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, United States / Minneapolis, MN, United States

Job Type: Full time

Category: Revenue Operations / Strategy & Planning

Date Posted: 2026-08-13

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.

• Partner closely with product leadership, technology teams, and business stakeholders to define strategic priorities, clarify objectives, and translate business goals into actionable roadmaps and operating plans.

• Identify and assess operational challenges and process inefficiencies to uncover opportunities for technology-enabled solutions that create significant business value.

• Establish and manage critical operating routines, including portfolio reviews, intake forums, prioritization discussions, and executive-level communications to ensure disciplined execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within Wells Fargo's Chief Operating Office, indicating a strong focus on internal operational improvements and efficiency gains, rather than external client-facing product strategy. The emphasis on "no-code and low-code AI products and workflow automation" suggests a focus on empowering business users and accelerating the implementation of AI solutions across the organization. The "Lead" title, coupled with the 5+ years of experience requirement, points to a role that requires significant autonomy and the ability to influence without direct authority.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Orchestrate product strategy and execution for a diverse portfolio of AI-driven no-code/low-code products and workflow automation solutions.

• Develop and refine strategic priorities, objectives, and key results (OKRs) in collaboration with product leadership to align with overarching business goals.

• Conduct thorough assessments of operational challenges, process bottlenecks, and stakeholder needs to identify high-impact technology-enabled solutions.

• Foster synergy and reduce redundancy by connecting initiatives across various teams, products, and business units to ensure portfolio-wide alignment.

• Support innovation initiatives by evaluating new concepts, structuring exploratory projects, defining success metrics, and ensuring alignment with measurable business outcomes.

• Design, implement, and manage robust operating routines, including leadership cadences, portfolio reviews, intake processes, prioritization frameworks, and status reporting mechanisms.

• Create and maintain strategic frameworks, presentation materials, and reporting dashboards to facilitate informed decision-making by leadership regarding priorities, resources, risks, dependencies, and business value realization.

• Proactively identify and address execution roadblocks, manage interdependencies, and ensure seamless alignment among business, product, technology, risk, and control teams.

• Contribute to resource planning, demand management, and intake prioritization to ensure the team's focus remains on the highest-value strategic initiatives.

• Develop clear, concise, and impactful communications for senior leadership and diverse stakeholder audiences, encompassing strategic updates, decision support materials, meeting summaries, adoption plans, and portfolio narratives.

• Leverage data analytics, key performance indicators (KPIs), stakeholder feedback, and observed business outcomes to monitor progress, identify areas for improvement, and drive continuous enhancement of the product organization's effectiveness.

• Champion and cultivate a culture of collaboration, accountability, operational excellence, proactive risk management, disciplined adoption, and continuous learning within the product teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic thinking and operational execution. The emphasis on "operating routines," "intake forums," and "prioritization discussions" suggests a need for a candidate who can bring structure to complex environments and drive disciplined decision-making. The requirement to "connect work across teams, products, and business groups" underscores the importance of strong cross-functional collaboration and influence.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Strategy, Finance, Computer Science, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience. Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in strategy and planning, product management, management consulting, or a related strategic role within a large, complex organization.

• Demonstrated experience in driving product strategy, portfolio planning, roadmap development, and strategic execution across a portfolio of products, capabilities, or transformation initiatives.

• Proven ability to translate high-level strategic priorities into actionable plans, detailed delivery activities, effective adoption strategies, and quantifiable business outcomes. Required Skills:

• Product Strategy & Roadmap Development: Ability to define vision, strategy, and roadmaps for AI and workflow automation products, aligning with business objectives.

• Portfolio Management & Prioritization: Expertise in managing a portfolio of initiatives, prioritizing based on business value, resource constraints, and strategic alignment.

• Operational Efficiency & Process Improvement: Strong understanding of operational workflows and ability to identify and implement improvements using technology, particularly AI and automation.

• Stakeholder Management & Communication: Proven ability to effectively engage, influence, and communicate with diverse stakeholders, including senior leadership, product teams, technology partners, and business units.

• Analytical & Problem-Solving Skills: Capacity to synthesize complex information, identify root causes of operational issues, and develop data-driven solutions.

• Business Judgment & Strategic Thinking: Ability to connect business needs with product opportunities and make sound strategic recommendations.

• Organizational Skills & Attention to Detail: Exceptional ability to bring structure to ambiguity, manage multiple priorities, and ensure follow-through in fast-paced environments.

