstrate your strategic planning, execution, and impact on operational efficiency. Be ready to discuss your role, the challenges, the process, and the quantifiable results.

  • Research Wells Fargo: Understand the company's strategic priorities, its commitment to innovation, and its operations within the financial services industry. Familiarize yourself with their stated values and culture.

  • Practice your narrative: Be ready to articulate concisely how your skills and experience align with the requirements of this Lead Strategy & Planning Consultant role and how you can drive value for Wells Fargo's Chief Operating Office.

⚠️ 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

Requires at least 5 years of experience in strategy and planning. Desired qualifications include experience in product portfolio management, driving innovation, and managing cross-functional dependencies in a corporate environment.