Product Strategy and Development Lead

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Product Strategy and Development Lead

Company: Corebridge Financial

Location: Jersey City, NJ, United States

Job Type: Full time

Category: Product Management / Strategy

Date Posted: September 02, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (8+ years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the strategic development, implementation, and quality assurance of In-Plan Retirement Income products, serving as a subject-matter expert.

• Drive product innovation by identifying emerging market opportunities, consumer needs, and industry trends to expand market reach and diversify the product portfolio.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including IT, Marketing, Legal, Operations, and Actuarial, to define and document complex business requirements for product initiatives.

• Contribute to robust risk management and product governance processes, assessing impacts of product design, pricing, and market competitiveness for portfolio optimization and growth.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Product Strategy and Development Lead," the responsibilities heavily lean into product management and strategic execution within the financial services sector, specifically annuities and retirement income. The role requires a blend of strategic foresight, technical product understanding, and strong cross-functional leadership. This is not a typical Revenue Operations or Sales Operations role, but rather a product-focused role that will interact extensively with operations teams.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Monitor and report on the competitive landscape, analyzing impacts on proprietary offerings and identifying strategic positioning opportunities.

• Proactively identify and analyze emerging market trends, consumer needs, and competitive offerings to inform the development of new product strategies and expansion into new markets.

• Partner with Project Managers and cross-functional project teams to meticulously scope, document, and validate complex business requirements for both new product launches and enhancements to existing product lines.

• Actively participate in risk management and product governance frameworks by evaluating the potential impacts of product design, pricing strategies, and market competitiveness on the overall product portfolio and business growth objectives.

• Continuously monitor and report on the performance and experience of the existing product suite, identifying key success drivers and detractors to inform future product enhancements and strategic adjustments.

• Define and execute short-term and long-term product strategies by maintaining a comprehensive understanding of market dynamics, competitor offerings, evolving regulatory landscapes, and emerging industry trends.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a proactive approach to market analysis, strategic planning, and cross-functional execution. The role requires deep product lifecycle management knowledge, from ideation and requirements gathering to implementation and performance monitoring, with a strong emphasis on risk assessment and governance within the financial services industry.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of relevant experience, education, and training. Experience:

• 8+ years of experience within the Annuity, Retirement Plan, and broader Financial Services industry.

• 5+ years of dedicated experience in Annuity Product Development and Management.

• Proven track record of successfully launching products through complex, cross-functional organizational structures. Required Skills:

• Product Strategy & Development: Deep understanding of annuity and retirement income product lifecycle, market dynamics, and strategic planning.

• Financial Services Acumen: Extensive knowledge of the Annuity, Retirement Plan, and broader Financial Services industry.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Ability to partner effectively with Information Technology, Marketing, Legal, Operations, Actuarial, and Sales teams.

• Business Requirements Documentation: Proficiency in scoping, documenting, and validating complex business requirements for product initiatives.

• Analytical & Critical Thinking: Strong ability to analyze information, evaluate implications, and make data-driven decisions.

• Regulatory Knowledge: Extensive understanding of relevant regulatory requirements and frameworks within the financial services sector.

• Communication & Presentation: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with a proven ability to present complex information clearly and concisely to diverse audiences.

• Stakeholder Management: Effective communicator across all organizational levels and functions.

Preferred Skills:

• FINRA Series 6 or Series 7 license.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications highlight a need for seasoned professionals with a significant track record in annuity product development. The preference for FINRA licenses indicates a potential need for direct client interaction or a deeper understanding of sales and compliance regulations within the financial products space. The emphasis on cross-functional collaboration and business requirements is crucial for candidates to showcase their ability to navigate complex organizational structures.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Product Strategy Case Studies: Showcase instances where you developed and executed successful product strategies, detailing market analysis, target audience identification, and competitive positioning.

• Product Launch Documentation: Provide examples of product launch plans, including key deliverables, timelines, and cross-functional team involvement for annuity or retirement income products.

• Business Requirements Examples: Present samples of detailed business requirements documents (BRDs) or functional specifications for new product features or system enhancements, demonstrating clarity and completeness.

• Risk Assessment & Governance Documentation: Illustrate your experience with risk management and product governance processes, potentially through case studies on how you assessed and mitigated product-related risks.

