Manager, Product Strategy

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Manager, Product Strategy

Company: Airwallex

Location: San Francisco, California, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Product Strategy & Operations

Date Posted: 2026-06-02

Experience Level: 8+ Years (Intermediate to Senior)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive the development and execution of innovative global product strategies by bridging customer insights, commercial objectives, and product roadmaps.

• Conduct in-depth market, competitor, and customer needs analysis to identify strategic product opportunities and unlock new use cases.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Product, Sales, Marketing, and Operations, to ensure successful go-to-market strategies and product launches.

• Leverage first-principles problem-solving to define and champion strategic "big product bets" that fuel business growth and expand Airwallex's financial platform capabilities.

• Communicate critical strategic recommendations and initiatives effectively to senior stakeholders, including the CEO and VP Global Head of Product.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Manager, Product Strategy," the responsibilities and required experience (8+ years) suggest a role with significant autonomy and strategic influence, often seen in senior individual contributor or lead roles within product strategy functions, rather than a traditional people management role. The emphasis on "zero-to-one" initiatives and direct communication with the CEO further underscores this. The role is positioned within the broader "Product Strategy and Operations" umbrella, highlighting the need for operational execution alongside strategic planning.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive customer needs assessments through direct interviews, surveys, and analysis of customer feedback across diverse segments, regions, and product propositions.

• Perform rigorous competitor analysis to identify market gaps, emerging trends, and best practices, informing competitive positioning and strategic differentiation.

• Translate deep customer insights and market intelligence into actionable product strategies, roadmaps, and commercial plans that align with Airwallex's growth objectives.

• Partner closely with Product Management, Engineering, Sales, Marketing, Operations, Legal, and Pricing teams to ensure seamless product development, launch, and iteration cycles.

• Develop and implement robust processes, best practices, and operational capabilities within product, commercial, and strategy teams to drive efficient execution of initiatives.

• Articulate and present key strategic recommendations, business cases, and performance updates to senior leadership, including the CEO, VP Global Head of Product, and other executive stakeholders.

• Lead and drive "zero-to-one" initiatives from ideation through to successful delivery, managing cross-functional dependencies and ensuring high-quality product outcomes.

• Define Airwallex's strategic "big product bets" by applying first-principles problem-solving to unlock new business opportunities and expand the platform's value proposition.

• Contribute to the continuous improvement of Airwallex's product strategy framework and operational excellence through data-driven insights and agile methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic thinking, deep analytical work, and hands-on execution, common in high-impact roles within fast-growing fintech companies. The emphasis on "bridging the gap" and "collaboration" points to the need for strong interpersonal and communication skills to align diverse teams around a unified product vision.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• 8+ years of experience in a top-tier strategy consulting firm or a product strategy function at a fast-growing technology company.

• Proven track record of successfully leading and delivering complex strategic initiatives from conception to completion.

Required Skills:

• Product Strategy: Deep understanding of product lifecycle management, market analysis, and strategic planning frameworks.

• Customer Needs Analysis: Proficiency in conducting customer interviews, ethnographic research, and synthesizing qualitative and quantitative data to uncover unmet needs.

• Market & Competitor Analysis: Ability to conduct thorough competitive landscaping, identify market trends, and develop actionable insights.

• First Principles Problem Solving: Strong aptitude for breaking down complex problems into fundamental components and developing innovative solutions.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Demonstrated ability to effectively partner with diverse teams including Product Management, Engineering, Sales, Marketing, Operations, and Legal.

• Strategic Planning & Execution: Experience in developing strategic plans and driving their successful implementation.

• Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex concepts clearly and persuasively to various audiences, including senior leadership.

• Analytical & Problem-Solving Skills: Strong quantitative and qualitative analytical capabilities, with a data-driven approach to decision-making.

• Project Management: Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize effectively, and drive initiatives to completion within timelines.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with AI tools and technologies for enhanced productivity and problem-solving.

• Familiarity with global payments, fintech, or financial services platforms.

• Experience in developing and launching SaaS products.