Preferred Skills:

• AI/ML & Automation Technologies: Familiarity with no-code/low-code AI platforms, workflow automation tools, and their application in enterprise settings.

• Financial Services Industry Knowledge: Understanding of the regulatory landscape, operational challenges, and strategic priorities within the financial services sector.

• Change Management & Adoption: Experience in developing and executing strategies to drive adoption of new technologies and processes.

• Risk Management & Governance: Knowledge of risk management principles and governance frameworks relevant to product development and deployment in a regulated environment.

• Executive-Level Presentation Skills: Ability to create and deliver compelling presentations to senior leadership.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Desired Qualifications" strongly suggest that candidates with prior experience in driving product delivery, business implementation, and adoption of new capabilities will be highly competitive. The emphasis on "no-code/low-code AI platforms" indicates a preference for candidates who understand how to democratize AI and automation within an enterprise.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Strategic Alignment Documentation: Showcase examples of how you have aligned product roadmaps and initiatives with overarching business strategies and objectives.

• Value Proposition Articulation: Demonstrate your ability to clearly define and articulate the business value, ROI, and key benefits of product initiatives, supported by data and metrics.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration Frameworks: Provide evidence of developing or implementing frameworks that facilitate effective collaboration and communication across product, technology, business, and risk teams.

• Process Optimization Case Studies: Include detailed case studies of how you identified and addressed operational inefficiencies, resulting in measurable improvements in efficiency, cost reduction, or control enhancement.

Process Documentation:

• Roadmap & Prioritization Artifacts: Present examples of product roadmaps, prioritization matrices, and intake process documentation, highlighting the methodologies used.

• Operating Routine Design: Showcase examples of established operating routines, such as leadership cadences, portfolio reviews, or status reporting mechanisms, and their impact on execution discipline.

• Measurement & Performance Tracking: Illustrate how you have defined KPIs, tracked progress, and reported on the adoption and business value realization of product initiatives.

• Stakeholder Communication Templates: Provide examples of executive-ready communications, decision briefs, or portfolio narratives developed to inform and influence stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this role, a portfolio is crucial for demonstrating practical application of strategic planning and operational execution. Candidates should be prepared to walk through specific examples of how they've structured ambiguity, driven alignment, and delivered measurable outcomes. The focus is less on the technical build of AI products and more on the strategic planning, operationalization, and value realization of these capabilities.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $119,000 - $206,000 annually

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Benefits: Including medical, dental, and vision insurance.

• Retirement Savings: 401(k) plan with potential company match.

• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation, sick leave, and holiday policies.

• Income Protection: Disability benefits (short-term and long-term), life insurance, critical illness insurance, and accident insurance.

• Family Support: Parental leave and critical caregiving leave.

• Employee Perks: Discounts and savings programs, commuter benefits.

• Professional Development: Tuition reimbursement and scholarships for dependent children.

• Additional Support: Adoption reimbursement. Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours are typically 40 hours per week.

• While the role is on-site, Wells Fargo emphasizes a "Well Life" approach, suggesting a commitment to work-life balance and employee well-being, which may include flexibility in scheduling where operational needs permit.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is a broad estimate for a "Lead Strategy & Planning Consultant" in a major financial institution like Wells Fargo, considering the specified locations (Charlotte, NC and Minneapolis, MN) and the experience level. This range reflects the complexity of strategic roles within the financial services industry. The benefits package is extensive, aligning with large corporate employers and underscoring Wells Fargo's commitment to employee well-being and professional growth.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Financial Services. Wells Fargo is a diversified financial services company providing banking, investment, mortgage, and consumer and commercial financial products and services.

Company Size: Large Enterprise (Wells Fargo is one of the largest banks in the United States by assets). This means significant resources, complex organizational structures, and a wide array of internal stakeholders.

Founded: 1852. With a long history, Wells Fargo has established deep roots and a complex operational infrastructure, making roles focused on efficiency and innovation critical.

Team Structure:

• Reporting: This role reports into the Chief Operating Office (COO), specifically focusing on AI Product Strategy & Innovation. This suggests a centralized function dedicated to driving technological advancements and operational improvements across the enterprise.

• Collaboration: The role requires extensive collaboration with product leadership, product managers, technology partners, business stakeholders, and operational teams. This indicates a matrixed environment where influence and strong partnership are key.

• Focus: The team is dedicated to developing and deploying no-code/low-code AI products and workflow automation capabilities to enhance operational efficiency and deliver measurable business value.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: The role emphasizes using data, metrics, and business outcomes to assess progress and identify improvement opportunities.

