Manager, Product Strategy

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Manager, Product Strategy

Company: EssilorLuxottica Group

Location: Manhattan, NY 10065, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Product Strategy & Management

Date Posted: April 14, 2026

Experience Level: 3-5+ years (based on AI analysis of 3+ years required and typical 'Manager' level expectations)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive product innovation and brand growth by developing franchisee value propositions, loyalty programs, and long-term product strategies.

• Manage the full product lifecycle, from defining category roadmaps and product briefs to assessing SKU productivity and ensuring cohesive storytelling across all product initiatives.

• Create and maintain essential sales tools and training materials to effectively communicate product differentiation and value to franchisees and field teams.

• Analyze market trends, competitive landscapes, and sales data to inform product development and financial modeling for growth projections.

• Collaborate cross-functionally with Category, Assortment, Store Operations, and Marketing COE teams to ensure seamless go-to-market execution and adoption of brand strategy.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role, while titled "Manager, Product Strategy," contains significant responsibilities typically found in a Product Marketing Manager or Senior Product Manager role within a franchise or retail environment. The emphasis on franchisee value, sales tools, and field training suggests a strong focus on enabling a network of independent business owners rather than direct B2C product management. The "Store # P00008 PV Store Ops - NY 5th" indicates this role is directly tied to a specific Pearle Vision store operation, suggesting a hands-on approach within a retail setting.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the development and ongoing refinement of the franchisee value proposition, focusing on enhancing their profitability and competitive edge.

• Design and implement innovative loyalty programs and customer retention strategies that align with the brand's overall objectives and drive repeat business.

• Define and execute long-term product strategies and category roadmaps, identifying market opportunities and anticipating future consumer needs within the optical retail space.

• Activate product plans through comprehensive go-to-market strategies, working closely with marketing to ensure consistent brand messaging and effective promotional campaigns.

• Partner with Category and Assortment COE teams to set strategic direction for new product introductions and manage the entire product lifecycle, from ideation through end-of-life.

• Develop detailed product briefs that articulate product needs, target consumer profiles, volume expectations, pricing strategies, and margin requirements, ensuring alignment with business goals.

• Conduct thorough product competitive analyses by leveraging field visits, industry publications, market feedback, and sales data to identify strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities.

• Construct robust financial models to forecast growth, project revenue, and assess the financial viability of new product initiatives.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including marketing, to provide critical product input for marketing assets, ensuring accurate and compelling communication of product stories.

• Present product strategies, samples, sales tools, and training programs to field teams and franchisees, fostering understanding and driving adoption.

• Build, implement, and refine initiatives specifically designed to enhance franchisee profitability and operational efficiency.

• Regularly report on business performance, identifying key metrics, trends, and creative solutions to drive ongoing performance improvements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic product planning and tactical execution, with a strong emphasis on enabling franchisees. The responsibility for "Price wholesale lens and frame portfolio within existing pricing framework and industry benchmarks" indicates a direct involvement in commercial aspects of product management, requiring analytical skills to balance profitability with market competitiveness. The need to "Serve as the primary point of ownership for franchisee product inquiries" underscores the customer-centric nature of this role, focusing on internal stakeholders (franchisees) as key customers.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree (BA/BS) in Business Analytics, Business Administration, Marketing, or a related field.

Experience:

• A minimum of 3 years of progressive experience in Strategy Consulting, Category Management, Product Management, or Wholesale Development.

Required Skills:

• Strategic Thinking: Proven ability to develop and articulate long-term product visions and strategic roadmaps.

• Leadership: Strong leadership capabilities to foster cross-functional partnerships and influence stakeholders at various levels.

• Communication & Presentation: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with a proven ability to present complex information clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences, including franchisees and senior leadership.

• Product Management Fundamentals: Solid understanding of product lifecycle management, from ideation and development to launch and post-launch analysis.

• Market Analysis: Proficiency in conducting competitive analyses, market research, and consumer insights gathering.

• Financial Acumen: Ability to create financial models, analyze sales data, and understand pricing and margin requirements.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Demonstrated success in building and maintaining strong working relationships with marketing, operations, and category management teams.

Preferred Skills:

• Franchise Operations Knowledge: Experience working within or supporting franchise business models.

• Retail Merchandising: Understanding of retail merchandising principles and inventory management.

• Optical Industry Expertise: Familiarity with lenses, frames, optical technology, and eye care products.

