Manager, Product Strategy

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Manager, Product Strategy

Company: Moneris

Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Product Strategy / GTM Operations

Date Posted: 2026-08-10

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive strategic initiatives within the Distribution Partnerships portfolio, focusing on growth and partner relationship enhancement.

• Conduct in-depth market research and competitive analysis to identify emerging trends and opportunities within the payments and commerce ecosystem.

• Develop robust business cases and financial models to support strategic investment decisions and portfolio planning.

• Foster cross-functional alignment and collaboration with key stakeholders across product, sales, marketing, finance, operations, legal, and technology.

• Support commercialization efforts, including pricing analysis, go-to-market planning, and sales enablement for new product launches and strategic initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role bridges Product Management and Go-to-Market (GTM) strategy, with a strong emphasis on strategic analysis and cross-functional execution. The "Distribution Partnerships" focus indicates a need for understanding partner ecosystems, APIs, and B2B product strategies within the payments industry. The hybrid work arrangement suggests a need for strong remote collaboration skills alongside in-office engagement.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Strategy Development & Execution: Support the creation and implementation of strategic plans for the Distribution Partnerships portfolio, aiming to boost growth, deepen partner engagement, and optimize overall portfolio performance.

• Market & Competitive Intelligence: Perform comprehensive market research, competitive landscape assessments, and industry trend analysis to pinpoint emerging opportunities, potential risks, and key competitive advantages within the payments and commerce sectors.

• Business Case & Recommendation Development: Craft compelling business cases, detailed financial models, executive-level presentations, and data-driven recommendations to inform investment decisions, strategic roadmap planning, and growth initiatives.

• Cross-Functional Stakeholder Management: Act as a key liaison with leaders from product, technology, sales, marketing, finance, operations, legal, and risk departments to ensure strategic initiatives are aligned with broader business objectives and to facilitate successful execution.

• Commercialization & Go-to-Market Support: Contribute to commercialization strategies by conducting pricing analyses, refining market assessments, developing go-to-market plans, creating sales enablement materials, and establishing performance measurement frameworks.

• Portfolio Governance & Performance: Establish and maintain frameworks, key performance indicators (KPIs), governance processes, and reporting mechanisms to enable informed strategic decision-making and effective portfolio management.

• Customer & Partner Feedback Integration: Actively gather, analyze, and synthesize feedback from partners, clients, internal teams, and industry participants to identify areas for continuous improvement and future growth opportunities.

• Partner & Developer Experience Enhancement: Champion initiatives aimed at improving the overall experience for partners and developers, including streamlining onboarding, managing lifecycles, optimizing API documentation, enhancing self-service tools, and supporting ecosystem enablement.

• Industry Representation & Team Guidance: Provide strategic guidance to junior analysts and represent Moneris at industry events, conferences, strategic partner meetings, and other external engagements as required.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic thinking, analytical rigor, and execution oversight. The emphasis on "Distribution Partnerships," "APIs," and "developer experiences" points towards a need for understanding platform-based business models and B2B partner strategies. The role requires significant influence without direct authority, necessitating strong communication and stakeholder management skills.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Business, Commerce, Finance, Marketing, Economics, or a closely related discipline. Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in developing and executing product, portfolio, or commercialization strategies within the payments, financial services, fintech, technology, consulting, or a comparable industry.

• Proven track record of commercializing products and strategic initiatives, encompassing product positioning, pricing strategies, go-to-market planning, sales enablement, and overall commercialization strategy development.

• Demonstrated experience in conducting thorough market research, building comprehensive business cases and financial models, identifying growth opportunities and potential risks, and presenting strategic recommendations effectively to executive leadership.

• A history of successfully influencing cross-functional stakeholders and driving consensus and alignment across diverse teams. Required Skills:

• Product Strategy: Ability to define and articulate product vision, strategy, and roadmaps aligned with market opportunities and business objectives.

• Market Research & Analysis: Proficiency in gathering, analyzing, and synthesizing market data, competitive intelligence, and industry trends to inform strategic decisions.

• Business Case Development: Skill in constructing robust business cases, including market sizing, financial projections, risk assessments, and ROI analysis.

• Financial Modeling: Competency in building and interpreting financial models to support strategic planning and investment evaluation.

• Go-to-Market Strategy: Experience in developing and executing comprehensive go-to-market plans, including product positioning, pricing, channel strategy, and sales enablement.

• Cross-Functional Leadership: Ability to lead and influence teams without direct authority, fostering collaboration and driving alignment across diverse departments.