• Performance Analysis Reports: Include examples of product performance reports you've created, highlighting key metrics, analysis of success drivers and detractors, and recommendations for future product adjustments.

Process Documentation:

• Product Development Lifecycle: Demonstrate your understanding and experience with the end-to-end product development lifecycle, from ideation and market research to design, implementation, and post-launch analysis.

• Requirements Gathering & Validation: Detail your process for gathering, documenting, and validating business and technical requirements with various stakeholders.

• Cross-Functional Workflow Management: Showcase your experience in managing workflows and ensuring seamless collaboration across different departments (e.g., IT, Legal, Operations, Marketing) for product initiatives.

• Risk & Compliance Process Integration: Explain how you integrate risk assessment and regulatory compliance checks into product development and management processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role focused on product strategy and development, a portfolio demonstrating tangible achievements in product launches, strategic planning, and cross-functional execution is critical. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their process for requirements gathering, risk assessment, and performance analysis, ideally with quantitative results to support their claims.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• The anticipated salary range for this position is $154,000 to $179,000 annually.

• Actual compensation will depend on factors such as geographic location, candidate skills, experience, and other qualifications.

• Not all candidates will be eligible for the upper end of the salary range. Benefits:

• Health and Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans; mental health support and wellness initiatives.

• Retirement Savings: Competitive 401(k) Plan with a generous Company matching contribution (up to 6% of eligible pay) and a Company contribution (3% of eligible pay), subject to IRS limits and plan terms. Immediate vesting for Company contributions.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential counseling services and resources available to all employees.

• Charitable Giving: Matching charitable donations, 1:1, up to $5,000 annually.

• Volunteer Time Off (VTO): Up to 16 hours annually to support community activities.

• Paid Time Off (PTO): At least 24 PTO days for eligible employees, providing time off for personal needs and family.

Working Hours:

• The role is full-time, with an estimated 40 hours per week.

• The position is subject to a hybrid working policy, allowing for a balance of in-office and remote work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is competitive for a senior-level Product Strategy and Development role in the financial services industry, particularly in a high cost-of-living area like Jersey City. The benefits package is robust, offering comprehensive health, retirement, and wellness programs, along with generous PTO and community engagement opportunities, which are attractive to experienced professionals.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Financial Services (specifically Annuities, Retirement Planning, Life Insurance)

Company Size: Corebridge Financial is a large, established financial services organization. (Specific employee count not provided, but typically such companies have thousands of employees globally).

Founded: Corebridge Financial was formed in 2022, though it comprises businesses with much longer histories (e.g., American General Life Insurance Company). This implies a blend of established expertise with a new, unified brand identity.

Team Structure:

• The role sits within the Sales & Marketing functional area, reporting to a Product Management or Strategy leadership role.

• The Product Development and Implementation Lead will collaborate extensively with Project Managers, Product Managers, and functional teams across IT, Marketing, Legal, Operations, Annuity Contract Management, Product Development, Actuarial, and Sales Management.

• This indicates a matrixed environment where influence and strong communication are key to driving initiatives. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Strategy: The role requires monitoring product experience, identifying success drivers, and using market dynamics to inform strategy, suggesting a data-informed approach.

• Cross-Functional Execution: Success hinges on partnering with diverse teams to document requirements, manage projects, and implement product changes, highlighting a collaborative execution methodology.

• Risk-Conscious Development: Emphasis on risk management and product governance indicates a structured and compliant development process.

Company Website: www.corebridgefinancial.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Corebridge Financial emphasizes values such as collaboration, accountability, continuous learning, and inclusivity. For a Product Strategy role, this means expecting an environment where cross-functional teamwork is paramount, and continuous improvement through learning and innovation is encouraged. The company's relatively recent formation as a unified entity suggests a dynamic environment that values both established practices and forward-thinking strategies.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a senior individual contributor level, likely Senior Manager or Lead, requiring significant domain expertise and strategic input. It sits within the Product function, closely aligned with Sales & Marketing.

Reporting Structure: The Product Strategy and Development Lead will report into a management role within Product Management or Strategy, likely a Director or VP. They will lead initiatives through influence and collaboration rather than direct reports, working closely with project managers and cross-functional teams.

Operations Impact: This role has a direct impact on the company's product portfolio, revenue generation through new and enhanced products, market positioning, and customer acquisition/retention within the retirement income and annuity space. Strategic product decisions directly influence sales success and overall business growth.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership in Product Management: Potential to move into senior product management roles, overseeing larger product lines or portfolios.