• Understanding of treasury management, spend management, or business account functionalities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required experience level (8+ years) and the emphasis on "top-tier strategy consulting" or "fast-growing tech company" product strategy functions, coupled with "first principles problem solving," indicate a role that requires a high degree of intellectual rigor and strategic thinking. The "AI Tooling" skill is a modern addition, reflecting the company's stated value of using AI for efficiency.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 2-3 impactful case studies demonstrating strategic initiative development and execution within a product or strategy context.

• For each case study, clearly articulate the problem statement, the strategic approach taken, the methodologies employed (e.g., customer research, market analysis, first principles), and the quantifiable business outcomes achieved.

• Highlight experience in translating complex customer needs and market opportunities into tangible product strategies or propositions.

• Provide examples of how you have driven cross-functional alignment and collaboration to achieve strategic goals.

Process Documentation:

• Demonstrate a structured approach to problem-solving, including how you define problems, gather information, analyze options, and formulate recommendations.

• Illustrate experience in embedding best practices and robust ways of working within teams to improve operational efficiency and execution.

• Provide examples of how you have leveraged data and analytics to inform strategic decisions and measure impact.

• Showcase understanding of product development and go-to-market processes, including collaboration with sales, marketing, and operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role focused on product strategy and driving initiatives, a portfolio is crucial. It should emphasize strategic thinking, analytical rigor, cross-functional leadership, and quantifiable impact. Case studies should clearly demonstrate the candidate's ability to move from insight to strategy to execution and measurable results, aligning with the "zero-to-one" and "big product bets" aspects of the role.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance.

• 401(k) Plan for retirement savings.

• Short-term and Long-term Disability coverage.

• Basic Life Insurance.

• Well-being Benefits to support employee health and wellness.

• Generous Paid Vacation time.

• Paid Company Holidays.

• Performance-based Bonus opportunities.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time workweek is 40 hours.

• The role is hybrid, requiring presence in the San Francisco office, with flexibility for remote work as per company policy.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range of $200,000 - $260,000 USD for a Manager, Product Strategy in San Francisco aligns with industry benchmarks for senior roles in tech and fintech, especially those requiring consulting backgrounds or significant experience in fast-paced, high-growth environments. The benefits package is robust, offering a mix of health, financial, and well-being support, with equity and bonus potential reflecting the company's growth-oriented culture.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Fintech, Global Payments, Financial Services. Airwallex operates at the cutting edge of financial technology, providing a unified platform for businesses to manage international transactions, payments, spend management, and treasury. This dynamic industry requires agility, innovation, and a deep understanding of global business needs.

Company Size: Over 2,200 employees globally. This indicates a well-established company with significant resources and a global footprint, yet likely retains a fast-paced, entrepreneurial spirit characteristic of growth-stage tech firms.

Founded: Founded in Melbourne. This origin story suggests a company built on innovation and a global vision from its inception.

Team Structure:

• Product Strategy Team: Described as passionate builders and problem-solvers focused on customer-centric solutions. The team operates in a collaborative and fast-paced environment, iterating and pushing boundaries.

• Reporting Structure: The Manager, Product Strategy will report to senior leadership within the product organization, with direct communication lines to the CEO and VP Global Head of Product for key recommendations.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: This role is inherently cross-functional, requiring close partnerships with Product Management, Engineering, Sales, Marketing, Operations, Legal, and Pricing teams to achieve product and business objectives.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Emphasis on deep data analysis to understand customer needs and inform strategy.

• Customer-Centricity: A core principle, focusing on crafting solutions that empower businesses.

• Agile & Iterative: The team thrives in an environment where they are constantly iterating and pushing boundaries.

• First Principles Thinking: A valued approach to problem-solving, encouraging foundational analysis and innovative solutions.