• Stakeholder Management: Excellent skills in managing relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including senior leadership and strategic partners.

• Presentation & Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly and persuasively to executive audiences.

Preferred Skills:

• Payments Ecosystem Knowledge: Familiarity with the intricacies of the payments industry, including merchant acquiring, payment processing, and related financial technology solutions.

• Platform & API Strategy: Experience with software platforms, APIs, developer ecosystems, and platform-based business models.

• Partnership Management: Experience working with software platforms, payment facilitators (PayFacs), independent sales organizations (ISOs), strategic partnerships, or embedded commerce solutions.

• Partner Lifecycle Management: Familiarity with partner onboarding, partner management, and partner lifecycle management platforms and processes.

• Bilingualism: Fluency in both English and French is considered a significant asset.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirements emphasize strategic planning and execution within a regulated industry like payments. The preference for experience with specific partnership models (PayFacs, ISOs) and technical concepts (APIs, developer ecosystems) suggests a need for candidates who understand B2B product strategies and partner enablement. The bilingualism preference is a strong indicator for roles targeting the Canadian market.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Strategic Impact Case Studies: Showcase examples of strategic initiatives you've developed or significantly contributed to, detailing the problem, your approach, key analytical findings, strategic recommendations, and measurable outcomes.

• Market Analysis & Business Case Examples: Include anonymized samples of market research reports, competitive analyses, or business cases you've authored, demonstrating your ability to synthesize complex information and build data-driven justifications for strategic investments.

• Go-to-Market Strategy Frameworks: Present frameworks or examples of go-to-market plans you've developed or influenced, highlighting elements such as target audience segmentation, value proposition, pricing strategies, channel plans, and sales enablement components.

• Cross-Functional Project Leadership: Provide evidence of successful collaboration on complex projects involving multiple departments, illustrating your ability to align diverse teams towards common strategic goals and overcome organizational challenges.

Process Documentation:

• Strategic Planning Process: Document your approach to strategic planning, including how you identify opportunities, conduct analysis, develop recommendations, and gain stakeholder buy-in.

• Market Research Methodology: Outline your standard methodologies for conducting market research and competitive analysis, including data sources, analytical techniques, and reporting formats.

• Business Case Development Workflow: Detail the steps involved in developing a business case, from initial scoping and data gathering to financial modeling, risk assessment, and final presentation.

• Commercialization Planning: Illustrate your process for supporting commercialization efforts, from product positioning and pricing strategy to go-to-market execution and post-launch performance tracking.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Manager, Product Strategy role, the portfolio should emphasize analytical rigor, strategic thinking, and execution capabilities. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate how they translate market insights into actionable strategies and business recommendations, highlighting their ability to influence stakeholders and drive cross-functional alignment. The focus is on strategic deliverables rather than operational process optimization.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• The expected base salary range for this role is $125,000 - $155,000 CAD annually. Benefits:

• Comprehensive Total Rewards: Includes performance-based bonuses and flexible benefits that commence on day one.

• Spending Accounts: Choice between a Health Spending Account (HSA) or a Personal Spending Account (PSA) to support individual wellness needs.

• Retirement Planning: Robust support through profit-sharing programs with company matching and a defined contribution pension plan.

• Learning & Development: Unlimited access to Coursera for continuous skill enhancement, formal mentorship programs, and an internal gig marketplace for career exploration.

• Wellness Support: Access to an Employee & Family Assistance Program (EFAP), 24/7 virtual healthcare services, and various workplace wellness initiatives.

• Work-Life Flexibility: Hybrid work arrangements, a Work from Abroad program, and generous paid time off (PTO) policies.

• Exclusive Perks: Company-wide recognition programs, exclusive banking perks from RBC & BMO, and access to a range of employee discounts.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time work hours are expected, typically around 40 hours per week. The hybrid model offers flexibility, allowing for a balance between in-office collaboration and remote work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is competitive for a Manager-level Product Strategy role in Toronto, Canada. The extensive benefits package emphasizes a commitment to employee well-being, professional development, and work-life balance, which are attractive to experienced professionals. The hybrid arrangement is a key factor for work-life integration. Research indicates that for a Manager, Product Strategy role in Toronto with 5-10 years of experience, this salary range aligns with industry benchmarks, considering factors like company size, industry (Fintech/Payments), and the specific responsibilities outlined.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Financial Technology (Fintech) / Payments Processing. Moneris operates within a dynamic and rapidly evolving sector, characterized by innovation, regulatory scrutiny, and intense competition. Understanding the nuances of payment ecosystems, partner dynamics, and emerging technologies is crucial for success.