• Data Analysis Tools: Proficiency in using data analytics tools for reporting and insights generation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for "3+ years of experience" combined with the "Manager" title suggests candidates with 3-5 years of experience are likely to be a strong fit. The emphasis on "Strategic thinking and ability to drive a product line" combined with stakeholder management through "Strong leadership skills to be able to create cross-functional partnerships" points towards candidates who can both strategize and execute through influence.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Product Strategy Case Studies: Showcase examples of developing and implementing product strategies, detailing the market context, strategic approach, and resulting business impact (e.g., revenue growth, market share increase, profitability improvement).

• Product Lifecycle Management Examples: Include documentation or descriptions of managing a product or product line through its entire lifecycle, highlighting stages of development, launch, performance monitoring, and optimization.

• Financial Modeling & Analysis: Present examples of financial models created for product forecasting, pricing strategy, or ROI analysis, demonstrating quantitative skills and business acumen.

• Cross-Functional Project Examples: Illustrate instances of successful collaboration with marketing, sales, or operations teams on product-related initiatives, emphasizing communication and coordination efforts.

• Training & Sales Tool Development: Provide examples of sales tools or training materials developed to support product launches or enhance sales team effectiveness.

Process Documentation:

• Strategic Planning Frameworks: Demonstrate understanding of frameworks used for strategic planning, market segmentation, and competitive analysis in product development.

• Product Brief Development: Showcase a structured approach to creating comprehensive product briefs, including all necessary components from market need to financial targets.

• Performance Tracking & Reporting: Outline methodologies for tracking product performance, analyzing sales data, and reporting key metrics to stakeholders, including methods for identifying creative solutions to drive performance.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this role, a portfolio should emphasize strategic product planning, market analysis, financial modeling, and cross-functional collaboration. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate how they have translated market insights into actionable product strategies and driven successful product launches or optimizations. The focus on franchisee enablement means showcasing experience in creating sales tools and training materials would be highly advantageous.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Estimated Range: $94,795.80 - $150,727.80 USD per year.

• Explanation: This range is directly provided in the job description. It reflects a typical compensation band for a Manager-level Product Strategy role in a major metropolitan area like New York City, considering the experience level required and the industry (luxury retail/optics). The upper end of the range suggests potential for significant bonuses or incentives, as hinted by the "competitive bonus and/or commission plan."

Benefits:

• Health Care: Comprehensive health insurance plans.

• Retirement Savings: Access to retirement savings plans (e.g., 401k) with potential company matching.

• Paid Time Off: Generous paid time off, including vacation and holidays.

• Employee Discounts: Significant discounts on EssilorLuxottica products, including eyewear and lenses.

• Incentive Programs: Potential for competitive bonus and/or commission plans, complementing the base salary.

Working Hours:

• Standard: Approximately 40 hours per week, typical for a full-time salaried position.

• Flexibility: While the role is on-site, some flexibility may be expected to meet project deadlines or attend to critical franchisee needs, especially during product launch phases or peak retail seasons.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is specific and likely competitive for a Manager-level role in New York City. The mention of "competitive bonus and/or commission plan" suggests a variable compensation component, which is common for roles influencing sales and profitability, especially in a retail or franchise environment. The benefits listed are standard for a large, established corporation like EssilorLuxottica.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Luxury Retail & Vision Care. EssilorLuxottica is a global leader in the design, manufacture, and distribution of eyewear and vision care products, encompassing iconic brands, advanced lens technology, and digital solutions. Pearle Vision, a part of the group, focuses on neighborhood eye care.

Company Size: Over 200,000 dedicated employees globally, indicating a large, established, and complex organization with diverse business units and international reach.

Founded: Essilor was founded in 1849, and Luxottica in 1961. The merger occurred in 2018, creating a dominant force in the industry. Pearle Vision was founded in 1961. This long history suggests a culture rooted in craftsmanship, innovation, and market leadership.

Team Structure:

• Department: Likely part of a broader Product Management, Marketing, or Strategy department within the Pearle Vision division of EssilorLuxottica.

• Reporting: The "Manager, Product Strategy" title implies direct reports are unlikely, but the role will manage product lines and initiatives. The role will likely report to a Director or Senior Director of Product Strategy, Marketing, or Brand Management.