• AI Integration: A stated desire to leverage AI to work smarter and solve problems faster.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Airwallex's culture emphasizes "founder-like energy," "real impact," "accelerated learning," and "true ownership." The "Operating Principles" (linked in the description) likely detail values such as speed, judgment, curiosity, first principles, humility, collaboration, and end-to-end ownership. For a Product Strategy role, this translates to an environment where initiative, strategic thinking, and execution are highly valued.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Manager within Product Strategy, demanding 8+ years of experience. It's a senior individual contributor role with significant strategic impact, often referred to as a Principal or Lead Product Strategist in other organizations. It requires a blend of strategic foresight, analytical depth, and execution-oriented collaboration.

Reporting Structure: The role reports into senior product leadership, with direct exposure and communication with executive stakeholders like the CEO and VP Global Head of Product. This provides a high-visibility platform for impact and career advancement.

Operations Impact: The role has a direct and significant impact on Airwallex's product direction, market competitiveness, and business growth. By identifying and championing "big product bets" and refining product strategies, this individual will shape the future of Airwallex's global financial platform and its value proposition to over 200,000 businesses.

Growth Opportunities:

• Strategic Leadership: Opportunity to influence the global product roadmap and become a key voice in strategic decision-making for the company.

• Fintech Expertise: Deepen expertise in the rapidly evolving fintech and global payments landscape, a high-demand specialization.

• Cross-functional Development: Gain extensive experience working across diverse departments, enhancing collaboration and leadership skills.

• Zero-to-One Innovation: Drive new initiatives from ideation to launch, building a portfolio of successful, impactful projects.

• Mentorship & Influence: Potential to mentor junior team members or contribute to building out the product strategy function as it scales.

• Executive Visibility: Direct interaction with senior leadership provides excellent exposure and networking opportunities for future career progression.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers significant growth potential, moving beyond traditional product management to influence high-level company strategy. The direct access to executive leadership and the focus on "big product bets" provide a unique opportunity for individuals looking to drive substantial impact and accelerate their careers in the fintech space.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work model, with a primary base in San Francisco. This suggests a modern office environment designed for collaboration, with the flexibility for remote work days.

Office Location(s): San Francisco, California, United States. This location offers access to a vibrant tech ecosystem, talent pool, and industry networking opportunities.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model and emphasis on cross-functional collaboration suggest an office space that facilitates teamwork, brainstorming, and knowledge sharing.

• Operations Tools & Technology: While not explicitly detailed, a company like Airwallex, focused on global payments and financial technology, will likely provide access to robust digital tools, analytics platforms, and communication software to support hybrid work and efficient operations.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for in-person interaction with product teams, strategy colleagues, and other cross-functional stakeholders will be integral to the hybrid work model.

Work Schedule:

• Standard 40-hour workweek, typical for full-time roles.

• The hybrid arrangement allows for a balance between in-office collaboration and remote work flexibility, supporting efficient data analysis and strategic work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role in San Francisco positions it within a competitive tech hub, offering both the benefits of in-person collaboration and the flexibility of remote work. Candidates should anticipate a dynamic work environment where adaptability and effective communication across different work settings are key.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely involves a review of the resume and application, followed by a brief call with a recruiter to assess basic qualifications and cultural fit.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A deeper dive into experience, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills, often including behavioral questions and scenario-based inquiries related to product strategy.

• Case Study/Presentation: Candidates will likely be asked to prepare and present a strategic analysis or product strategy proposal on a given topic, or to walk through a relevant case study from their portfolio. This assesses analytical skills, strategic approach, and communication effectiveness.

• Cross-functional Interviews: Interviews with key stakeholders from Product, Engineering, Sales, or Operations to evaluate collaboration capabilities and understanding of broader business functions.

• Executive Interview: A final interview with senior leadership (e.g., VP Product, CEO) to assess strategic alignment, leadership potential, and cultural fit at the executive level.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Impact: Clearly articulate the business problem, your role, the solution/strategy, and the quantifiable results (e.g., revenue growth, market share increase, cost reduction, customer adoption).

• Showcase Strategic Thinking: Demonstrate how you identified opportunities, analyzed markets, and developed a coherent strategy based on customer needs and business objectives.

• Highlight First Principles: If applicable, explain how you used first-principles thinking to deconstruct a problem or develop an innovative solution.

