Product Strategy and Operations Associate

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Product Strategy and Operations Associate

Company: Roku

Location: New York, New York, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Product Operations / Go-To-Market Strategy

Date Posted: May 18, 2026

Experience Level: 1-3 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid (4 days in office)

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive go-to-market (GTM) strategy and operational execution for key ad product areas within Roku's advertising portfolio.

• Partner with Product Management, Engineering, Sales, and Legal to ensure successful product launches and commercial readiness.

• Analyze market opportunities, competitive landscapes, and advertiser needs to inform product strategy and positioning.

• Manage release coordination, sales enablement, and post-launch performance monitoring to optimize product adoption and revenue generation.

• Act as a critical connective tissue, translating complex product initiatives into scalable operational processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is situated within Roku's Ad Product Strategy & Operations (PS&O) team, a hybrid function focused on bridging product development with business enablement. The "Associate" title, combined with the 1-3 years of experience requirement, suggests a role focused on execution and support within defined workstreams, with significant opportunities for learning and growth under senior guidance. The emphasis on being a "DRI" (Directly Responsible Individual) for a workstream indicates a need for proactive ownership and accountability.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Product Strategy Contribution: Research and analyze competitive offerings, market dynamics, and advertiser needs to contribute to the definition and positioning of new ad experiences and solutions.

• Go-To-Market Frameworks: Apply scalable GTM frameworks to ensure new ad products and solutions are effectively launched and adopted across Roku's advertising business.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner closely with Product, Ad Sales, Operations, Legal, and Engineering teams to unblock revenue opportunities and address operational challenges.

• Technical Integration Support: Collaborate with internal and external partners to drive technical integrations necessary for powering Roku's ad products.

• Launch Readiness & Execution: Manage go-to-market readiness, including alpha/beta coordination, commercial packaging, US and international launch support, and development of sales enablement materials.

• Operations Management: Oversee day-to-day operational needs for defined ad product areas and monitor post-launch performance against defined exit criteria.

• Market Feedback Synthesis: Synthesize market feedback from various stakeholders into clear, actionable summaries to inform product roadmap discussions and future development.

• Operational Gap Identification: Proactively identify operational gaps and propose solutions to improve efficiency and scalability within the ad product lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic contribution and operational execution. The emphasis on "unblocking revenue opportunities" and "commercial packaging" points to a strong focus on the business impact of product operations. The requirement to manage both US and international launches suggests a need for awareness of global market nuances.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Economics, or a related field is typically expected for roles of this nature.

Experience: 1-3 years of experience in strategy and operations, management consulting, product marketing, program management, or equivalent practical experience, ideally within digital advertising.

Required Skills:

• Go-To-Market (GTM) Strategy: Proven ability to contribute to and execute GTM plans for new products or services.

• Product Operations: Understanding of the product lifecycle and the operational processes required to bring products to market.

• Market Research & Competitive Analysis: Skills in gathering and synthesizing information on market trends, competitor activities, and customer needs.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse teams (Product, Sales, Engineering, Legal, etc.).

• Analytical & Detail-Oriented: Strong ability to structure ambiguous problems, analyze data, and support data-informed recommendations.

• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication, with the ability to synthesize complex information into clear, actionable outputs for various stakeholders.

• Organizational Skills: Ability to manage multiple workstreams simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.

• Proactive & Autonomous: Comfortable operating as a Directly Responsible Individual (DRI) for defined workstreams, demonstrating initiative and ownership.

• Adaptability: Ability to navigate ambiguity and adapt to changing priorities in a dynamic industry.

• AI Productivity Tools: Proficiency in using AI tools to enhance productivity in research, content development, and other professional tasks.

Preferred Skills:

• Digital Advertising & Ad Tech: Demonstrated interest and/or experience in digital advertising, ad tech, CTV/streaming, or media.

• Advertising Experiences & Formats: Familiarity with creative and interactive ad formats.

• Programmatic Advertising: Understanding of programmatic platforms and third-party integrations.

• Performance, Data & Measurement: Experience with performance-based advertising offerings and measurement methodologies.

• Product-Market Fit: Understanding of how to achieve and articulate product-market fit.

• Sales Enablement: Experience in developing materials and training for sales teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "preferred skills" section strongly suggests that candidates with a background directly in digital advertising, particularly within Connected TV (CTV), programmatic, or ad measurement, will have a significant advantage. The explicit mention of AI tools indicates a forward-looking approach to productivity.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Go-To-Market Case Studies: Examples demonstrating successful contributions to product launches, detailing market analysis, GTM strategy elements, and execution coordination.