• Strategic Product Leadership: Opportunity to drive the overarching product vision and strategy for key segments of the business.

• Subject Matter Expertise: Deepen expertise in In-Plan Retirement Income products, becoming a go-to authority within the company and the industry.

• Cross-Functional Mobility: Develop strong relationships and understanding across various departments, potentially leading to opportunities in related areas like business development or strategic partnerships.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role represents a significant step for professionals in product development and strategy within financial services. The growth trajectory offers clear paths toward senior leadership and specialized expertise, with opportunities to influence major business outcomes. Candidates should highlight their strategic thinking and leadership-by-influence capabilities.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid. The position is subject to Corebridge's hybrid working policy, allowing colleagues to benefit from both in-office and remote work. This suggests a flexible work environment designed to balance collaboration and individual focus.

Office Location(s): Jersey City, NJ; Houston, TX; or Charlotte, NC. Candidates can choose one of these locations.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model implies opportunities for in-person collaboration on specific days, fostering team cohesion and idea exchange.

• Tools & Technology: Access to standard corporate IT infrastructure, including necessary software for product management, analysis, and communication. Specific tools will likely include CRM, project management software, and data analytics platforms.

• Team Interaction: Regular interaction with a diverse set of colleagues from various functional areas, requiring strong interpersonal and communication skills to build rapport and drive consensus.

Work Schedule: Full-time, approximately 40 hours per week, with the flexibility afforded by the hybrid work policy. This allows for structured workdays while accommodating personal needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work model is a key aspect of the work environment. Candidates should be prepared to discuss how they maintain productivity and collaboration in a hybrid setting. The availability of multiple office locations offers flexibility for candidates in different regions.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Typically involves an HR or recruiter call to assess basic qualifications, salary expectations, and cultural fit.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A deeper dive into experience, technical skills, and understanding of product strategy and development within financial services. Expect questions about past product launches and strategic decision-making.

• Cross-Functional Team Interviews: Interviews with key stakeholders from IT, Marketing, Legal, Operations, or Actuarial to assess collaboration skills and ability to articulate complex ideas to different audiences.

• Case Study/Presentation: Candidates may be asked to prepare and present a case study on a past product initiative, a market opportunity, or a strategic challenge. This is where portfolio elements would be crucial.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader (e.g., VP of Product, Head of Sales & Marketing) to discuss strategic vision and long-term fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Quantify Impact: For each case study or project, clearly articulate the business problem, your role, the solution implemented, and the measurable results (e.g., revenue growth, market share increase, cost savings, efficiency improvements). Use specific metrics.

• Highlight Strategy: For product strategy examples, clearly outline the market analysis, competitive positioning, target audience, and the strategic rationale behind your recommendations.

• Showcase Collaboration: Demonstrate how you worked with cross-functional teams, managed conflicting priorities, and achieved consensus.

• Focus on Annuity/Retirement Income: Tailor your portfolio to showcase relevant experience in the financial services sector, particularly with annuity and retirement income products.

• Clarity and Conciseness: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, easy to understand, and highlights your most impactful achievements.

Challenge Preparation:

• Product Strategy Scenarios: Be ready to discuss how you would approach developing a product strategy for a new retirement income solution or how you would respond to a new competitor entering the market.

• Requirements Definition: Prepare to walk through your process for defining and documenting business requirements for a complex product feature, including how you ensure accuracy and completeness.

• Risk Mitigation: Anticipate questions about how you identify and mitigate risks associated with new product designs or pricing strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely be multi-stage and designed to assess not only technical product expertise but also strategic thinking, cross-functional collaboration, and communication skills. A well-curated portfolio is essential for demonstrating practical application of skills and quantifiable achievements.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Product Management Software: Tools like Jira, Confluence, Aha!, or Productboard for managing product roadmaps, backlogs, and requirements.

• CRM Systems: Experience with Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics, or similar CRM platforms for understanding customer interactions and sales pipelines.

• Data Analysis & Visualization Tools: Proficiency in tools such as Microsoft Excel (advanced functions), Tableau, Power BI, or similar for market analysis, performance tracking, and reporting.