• Strategic Planning & Execution: The team focuses on translating strategic priorities into actionable plans, roadmaps, and disciplined execution routines.

• Innovation & Experimentation: There is a stated emphasis on supporting innovation efforts, evaluating new ideas, and ensuring experimentation is tied to measurable business outcomes.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Operating within a large, established financial institution like Wells Fargo means navigating a complex regulatory environment and a deeply ingrained operational culture. The focus on AI Product Strategy & Innovation within the COO office signals a strategic push towards modernization and efficiency, likely driven by competitive pressures and the need to leverage technology for enhanced service delivery and operational control.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Lead Strategy & Planning Consultant. This is a senior individual contributor role that requires significant strategic thinking, planning expertise, and the ability to influence operational direction. It sits above a standard consultant level, implying leadership in strategic initiatives and a key role in shaping the product portfolio's direction.

Reporting Structure: The role reports into the Chief Operating Office, specifically within the AI Product Strategy & Innovation function. This suggests a direct line of sight to senior leadership responsible for enterprise-wide operational efficiency and technological advancement. The consultant will likely work closely with product leaders and technology partners.

Operations Impact: The core of this role is to drive measurable business value through AI and workflow automation. This means directly impacting operational efficiency, strengthening controls, reducing costs, and improving the effectiveness of internal processes, which in turn supports the company's overall financial performance and customer service capabilities.

Growth Opportunities:

• Strategic Leadership: Potential to grow into Product Management leadership roles, Head of Strategy for a specific product area, or broader operational strategy roles within the COO organization.

• Specialization in AI/Automation: Deepen expertise in AI product strategy, no-code/low-code platforms, and enterprise automation, becoming a subject matter expert.

• Cross-Functional Leadership: Develop advanced skills in stakeholder management, influencing, and leading complex, matrixed initiatives across different business units and technology domains.

• Innovation Management: Gain experience in managing innovation pipelines, from ideation through to scaled implementation and value realization.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a significant opportunity for a strategy professional to gain deep experience in a rapidly evolving field (AI/automation) within a stable and influential industry (financial services). The growth path is clearly defined, moving from leading strategic planning to potentially managing product portfolios or broader operational transformation initiatives.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site. The role is based in Wells Fargo's corporate offices in Charlotte, NC, or Minneapolis, MN. This implies a traditional office setting designed for collaboration and focused work.

Office Location(s): Charlotte, NC and Minneapolis, MN. These are major business hubs with well-established corporate campuses.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The office setting is expected to foster collaboration through shared spaces, meeting rooms, and informal interaction opportunities.

• Tools & Technology: Access to Wells Fargo's internal technology stack, including communication platforms, project management tools, and potentially specialized AI/automation software.

• Team Interaction: Regular in-person interaction with colleagues, product managers, technology partners, and business stakeholders, facilitating relationship building and efficient problem-solving.

Work Schedule:

• A standard 40-hour work week is typical for full-time roles.

• While on-site, the emphasis on "Living the Well Life" suggests a culture that supports work-life balance, potentially allowing for some flexibility in daily schedules as long as operational responsibilities and collaboration needs are met.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement suggests that Wells Fargo values in-person collaboration, spontaneous ideation, and the ability to build strong working relationships within a corporate environment. Candidates should be prepared for a structured work setting where face-to-face interaction is a key component of the operational rhythm.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or Recruiter screen to assess basic qualifications and interest.

• Hiring Manager Interview: Deep dive into experience, strategic thinking, and alignment with the role's core responsibilities. Expect questions about past projects, leadership style, and approach to problem-solving.

• Panel Interview(s): Interviews with key stakeholders, including product leadership, technology partners, and potentially business unit representatives. These will assess collaboration skills, ability to influence, and understanding of operational challenges.

• Case Study/Presentation: Candidates may be asked to prepare and present a strategic plan, a portfolio review, or a solution to a hypothetical operational challenge. This will evaluate strategic thinking, communication, and problem-solving abilities.

• Final Round: Potentially with senior leadership for final approval.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure for Impact: Organize your portfolio to clearly demonstrate your strategic planning, execution, and impact. Use a clear narrative for each project, outlining the challenge, your approach, the actions taken, and the measurable results.

• Quantify Achievements: For each project, focus on quantifiable outcomes. Use metrics related to operational efficiency, cost savings, revenue impact, risk reduction, or adoption rates.

• Showcase Process & Strategy: Highlight your ability to bring structure to ambiguity. Include examples of roadmaps, prioritization frameworks, operating routines, and stakeholder engagement plans.