• Collaboration: High degree of cross-functional collaboration is expected with Category Management, Assortment COE, Store Operations, Field Leaders, Marketing COE, and potentially Finance and Supply Chain teams. Direct interaction with franchisees is a key component.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Emphasis on using sales data, market feedback, and financial modeling to inform strategic product decisions and drive performance.

• Innovation & Growth Focus: A culture that encourages identifying new opportunities, developing innovative products, and driving brand and business growth.

• Franchisee Partnership: A strong focus on supporting and empowering franchisees to ensure their success, which directly contributes to the overall brand's performance.

• Customer-Centricity: While serving internal franchisees, the underlying goal is to enhance the end-customer's (patient's) experience and access to vision care.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's global scale and dual focus on luxury eyewear (EssilorLuxottica) and community-based optical retail (Pearle Vision) present a unique dynamic. For operations professionals, this means navigating both high-level corporate strategy and the practicalities of retail execution, often through a franchise model. The emphasis on "people focused" and "creative" within the Pearle Vision description suggests a culture that values both innovation and strong interpersonal skills.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a mid-to-senior level, typically referred to as a "Manager" or "Senior Manager" in many organizations. It requires significant strategic thinking, analytical capability, and cross-functional leadership experience, bridging strategic planning with tactical execution. It's a key role for driving product line performance and franchisee success.

Reporting Structure: The role will likely report to a Director-level executive within Product Strategy, Brand Management, or Marketing. Direct reports are not indicated, but the role will manage product portfolios and influence cross-functional teams. The close tie to a specific store operation ("P00008 PV Store Ops - NY 5th") suggests a direct line of sight to retail execution and franchisee feedback.

Operations Impact: This role has a direct and significant impact on revenue and business decisions by:

• Driving Product Innovation: Identifying and launching new products that meet market demand and increase sales.

• Enhancing Franchisee Profitability: Developing strategies and tools that directly improve the financial performance of individual franchisees, thereby strengthening the overall EssilorLuxottica network.

• Shaping Brand Strategy: Contributing to the overall brand narrative and product offering, which influences customer perception and market positioning.

• Optimizing Product Portfolio: Managing SKU productivity and lifecycle to ensure a relevant and profitable product assortment.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in optical retail product strategy, category management, or franchise operations.

• Advancement: Potential to move into Director-level roles within Product Strategy, Marketing, or Brand Management within Pearle Vision or other EssilorLuxottica brands.

• Cross-Functional Mobility: Opportunities to move into broader marketing, sales, or operations leadership roles within the global organization.

• Skill Development: Continuous learning in market analysis, financial modeling, consumer insights, and go-to-market execution within the dynamic vision care industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Manager" title, combined with "3+ years of experience" and the breadth of responsibilities, indicates a role with significant autonomy and impact. Candidates looking for a role where they can directly influence product success and franchisee outcomes will find this appealing. Growth potential is strong within a company of EssilorLuxottica's size and scope.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in Manhattan, NY, and is designated as "On-site." The specific store reference "P00008 PV Store Ops - NY 5th" suggests the primary work location might be at or near a Pearle Vision store, offering a direct connection to the retail environment. However, it could also be a corporate office supporting store operations.

Office Location(s): Manhattan, NY 10065. This is a prime urban location, indicating a dynamic and potentially high-paced work environment.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role requires extensive collaboration with various internal teams (Category, Assortment, Marketing, Store Ops) and external stakeholders (franchisees). Expect a mix of team meetings, presentations, and individual work.

• Tools & Technology: Access to standard office productivity software, CRM systems, data analytics platforms, and potentially specialized product lifecycle management tools. The company's global nature suggests sophisticated IT infrastructure.

• Retail Immersion: Working closely with store operations and potentially from a store-adjacent location offers unique opportunities to observe customer interactions and operational challenges firsthand, informing product strategy.

Work Schedule: Likely a standard 40-hour work week, Monday through Friday. However, given the retail and franchise nature, occasional work outside standard hours may be required during peak seasons, product launches, or to address urgent franchisee needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "On-site" requirement and specific store reference suggest a hands-on role. Candidates should be comfortable working within or closely with a retail setting, understanding the operational realities and customer touchpoints of a Pearle Vision franchise. This proximity to the front lines can be a significant advantage for developing effective product strategies.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely a recruiter or HR screening to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.

• Hiring Manager Interview: In-depth discussion with the hiring manager focusing on strategic thinking, product management experience, leadership style, and understanding of the optical retail/franchise model.