• Process Improvement Examples: Documentation of initiatives where you identified operational gaps, proposed solutions, and contributed to improved efficiency or scalability in a product or operational context.

• Cross-functional Project Summaries: Descriptions of projects requiring significant collaboration with multiple departments, highlighting your role in communication, alignment, and driving towards a common goal.

• Analytical Deliverables: Samples of market research reports, competitive analyses, or data-driven recommendations that informed strategic decisions.

• Sales Enablement Collateral: Examples of materials created to support sales teams, such as product one-pagers, FAQs, or presentation decks.

Process Documentation:

• Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience in documenting and optimizing workflows related to product launches, operational processes, and cross-functional coordination.

• Highlight experience in creating clear, concise documentation that supports scalability and knowledge transfer within a team.

📝 Enhancement Note: While a formal portfolio may not be explicitly requested, candidates should prepare to showcase examples of their work that demonstrate the required skills. The focus should be on quantifiable achievements and clear articulation of their role in driving successful outcomes, particularly in GTM and operational contexts.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $100,000 - $120,000 annually (for New York location).

Benefits:

• Health insurance (medical, dental, and vision)

• Equity awards

• Life insurance

• Disability benefits

• Parental leave

• Wellness benefits

• Paid time off

• Global access to mental health and financial wellness support and resources

• Commuter benefits

• Retirement options (401(k)/pension)

Working Hours: The role is listed as full-time, with an implied standard workweek of approximately 40 hours. The company operates on a hybrid model, requiring 4 days in the office per week.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is specific to New York City. For other locations, compensation would be adjusted based on local market rates and cost of living. The comprehensive benefits package indicates Roku's commitment to employee well-being and long-term engagement.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology (Streaming Media, Advertising Technology, Consumer Electronics)

Company Size: Large (Roku has over 5,000 employees globally, as per LinkedIn data). This implies established processes, significant resources, and opportunities for impact within a structured environment.

Founded: 2002. Roku has a long-standing history and significant experience in the streaming industry, indicating stability and a proven track record.

Team Structure:

• Ad Product Strategy & Operations (PS&O): A hybrid strategy and execution function within the Ad Product organization, working closely with Product Managers.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: The role requires deep collaboration with Product, Ad Sales, Operations, Legal, and Engineering teams.

• Reporting: The Associate will operate with autonomy on defined workstreams but will collaborate closely with senior PS&O and product leadership, suggesting a reporting structure that offers mentorship and guidance.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Emphasis on analytical thinking and data-informed recommendations.

• Process Optimization: Focus on identifying operational gaps, scaling processes, and ensuring commercial readiness.

• Agile Execution: Comfort in fast-moving environments, managing multiple workstreams, and adapting to ambiguity.

• Customer-Centricity: Researching advertiser needs and market dynamics to inform product development.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Roku's culture is described as fast-paced, collaborative, and focused on problem-solving with a penchant for action and pragmatic innovation. The company values talented individuals who are easy to work with, keep egos in check, and act boldly. This suggests an environment where initiative and collaboration are highly prized.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Associate level, typically indicating an entry to mid-level position suitable for individuals with 1-3 years of experience. This role is foundational for developing expertise in product strategy and operations within the ad tech space.

Reporting Structure: Will report into senior PS&O or Product leadership, providing opportunities for mentorship, learning, and exposure to strategic decision-making.

Operations Impact: The role directly influences the success of Roku's advertising business by ensuring new products are strategically defined, operationally ready, and effectively brought to market, thereby driving revenue and advertiser adoption.

Growth Opportunities:

• Domain Expertise: Deepen knowledge in specific ad product areas (Ad Experiences, Roku Exchange, Performance/Data/Measurement) and the broader CTV/digital advertising landscape.

• Operational Excellence: Develop skills in GTM strategy, release management, cross-functional program coordination, and operational process optimization.

• Strategic Influence: Gain experience in informing product roadmaps and contributing to strategic decisions through market insights and operational readiness assessments.

• Career Progression: Potential to advance into more senior Product Strategy & Operations roles, Product Management, or related GTM functions within Roku.