Company Size: Moneris is a significant player in the Canadian payments market, suggesting a structured organization with established processes, but also one that fosters innovation and growth within its product and strategy teams. This size implies opportunities for impact and visibility within a larger enterprise.

Founded: Moneris was founded in 2000, indicating a mature company with a strong market presence and established operational foundations, while still being agile enough to adapt to modern fintech trends.

Team Structure:

• Distribution Partnerships Focus: The team likely comprises specialists in partner management, channel development, and ecosystem strategy, working closely with product managers and GTM leads.

• Reporting Hierarchy: Reporting to the Director, Product - Distribution Partnerships, this role sits within a product leadership structure, suggesting a clear chain of command and strategic direction.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: The role necessitates deep collaboration with numerous departments including Product Management, Technology, Sales, Marketing, Finance, Operations, Legal, and Risk, highlighting a matrixed and highly integrated work environment.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Strategy: Emphasis on using research, analysis, and data to inform strategic decisions, develop business cases, and measure performance.

• Agile Execution: While strategic, the role supports the execution of initiatives, implying an agile or iterative approach to product development and commercialization.

• Partner-Centric Approach: A core focus on understanding and enhancing the experience for distribution partners and developers.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Moneris's position as a leading payments processor in Canada implies a need for strategic thinking grounded in robust market analysis and a deep understanding of the financial services and technology sectors. The emphasis on "Distribution Partnerships" and "developer experience" suggests a forward-looking strategy focused on ecosystem growth and innovation, particularly relevant in the current fintech landscape.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a "Manager" level position, indicating a mid-to-senior career stage. It requires strategic thinking, analytical skills, and the ability to influence cross-functional teams, moving beyond tactical execution to shaping strategic direction.

Reporting Structure: The role reports to a Director, Product - Distribution Partnerships, placing it within a product management or strategy vertical. This structure likely offers mentorship from senior leadership and exposure to high-level strategic discussions.

Operations Impact: The role directly influences the growth and evolution of Moneris's Distribution Partnerships portfolio. Success here translates to tangible business outcomes, including increased revenue, expanded market reach, stronger partner relationships, and a more competitive position in the payments ecosystem.

Growth Opportunities:

• Strategic Leadership Development: Progression towards Senior Manager or Director roles within Product Strategy, GTM, or Partnerships. Opportunity to lead larger strategic initiatives and manage teams.

• Domain Expertise Deepening: Opportunity to become a subject matter expert in specific areas of the payments industry, such as fintech partnerships, developer ecosystems, or embedded commerce.

• Cross-Functional Mobility: Potential to move into related roles in Product Management, Business Development, or GTM leadership within Moneris, leveraging a broad understanding of the business.

• Skill Enhancement: Access to extensive learning resources like Coursera and mentorship programs to develop advanced strategic analysis, financial modeling, and leadership skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: The Manager, Product Strategy role is a critical stepping stone for professionals aiming for senior leadership in product or GTM roles within the fintech and payments industry. The hybrid nature and comprehensive benefits suggest a company that invests in its employees' long-term development and well-being, offering a stable yet growth-oriented career path.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in Moneris's Toronto office, operating under a hybrid work model. This suggests a professional office environment designed for collaboration, team meetings, and focused work, balanced with the flexibility of remote workdays.

Office Location(s): Located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, offering access to a major business hub with various amenities and transportation options. Specific office address details would be available upon inquiry or during the interview process.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: The office likely provides meeting rooms, huddle spaces, and open-plan areas conducive to team brainstorming and cross-functional discussions.

• Technology & Tools: Access to standard corporate IT infrastructure, including laptops, monitors, and potentially specialized software for analysis and presentations. The hybrid model necessitates robust remote work capabilities.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular interaction with the immediate team, cross-functional colleagues, and leadership through scheduled meetings, informal discussions, and company events, both in-person and virtually.

Work Schedule:

• The standard work schedule is typically 40 hours per week. The hybrid arrangement allows for flexibility in managing workdays between the office and home, accommodating personal needs while ensuring business objectives and collaborative requirements are met.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of this role indicates a modern work environment that values both in-person collaboration and employee flexibility. Candidates should be comfortable navigating communication and project management across different work settings and leveraging digital collaboration tools effectively.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and application by the recruitment team to assess alignment with the core requirements.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion focused on your experience in product strategy, market analysis, financial modeling, and cross-functional leadership. Be prepared to discuss specific examples from your career.