• Cross-Functional Interviews: Meetings with key stakeholders from Marketing, Category Management, or Store Operations to assess collaboration skills and ability to integrate product strategy with other business functions.

• Presentation/Case Study: Candidates may be asked to prepare and present a case study on a past product strategy initiative, a market analysis for a new product, or a strategy to improve franchisee profitability. This is where portfolio elements would be showcased.

• Final Round: Potentially with a senior leader (Director/VP) to finalize the decision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Quantify Impact: For each project in your portfolio, clearly state the objective, your role, the actions taken, and the measurable results (e.g., % increase in sales, % improvement in franchisee profitability, market share gains).

• Showcase Strategic Thinking: Detail the "why" behind your decisions. Explain the market analysis, consumer insights, and strategic frameworks that informed your product strategies.

• Highlight Collaboration: Include examples that demonstrate your ability to work effectively with diverse teams (marketing, sales, operations) and stakeholders (franchisees).

• Visual Storytelling: Use clear visuals, charts, and graphs to present data, financial models, and product roadmaps. Ensure a professional and polished presentation.

• Tailor to the Role: Emphasize experience relevant to product strategy, franchise enablement, retail, and the optical industry.

Challenge Preparation:

• Product Strategy Case: Be prepared to analyze a hypothetical product scenario or a current market challenge in the optical retail space. Focus on identifying opportunities, defining target audiences, proposing product solutions, and outlining a go-to-market plan.

• Financial Analysis: Practice creating basic financial models for product launches, including sales forecasts, cost estimations, and profitability projections.

• Franchisee Enablement: Think about how to best support and drive adoption of new strategies or products within a franchise network, considering their unique motivations and challenges.

• Presentation Skills: Practice delivering your case study or strategy concisely and persuasively within a set time limit, anticipating questions from different functional perspectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the emphasis on "franchisee value proposition" and "activating product plans," candidates should be prepared to discuss how they have successfully driven adoption and execution of strategies within a decentralized or partner network. The portfolio should clearly demonstrate the ability to translate strategic vision into tangible results for business partners.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CRM: Experience with Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics, or similar CRM platforms for managing customer data, sales pipelines, and franchisee interactions.

• Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) Software: Familiarity with tools like Arena PLM, PTC Windchill, or similar systems for managing product development processes, documentation, and workflows.

• Project Management Software: Proficiency in tools such as Asana, Jira, Trello, or Monday.com for managing project timelines, tasks, and cross-functional collaboration.

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

Analytics & Reporting:

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

• Data Warehousing/Databases: Basic understanding of SQL or experience working with data warehouses for data extraction and analysis.

• Web Analytics: Familiarity with Google Analytics or similar tools for understanding online consumer behavior, if applicable to digital product aspects.

CRM & Automation:

• Marketing Automation Platforms: Experience with HubSpot, Marketo, or Pardot for campaign management and lead nurturing, if product marketing aspects are involved.

• Integration Platforms: Understanding of how different systems (CRM, ERP, PLM) connect and share data, though direct experience with specific ETL tools might not be mandatory.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific tools aren't listed, the responsibilities suggest a need for strong analytical and data management skills. Candidates should highlight proficiency in common BI tools, CRM systems, and advanced spreadsheet capabilities. Experience with tools that facilitate cross-functional collaboration and project management will also be highly valued. The "P00008 PV Store Ops - NY 5th" reference might imply interaction with store-specific POS or inventory management systems.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Focus (Franchisee): Prioritizing the needs and success of franchisees through dedicated support, valuable product offerings, and effective communication.

• Innovation & Agility: Encouraging creative problem-solving and adapting to market changes to drive continuous improvement in products and strategies.

• Data-Driven Excellence: Relying on data, analytics, and market insights to inform decision-making and measure the impact of strategies.

• Collaboration & Partnership: Fostering strong working relationships across departments and with external partners to achieve shared goals.

• Accountability & Ownership: Taking responsibility for product performance, strategic execution, and driving results for the business and its franchisees.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: A proactive approach to working with diverse teams, ensuring alignment and synergy between product strategy, marketing, sales, and operations.

• Open Communication: Encouraging transparent dialogue, constructive feedback, and the sharing of information to facilitate informed decision-making.

• Results-Oriented: Focusing on achieving tangible business outcomes and franchisee success through collaborative efforts and efficient processes.