• Tailor to AI & Automation: If possible, include examples related to technology implementation, process automation, or driving adoption of new capabilities, even if not directly AI-related. Emphasize how you connect business needs to technology solutions.

• Prepare for Presentation: Be ready to present your portfolio, articulating your contributions clearly and concisely, and answering detailed questions about your methodologies and decision-making processes.

Challenge Preparation:

• Strategic Frameworks: Refresh your knowledge of strategic planning frameworks (e.g., SWOT, PESTLE, Porter's Five Forces) and how to apply them.

• Operational Efficiency Concepts: Be prepared to discuss common operational challenges in financial services and how AI/automation can address them. Think about process mapping, bottleneck analysis, and efficiency metrics.

• Stakeholder Management Scenarios: Consider how you would manage competing priorities, communicate difficult decisions, or gain buy-in from resistant stakeholders.

• AI/Automation Use Cases: Familiarize yourself with common applications of no-code/low-code AI and workflow automation in enterprise settings, particularly within financial services.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is likely to be rigorous, focusing heavily on strategic acumen, operational rigor, and collaboration. A well-curated portfolio that clearly demonstrates the candidate's ability to translate strategy into tangible outcomes will be a significant advantage. Expect scenario-based questions and a potential case study that tests problem-solving and strategic planning skills.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CRM & Workflow Automation: While not explicitly listed, familiarity with CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) and workflow automation tools (e.g., ServiceNow, Pega, UiPath, Microsoft Power Automate) is highly beneficial for understanding how AI products integrate into broader operational processes.

• Project Management Software: Tools like Jira, Asana, or Microsoft Project are essential for managing roadmaps, tracking progress, and coordinating cross-functional teams.

• Collaboration Suites: Microsoft 365 (Teams, SharePoint, PowerPoint) or Google Workspace will be fundamental for daily communication, document sharing, and presentation development.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Business Intelligence Tools: Proficiency with BI platforms such as Tableau, Power BI, or Qlik Sense for data analysis, dashboard creation, and performance tracking.

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

• Data Analysis Tools: Familiarity with SQL for data querying and potentially Python or R for more advanced statistical analysis, though likely not a primary requirement for this specific role.

CRM & Automation:

• No-Code/Low-Code AI Platforms: While specific platforms aren't named, understanding the principles and common capabilities of these tools (e.g., DataRobot, H2O.ai, Google AI Platform, Azure Machine Learning Studio for citizen developers) is crucial.

• Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Systems: Understanding how AI and automation integrate with core ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle) can be advantageous.

• Integration Platforms: Knowledge of how different systems connect (e.g., APIs, iPaaS solutions) is valuable for understanding the broader technology ecosystem.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role's focus on "no-code and low-code AI products and workflow automation" implies that the candidate will be working with tools that empower business users. Therefore, understanding the principles of these platforms and how they integrate into existing enterprise systems is more critical than deep technical coding expertise. The emphasis is on strategic application and operational integration rather than direct platform development.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Operational Excellence: A commitment to driving efficiency, accuracy, and reliability in all operational processes and product deployments.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Valuing insights derived from data and metrics to inform strategy, prioritize initiatives, and measure impact.

• Collaboration & Partnership: Fostering strong relationships and effective communication across diverse teams to achieve shared goals.

• Accountability & Ownership: Taking responsibility for outcomes, driving initiatives to completion, and ensuring successful adoption and value realization.

• Risk Awareness & Control: Maintaining a strong understanding of risk management principles and ensuring that all operations and product implementations adhere to regulatory and internal control standards.

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: Encouraging a mindset of exploration, experimentation, and ongoing enhancement of processes and capabilities.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The culture likely promotes close collaboration between strategy, product management, technology, and business units to ensure alignment and holistic problem-solving.

• Proactive Communication: Emphasis on clear, timely, and transparent communication to manage expectations, resolve issues, and keep stakeholders informed.

• Feedback-Driven Improvement: A culture that values constructive feedback for refining strategies, processes, and product roadmaps.

• Strategic Alignment Focus: A collective effort to ensure all activities and initiatives are aligned with the company's strategic objectives and contribute to measurable business outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: Wells Fargo, as a large financial institution, likely cultivates a culture that balances innovation with a strong emphasis on risk management and compliance. The "Living the Well Life" initiative suggests a commitment to employee well-being and a supportive work environment, while the operational focus implies a drive for efficiency and disciplined execution.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Complexity: The sheer size and complexity of Wells Fargo's organization present challenges in achieving alignment, managing dependencies, and driving change across multiple business units and technology stacks.