• Case Study/Presentation: A common step for strategy roles. You may be asked to analyze a market scenario, develop a strategic recommendation, or present a past project. Focus on demonstrating your analytical process, strategic thinking, and communication skills.

• Cross-Functional Interviews: Meetings with key stakeholders from product, sales, marketing, or technology teams to assess your collaboration style, ability to influence, and understanding of different business functions.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader (e.g., VP or Director) to discuss your strategic vision, cultural fit, and long-term career aspirations within Moneris.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Strategic Impact: Prioritize case studies that demonstrate significant strategic contributions, quantifiable results, and a clear understanding of business impact (revenue growth, market share, efficiency gains).

• Analytical Rigor: Showcase your ability to conduct thorough market research, competitive analysis, and financial modeling. Clearly articulate your methodology and the insights derived.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Highlight projects where you successfully influenced and collaborated with diverse teams. Emphasize your communication and stakeholder management skills.

• Go-to-Market Acumen: Include examples of how you've contributed to or developed go-to-market strategies, product positioning, and sales enablement efforts.

• Conciseness and Clarity: Present your portfolio in a well-organized, easy-to-digest format. Use visuals (charts, graphs) where appropriate, and be ready to walk through each piece concisely.

Challenge Preparation:

• Market Analysis Exercise: Be prepared for a hypothetical scenario requiring you to analyze a market, identify opportunities, and propose strategic recommendations for Moneris's Distribution Partnerships. Focus on structured thinking and data-driven insights.

• Business Case Presentation: Practice presenting a complex business case, demonstrating your ability to articulate the problem, solution, financial projections, risks, and expected outcomes clearly and persuasively.

• Stakeholder Alignment Scenario: Consider how you would approach gaining buy-in for a strategic initiative from various departments with potentially competing priorities.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the strategic nature of this role, expect a rigorous interview process that includes a case study or presentation component. Candidates should prepare to demonstrate not just their knowledge but also their strategic thinking process, analytical capabilities, and ability to communicate complex ideas effectively. A well-curated portfolio showcasing past strategic successes is crucial.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CRM: Salesforce (or similar enterprise CRM) for understanding customer and partner relationships, sales pipelines, and account management data.

• Product Management Tools: Jira, Confluence, or similar for requirements management, roadmap planning, and documentation.

• BI & Analytics Platforms: Tableau, Power BI, Looker, or internal Moneris analytics tools for data analysis, performance tracking, and dashboard creation.

• Presentation Software: Microsoft PowerPoint, Google Slides for developing executive presentations, business cases, and strategic recommendations.

• Collaboration Suites: Microsoft Teams, Slack, Zoom for communication, virtual meetings, and project collaboration in a hybrid environment.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Warehousing/ETL: Familiarity with how data is stored and accessed (e.g., Snowflake, Redshift) is beneficial for deep-dive analysis.

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

CRM & Automation:

• Marketing Automation Tools: Experience with platforms like Marketo or HubSpot (though less direct, understanding their role in GTM is valuable).

• Integration Platforms: Awareness of how different systems (CRM, ERP, product databases) connect is helpful for understanding partner integrations and platform strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific tool requirements aren't listed, a strong candidate will likely have experience with enterprise-grade CRM systems, business intelligence tools for data analysis and reporting, and standard productivity/collaboration suites. Familiarity with tools used in product management and strategic planning is also advantageous. The emphasis on data-driven recommendations implies proficiency in data analysis and visualization.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: A strong emphasis on using data, research, and analytics to inform strategy and measure impact, ensuring objectivity and evidence-based recommendations.

• Collaboration & Partnership: A culture that values teamwork, open communication, and the ability to build strong relationships across departments and with external partners.

• Innovation & Growth: Encouraging new ideas, exploring emerging trends in the payments and fintech space, and driving initiatives that foster business growth and market leadership.

• Customer/Partner Centricity: A commitment to understanding and addressing the needs of Moneris's customers and distribution partners, aiming to enhance their experience and success.

• Accountability & Execution: Taking ownership of strategic initiatives, driving them to completion, and being accountable for delivering measurable results.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Expect a highly collaborative environment where input from various functions (Product, Tech, Sales, Marketing, Finance, Legal, Risk) is sought and integrated into strategic planning.

• Open Communication & Feedback: A culture that encourages open dialogue, constructive feedback, and transparency to ensure alignment and continuous improvement.