• Project Management Software: Familiarity with Microsoft Project, Asana, Trello, or other project management tools to track initiative progress.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Business Intelligence Platforms: Experience with BI tools for creating dashboards and reports to monitor product performance and market trends.

• Financial Modeling Software: Potential use of specialized financial modeling tools or advanced Excel for pricing and profitability analysis.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Data Management: Understanding of how to leverage CRM data for market segmentation and strategic planning.

• Workflow Automation Concepts: While not directly an operations role, understanding how product requirements translate into automated workflows within IT and Operations is beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this role is product-focused, a strong understanding of the technology stack that supports product development, implementation, and performance tracking is crucial. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience with common product management, CRM, and data analysis tools used in the financial services industry.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Collaboration: The company strongly emphasizes collaboration across enterprise functions, which is critical for a role that spans multiple departments.

• Accountability: Delivering on commitments and taking ownership of product initiatives is a core expectation.

• Continuous Improvement: A culture of learning, challenging the status quo, and innovating is vital for staying ahead in the competitive financial services market.

• Inclusivity: Embracing diverse perspectives is encouraged, fostering an environment where varied viewpoints contribute to better product development and decision-making.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Expect a highly collaborative style, requiring proactive engagement with IT, Legal, Marketing, Sales, and Operations to ensure alignment and successful product execution.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Discussions and decisions will likely be informed by market data, product performance metrics, and risk assessments.

• Structured Communication: Clear and effective communication across different levels and functions is essential, particularly when presenting complex product strategies and requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's stated values—stronger as one, deliver on commitments, learn/improve/innovate, and inclusive—directly shape the expected collaboration style. Candidates should demonstrate how they embody these values in their approach to product strategy and cross-functional teamwork.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Complex Organizations: Successfully driving product initiatives through a large, matrixed financial services organization with diverse stakeholder needs and priorities.

• Rapid Market Evolution: Keeping pace with dynamic market trends, regulatory changes, and competitive pressures in the retirement income and annuity space.

• Balancing Innovation and Risk: Developing innovative product solutions while adhering to stringent regulatory requirements and managing associated risks.

• Cross-Functional Alignment: Ensuring consistent understanding and buy-in across multiple departments for product strategy and implementation.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deepening Financial Product Expertise: Gaining in-depth knowledge of In-Plan Retirement Income products and their evolving market dynamics.

• Strategic Leadership Development: Opportunities to hone strategic planning, market analysis, and business development skills.

• Cross-Departmental Acumen: Expanding understanding of various business functions (IT, Legal, Operations, Marketing) through close collaboration.

• Industry Certifications: Potential for pursuing advanced certifications in financial planning, product management, or risk management.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant opportunities for professional growth within a leading financial services firm. The challenges are typical for senior product roles in complex industries, offering ample scope for skill development and strategic impact.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for identifying and capitalizing on emerging market opportunities in the retirement income space."

• "How would you approach developing a product strategy to differentiate Corebridge's offerings against key competitors?"

• "Walk me through a time you had to influence stakeholders from different departments to gain buy-in for a new product initiative."

• "How do you balance the need for product innovation with regulatory compliance and risk management?" Company & Culture Questions:

• "Based on our company values, how would you approach a situation where two key departments have conflicting requirements for a new product?"

• "How do you stay informed about industry trends and regulatory changes relevant to financial products?"

• "Describe your experience working in a hybrid environment and how you ensure effective collaboration." Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each case study, use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to clearly articulate your contributions and the outcomes.

• Focus on Impact: Emphasize quantifiable results (e.g., percentage increase in sales, market share gained, efficiency improvements).

• Highlight Strategic Thinking: Clearly explain the "why" behind your actions – the strategic thinking that guided your decisions.

• Showcase Collaboration: Detail how you worked with cross-functional teams, managed dependencies, and achieved consensus.

• Tailor to Corebridge: Connect your experience and achievements to Corebridge Financial's business and stated values.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to discuss their strategic approach to product development, their experience with annuities and retirement income products, and their ability to navigate complex organizational structures. A strong portfolio that demonstrates quantifiable results and strategic thinking will be key to success.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Product Strategy and Development Lead position:

• Submit your application through the Corebridge Financial careers portal via the provided link.

• Customize Your Resume: Highlight your experience in annuity and retirement income product development, strategic planning, cross-functional leadership, and regulatory compliance. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate 2-3 key case studies showcasing