• Empowerment: Supporting franchisees with the tools, training, and product knowledge they need to succeed independently.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's emphasis on "people focused" and "creative" within the Pearle Vision description, combined with EssilorLuxottica's global leadership, suggests a culture that values both individual contribution and collective success. For operations professionals, this means a strong emphasis on collaboration, data-driven insights, and a commitment to driving tangible business results for both the company and its partners.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Global Strategy with Local Needs: Harmonizing EssilorLuxottica's global product vision with the specific requirements and market dynamics of Pearle Vision franchisees.

• Driving Franchisee Adoption: Persuading independent franchisees to adopt new product strategies and tools, overcoming potential resistance to change or differing business priorities.

• Competitive Market: Navigating a highly competitive optical retail landscape with established players and emerging technologies.

• Data Integration & Analysis: Consolidating and analyzing data from diverse sources (franchisees, various systems) to derive actionable insights for product strategy.

• Product Lifecycle Management: Effectively managing the introduction, performance, and discontinuation of a wide range of optical products.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Optical Industry Expertise: Deepen knowledge of lens technologies, frame design, optical retail operations, and vision care trends.

• Franchise Business Models: Gain extensive experience in supporting and optimizing franchise networks.

• Strategic Product Management: Develop advanced skills in market analysis, strategic planning, product roadmapping, and financial modeling within a complex international organization.

• Cross-Functional Leadership: Enhance leadership and influence skills by working with various departments and stakeholders.

• Professional Certifications: Opportunities to pursue certifications in product management, marketing, or operations relevant to the retail and vision care sectors.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenge will be translating EssilorLuxottica's broader strategic objectives into actionable plans that resonate with and are successfully implemented by independent Pearle Vision franchisees. This requires strong communication, influence, and a deep understanding of the franchise business model and its unique challenges.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you developed a product strategy for a new market or segment. What was your process, and what were the key outcomes?" (Focus on market analysis, strategic frameworks, and measurable results.)

• "How would you approach building a loyalty program for Pearle Vision franchisees? What key elements would you include, and how would you measure its success?" (Demonstrate understanding of franchisee motivations and loyalty program design.)

• "Walk me through your process for developing a product brief. What are the essential components, and how do you ensure alignment across teams?" (Highlight structured approach to product definition.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about EssilorLuxottica and the Pearle Vision brand specifically?" (Research the company's mission, values, and recent news.)

• "How do you approach collaboration with cross-functional teams, especially when there are competing priorities?" (Provide examples of successful stakeholder management.)

• "Pearle Vision operates on a franchise model. How would you ensure your product strategies are effectively adopted by independent franchisees?" (Emphasize communication, support, and value proposition.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each case study, follow a clear story arc: Challenge -> Your Strategy/Action -> Results. Quantify outcomes whenever possible.

• Focus on Impact: Clearly articulate how your work directly contributed to business objectives, such as revenue growth, cost savings, improved efficiency, or enhanced franchisee profitability.

• Showcase Your Process: Explain the methodologies, tools, and analytical approaches you used. This demonstrates your problem-solving skills and strategic thinking.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about specific decisions, data sources, challenges encountered, and alternative approaches you considered.

• Connect to the Role: Explicitly link your experience and achievements to the requirements of the Manager, Product Strategy role at EssilorLuxottica.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to discuss specific examples of product strategy development, market analysis, financial modeling, and cross-functional collaboration. The ability to articulate how their strategies have driven tangible business results, particularly within a retail or franchise context, will be crucial. Demonstrating an understanding of the optical industry and EssilorLuxottica's brands will also be beneficial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided career link on the EssilorLuxottica careers website.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight experience in product strategy, product management, category management, market analysis, financial modeling, and cross-functional leadership. Use keywords from the job description and ensure achievements are quantified.

• Portfolio Curation: Select 2-3 key projects that best showcase your experience in product strategy development, execution, and impact. Prepare concise summaries or presentations that detail the challenge, your approach, and measurable results, focusing on aspects relevant to retail and franchise environments.

• Interview Preparation: Practice answering common interview questions related to strategy, leadership, collaboration, and problem-solving. Prepare your portfolio for presentation and be ready to discuss your past successes in detail.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research EssilorLuxottica, Pearle Vision, and the optical retail industry. Understand their mission, values, brands, and recent performance to demonstrate genuine interest and cultural alignment.

⚠️ 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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