• Demonstrate Collaboration: Provide examples of how you effectively worked with diverse teams to bring strategy to life.

• Structure for Clarity: Present your case studies logically, using clear visuals and concise language. Be prepared to discuss your thought process and decision-making rationale in detail.

Challenge Preparation:

• Anticipate Strategy Questions: Be ready to discuss your approach to developing product strategies, identifying market opportunities, and prioritizing initiatives.

• Prepare for Behavioral Questions: Think about examples that demonstrate your collaboration skills, problem-solving abilities, leadership potential, and experience in high-growth environments.

• Understand Airwallex: Research Airwallex's products, target markets, competitors, and recent news. Understand their mission and operating principles.

• Practice Presentation: Rehearse your portfolio presentation and any potential case study responses to ensure a smooth and confident delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a role of this caliber will be rigorous, likely involving multiple stages and a significant emphasis on strategic thinking and demonstrable impact. A well-curated portfolio that highlights strategic initiatives and their outcomes is paramount. Candidates should prepare to articulate their thought process and demonstrate strong analytical and communication skills.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CRM: While not explicitly stated, a robust CRM (e.g., Salesforce) is likely used for customer data management and sales insights, which are crucial for product strategy.

• Product Management Tools: Tools for roadmap planning, backlog management, and feature prioritization (e.g., Jira, Aha!, Productboard).

• Collaboration Suites: Platforms like Slack and Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides) are essential for day-to-day communication and document creation.

• Project Management Software: Tools for tracking initiatives and cross-functional progress (e.g., Asana, Monday.com).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Business Intelligence (BI) Tools: Proficiency in BI platforms (e.g., Tableau, Looker, Power BI) for data analysis, dashboard creation, and performance monitoring is highly probable.

• Data Warehousing & SQL: Understanding of data warehousing concepts and the ability to query databases using SQL for data extraction and analysis.

• Web Analytics: Tools like Google Analytics for understanding user behavior on digital platforms.

CRM & Automation:

• Marketing Automation: Tools like HubSpot or Marketo might be used for go-to-market campaigns and lead nurturing, requiring an understanding of how product strategy integrates with these efforts.

• Integration Platforms: Understanding of how different systems (CRM, product, marketing) integrate to provide a unified view of the customer and business performance.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific tools are not listed, a Manager, Product Strategy in a fintech company will undoubtedly need to be proficient in data analysis and visualization tools, CRM systems, and collaboration platforms. A strong understanding of how these tools support strategic decision-making and operational execution is key. The mention of "AI Tooling" suggests openness to leveraging advanced technologies for efficiency and insight.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Founder-like Energy & Impact: A drive to take ownership, move fast, and make a significant impact on the business.

• Accelerated Learning: A commitment to continuous learning and professional development in a fast-paced environment.

• True Ownership: Taking responsibility for initiatives end-to-end, from ideation to successful execution.

• Strong Role-Related Expertise & Sharp Thinking: Bringing deep knowledge and analytical rigor to problem-solving.

• Curiosity & First Principles: A desire to dig deep, question assumptions, and solve problems from fundamental truths.

• Humility & Collaboration: Working effectively with others, valuing diverse perspectives, and fostering a supportive team environment.

• Speed & Rigor Balance: The ability to move quickly while maintaining a high standard of quality and thoroughness.

• AI for Efficiency: Proactively using AI tools to enhance productivity and solve problems faster.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Seamlessly partnering with product, engineering, sales, marketing, and operations to achieve shared goals.

• Open Communication: Encouraging direct, honest feedback and proactive knowledge sharing.

• Customer-Centric Focus: Ensuring all collaborative efforts are aligned with understanding and serving customer needs.

• Proactive Problem Solving: Addressing challenges collaboratively and finding solutions that benefit the broader organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: Airwallex's culture is clearly defined around proactive, impact-driven individuals who are intellectually curious and collaborative. For a Product Strategy role, this means thriving in an environment that rewards initiative, strategic thinking, and the ability to translate complex ideas into actionable plans that drive business outcomes, all while working effectively with a diverse set of stakeholders.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating a Rapidly Evolving Market: The fintech landscape is highly dynamic, requiring continuous adaptation to new technologies, regulations, and competitive pressures.