• Knowledge Sharing: Practices that promote the sharing of insights, best practices, and learnings across teams and departments to foster collective growth and efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture appears to value a blend of analytical rigor, collaborative execution, and a forward-thinking approach to innovation within the payments sector. Candidates who thrive in a matrixed environment, can influence without authority, and are driven by data and partnership success will likely find this culture a good fit.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating a Complex Ecosystem: The payments industry is intricate, with evolving regulations, diverse partner models (PayFacs, ISOs), and rapid technological advancements. Staying abreast of these complexities and translating them into actionable strategies is a key challenge.

• Driving Cross-Functional Alignment: Influencing and aligning numerous departments with potentially competing priorities requires strong negotiation, communication, and strategic persuasion skills.

• Balancing Short-Term vs. Long-Term Strategy: Effectively managing immediate business needs while developing and executing long-term strategic vision for the Distribution Partnerships portfolio.

• Quantifying Impact: Developing robust metrics and frameworks to accurately measure the success and ROI of strategic initiatives within a dynamic market.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Strategic Acumen Enhancement: Opportunities to deepen expertise in strategic planning frameworks, competitive analysis, financial modeling, and market entry strategies through internal resources and external training.

• Industry Specialization: Becoming a recognized expert in fintech, payments, partner ecosystems, and API-driven business models.

• Leadership Skill Development: Mentorship from senior leaders and participation in leadership development programs to hone skills in team management, executive communication, and strategic influence.

• Exposure to Innovation: Working on cutting-edge initiatives within the payments space, potentially involving new technologies, business models, and market expansion strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for a strategic role in a complex, fast-paced industry like fintech. The growth opportunities are substantial, offering a clear path for career advancement and skill development within Moneris and the broader industry.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you developed a strategic recommendation for a new product or market entry. What was your process, what data did you use, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on analytical process, data utilization, and impact).

• "How would you approach assessing the competitive landscape for Moneris's Distribution Partnerships? What key metrics would you track?" (Demonstrate market analysis methodology and understanding of competitive factors in payments).

• "Imagine you need to gain buy-in from Sales, Technology, and Legal for a new partnership initiative. How would you structure your approach and tailor your message to each group?" (Highlight cross-functional leadership, stakeholder management, and communication skills).

• "Walk me through a complex financial model you built to support a strategic decision. What were the key assumptions and sensitivities?" (Showcase financial modeling proficiency and critical thinking). Company & Culture Questions:

• "Based on your research, what do you see as Moneris's biggest strategic opportunities or challenges in the current payments market?" (Demonstrate company research and strategic insight).

• "How do you see the role of distribution partnerships evolving in the fintech space, and how can Moneris best position itself?" (Showcase industry knowledge and forward-thinking).

• "Describe your ideal team culture and how you contribute to a collaborative and high-performing environment." (Assess cultural fit and teamwork). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• STAR Method for Case Studies: For each portfolio item, structure your explanation using Situation, Task, Action, and Result. Focus on your specific contributions and the quantifiable impact.

• Highlight Analytical Frameworks: Clearly articulate the frameworks and methodologies you used for market analysis, business case development, or strategic planning.

• Emphasize Collaboration: When discussing projects, explicitly mention the cross-functional teams you worked with and how you managed those relationships.

• Data Visualization: If presenting financial models or market data, use clear, concise visualizations and be prepared to explain them thoroughly.

• Tailor to Moneris: Connect your experience and portfolio examples to Moneris's business, industry, and the specific requirements of the Manager, Product Strategy role.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating strategic thinking, analytical depth, and strong communication skills. Candidates should be ready to articulate their process, back up their claims with data and examples, and show how their experience aligns with Moneris's strategic goals and the specific challenges of the payments industry.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

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

• Tailor Your Resume: Customize your resume to highlight your experience in product strategy, market research, financial modeling, go-to-market planning, and cross-functional leadership, using keywords from the job description and relevant operations industry terms.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate 2-3 key projects that best showcase your strategic impact, analytical capabilities, and collaboration skills. Be ready to present these in detail, focusing on your role, methodology, and quantifiable results.

• Conduct Company Research: Thoroughly research Moneris, its position in the payments market, its key products, and its strategic priorities. Understand its Distribution Partnerships strategy and any recent news or announcements.

• Practice Interview Questions: Rehearse answers to common strategy, behavioral, and situational interview questions, particularly those related to product strategy development, market analysis, and stakeholder management. Prepare specific examples using the STAR method.

⚠️ 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.