• Balancing Innovation with Risk: Implementing new AI and automation technologies requires careful consideration of regulatory compliance, data security, and operational risk, which can slow down innovation cycles.

• Driving Adoption: Ensuring that new AI products and workflow automation capabilities are effectively adopted by end-users and integrated into daily operations requires robust change management and ongoing support.

• Quantifying Value: Demonstrating the tangible business value and ROI of AI initiatives, especially in areas like operational efficiency, can be challenging and requires sophisticated measurement frameworks.

• Keeping Pace with Technology: The rapid evolution of AI and automation technologies necessitates continuous learning and adaptation to ensure the chosen solutions remain relevant and effective.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• AI Product Strategy Expertise: Deepen knowledge in AI/ML trends, no-code/low-code platforms, and their strategic application in enterprise settings.

• Financial Services Operations: Gain in-depth understanding of operational challenges, regulatory requirements, and strategic priorities within the financial services industry.

• Leadership & Influence Skills: Develop advanced capabilities in stakeholder management, strategic communication, and driving consensus in a large, matrixed organization.

• Portfolio Management Best Practices: Refine skills in portfolio planning, prioritization, risk assessment, and performance tracking for technology-driven initiatives.

• Innovation Management Frameworks: Learn and apply methodologies for fostering innovation, managing experimentation, and translating novel ideas into business value.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is ideal for someone who thrives in complex environments and is motivated by the challenge of driving significant operational improvements through strategic application of technology. The growth opportunities are substantial, offering a path to become a key leader in enterprise-wide digital transformation.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to define a product strategy for a complex, ambiguous problem. What was your approach, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on structured thinking, stakeholder input, and measurable results.)

• "How would you prioritize a backlog of AI and automation initiatives for a large financial institution, considering competing demands, risk appetite, and strategic objectives?" (Highlight your prioritization framework and ability to balance various factors.)

• "Walk me through how you would establish and manage operating routines for a new product portfolio to ensure disciplined execution and stakeholder alignment." (Emphasize cadence, reporting, and feedback loops.)

• "What are the key considerations when introducing no-code/low-code AI solutions in a highly regulated industry like financial services?" (Discuss risk, compliance, governance, and adoption.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Wells Fargo's strategic priorities regarding technology and operational efficiency?" (Research recent company news, investor reports, and their approach to digital transformation.)

• "How do you approach building relationships and influencing stakeholders across different departments (e.g., business, technology, risk, compliance)?" (Provide specific examples of successful collaboration.)

• "Describe your experience working in a large, established corporate environment. What are the advantages and challenges?" (Demonstrate understanding of corporate dynamics.)

• "How do you foster a culture of operational excellence and continuous improvement within a team?" (Discuss your leadership style and methods for driving cultural change.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• The STAR Method: Structure your portfolio examples using the Situation, Task, Action, Result (STAR) method to clearly articulate your contributions and the impact of your work.

• Focus on Strategic Impact: For each project, explicitly state the strategic objective it supported and the business value it delivered.

• Visualize Processes & Data: Use clear visuals (diagrams, charts, dashboards) to explain complex processes, data analysis, and key performance metrics.

• Highlight Problem-Solving: Emphasize the challenges you faced and how you strategically approached them.

• Connect to Wells Fargo: Where possible, tailor your examples to demonstrate how your skills and experience would benefit Wells Fargo's specific goals in AI product strategy and operational efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating a blend of strategic foresight, operational discipline, and strong stakeholder management capabilities. Be ready to articulate your thought process and decision-making rationale, especially when discussing complex scenarios or ambiguous problems.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the Wells Fargo careers portal via the provided URL.

• Portfolio Customization: Curate your resume and any optional portfolio documents to highlight specific experiences in strategy development, product portfolio management, operational efficiency improvements, and AI/automation initiatives. Quantify achievements with metrics wherever possible.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your 5+ years of strategy and planning experience, emphasizing keywords such as "AI Product Strategy," "Workflow Automation," "Operational Efficiency," "Portfolio Planning," and "Stakeholder Management."

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your experience using the STAR method, focusing on strategic impact and measurable outcomes. Prepare to discuss your approach to problem-solving, stakeholder engagement, and driving adoption of new technologies.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Wells Fargo's current strategic initiatives, particularly those related to digital transformation, AI, and operational efficiency within their Chief Operating Office. Understand their stated values and commitment to "Living the Well Life."

⚠️ 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.