• Balancing Strategic Vision with Execution: Translating high-level "big product bets" into concrete, deliverable product roadmaps and initiatives requires meticulous planning and cross-functional alignment.

• Driving Change Across Diverse Teams: Influencing and aligning multiple departments (Sales, Marketing, Product, Operations) towards a unified strategic vision can be complex.

• Prioritizing Opportunities: With a fast-growing company and numerous potential initiatives, rigorously prioritizing "big product bets" to maximize impact is critical.

• Global Complexity: Developing strategies that cater to diverse regional markets and customer segments while maintaining a cohesive global product offering.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deep Fintech Expertise: Gaining unparalleled knowledge in global payments, embedded finance, and financial technology.

• Strategic Leadership Development: Honing skills in executive communication, strategic planning, and influencing senior stakeholders.

• Product Innovation: Contributing to "zero-to-one" initiatives and shaping the future of a leading financial platform.

• Cross-functional Mastery: Developing a comprehensive understanding of how different business functions operate and collaborate to drive success.

• Mentorship & Career Growth: Opportunities to learn from experienced leaders and potentially grow into broader leadership roles within Airwallex.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges in this role are inherent to a high-growth, innovative fintech environment. Successfully navigating them will require strong strategic acumen, exceptional communication and influence skills, and a proactive approach to problem-solving. The growth opportunities are substantial for individuals seeking to make a significant impact and advance their careers in the fintech sector.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you identified a significant market opportunity and developed a product strategy to capitalize on it. What was your process, and what were the outcomes?" (Focus on customer needs, market analysis, strategic planning, and measurable results.)

• "How do you use first principles to approach a complex business problem or to define a new product offering?" (Prepare an example demonstrating your ability to break down problems and build solutions from foundational truths.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Based on your understanding of Airwallex, where do you see the biggest untapped product opportunities for us in the next three years?" (Demonstrate your research and strategic insight into Airwallex's business and market.)

• "How do you approach building relationships and driving alignment with cross-functional teams, especially when there are competing priorities?" (Highlight your collaboration skills and ability to influence.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure for Impact: Begin with a clear executive summary of the initiative and its key outcomes. Then, detail the problem, your approach, the strategy, the execution, and the quantifiable results.

• Quantify Everything: Use data and metrics relentlessly to demonstrate the impact of your work (e.g., % increase in revenue, % improvement in conversion, $ cost savings).

• Highlight Your Role: Clearly define your specific contributions and responsibilities within each case study.

• Tell a Story: Weave a narrative that showcases your problem-solving journey, strategic thinking, and ability to drive change.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about your assumptions, methodologies, trade-offs, and alternative approaches.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a strong strategic mindset, analytical rigor, and the ability to drive impact. Candidates should be ready to articulate their thought process, back up their claims with data, and showcase their experience in collaborating with diverse teams and communicating with senior leadership.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Manager, Product Strategy position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on jobs.ashbyhq.com for Airwallex.

• Tailor your Resume: Highlight your 8+ years of experience in strategy consulting or product strategy at fast-growing tech companies. Emphasize achievements related to product strategy development, market analysis, customer needs assessment, and cross-functional collaboration. Integrate keywords such as "Product Strategy," "Fintech," "Global Payments," "First Principles," "Data Analysis," and "Stakeholder Management."

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate 2-3 compelling case studies that showcase your strategic thinking, analytical skills, and ability to drive quantifiable business outcomes. Ensure each case study clearly outlines the problem, your approach, the strategy, and the measurable results.

• Research Airwallex: Thoroughly understand Airwallex's mission, products, target markets, competitive landscape, and operating principles. Identify potential areas where your skills and experience can add significant value.

• Practice Your Pitch: Rehearse your portfolio presentation and be prepared to articulate your strategic approach, problem-solving methodologies, and collaborative style in response to anticipated interview questions.

⚠️ 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.