• Skill Development: Opportunities to learn and leverage AI tools for increased productivity and efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a stepping stone for individuals looking to build a career in the dynamic ad tech industry, specifically within the product operations and GTM functions. The defined areas of focus within the ad portfolio offer clear paths for specialization and expertise development.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work model, with teams working in the office Monday through Thursday. Fridays are flexible for remote work, unless a specific role or office policy dictates otherwise.

Office Location(s): New York, New York.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model encourages in-office collaboration for core team days, facilitating brainstorming, problem-solving, and relationship building.

• Tech-Enabled: As a tech company, expect access to modern tools and infrastructure to support productivity.

• Cross-functional Interaction: Frequent interaction with various departments is inherent to the role, fostering a dynamic and interconnected work experience.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time schedule, with the hybrid arrangement offering a degree of flexibility on Fridays.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model emphasizes the value Roku places on in-person collaboration for key operational and strategic activities, while still offering flexibility. This structure is designed to balance team cohesion with individual work preferences.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely a recruiter screen to assess basic qualifications and cultural fit.

• Hiring Manager Interview: Discussion focused on experience, motivations, and understanding of the role's responsibilities.

• Cross-functional Interviews: Interviews with Product Managers, Sales, or other key stakeholders to assess collaboration skills, domain knowledge, and problem-solving abilities.

• Case Study/Exercise: A potential exercise or case study to evaluate analytical skills, strategic thinking, and ability to structure ambiguous problems, likely related to GTM planning or operational readiness for a new product.

• Final Interview: May involve senior leadership to assess overall fit and strategic alignment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase GTM Execution: Prepare examples of how you've contributed to bringing products to market, emphasizing your role in planning, coordination, and execution.

• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, use metrics and data to demonstrate the success of your contributions (e.g., revenue impact, adoption rates, efficiency gains).

• Structure Your Narrative: Clearly articulate the problem, your approach, the actions you took, and the results achieved for each project presented.

• Highlight Collaboration: Be ready to discuss how you worked with different teams, managed stakeholders, and navigated cross-functional dependencies.

• Demonstrate Analytical Rigor: Show examples of how you used data and market research to inform decisions and develop recommendations.

Challenge Preparation:

• GTM Scenario: Be prepared for a scenario where you need to outline the go-to-market plan for a new ad product, considering target audience, positioning, channels, and launch coordination.

• Problem-Solving: Practice breaking down complex operational challenges into manageable steps, identifying root causes, and proposing actionable solutions.

• Communication Clarity: Focus on presenting your thoughts and solutions in a clear, concise, and logical manner, suitable for a diverse audience.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the role's focus on GTM and operations, expect interview questions and potential exercises to revolve around product launch readiness, operational efficiency, and cross-functional stakeholder management. The emphasis on being a "DRI" suggests interviewers will probe your ability to take ownership and drive outcomes.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CRM: Likely Salesforce or similar for managing sales pipelines and customer interactions.

• Project Management Software: Tools such as Jira, Asana, or Trello for tracking tasks, workflows, and project progress.

• Collaboration Platforms: Slack, Microsoft Teams for day-to-day communication and team coordination.

• Documentation Tools: Confluence, Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides) for creating and sharing documentation, presentations, and analyses.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Proficiency in Excel is essential. Experience with SQL for data extraction and analysis would be a strong asset.

• Business Intelligence (BI) Tools: Familiarity with tools like Tableau, Looker, or Power BI for data visualization and dashboard creation.

• Web Analytics: Google Analytics or similar platforms to understand user behavior and campaign performance.

CRM & Automation:

• Ad Tech Platforms: Familiarity with ad servers, DSPs, SSPs, and ad verification tools is beneficial.

• Workflow Automation: While not explicitly mentioned, experience with workflow automation tools could be advantageous for process optimization.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific tools are not listed, candidates should highlight their experience with common tools used in product operations, GTM, and digital advertising environments. The mention of AI productivity tools suggests an openness to leveraging new technologies for efficiency.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Ownership & Accountability: Taking responsibility as a DRI and driving workstreams to completion.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Working effectively across departments to achieve shared goals.

• Data-Driven & Analytical: Basing recommendations and decisions on thorough analysis.

• Efficiency & Scalability: Focusing on creating processes that are repeatable and can grow with the business.

• Clarity & Communication: Translating complex information into understandable and actionable insights.

• Adaptability & Agility: Thriving in a fast-paced, evolving industry.

Collaboration Style:

• Proactive Engagement: Actively seeking out information and collaborating with stakeholders to unblock issues and drive progress.

• Cross-functional Integration: Working seamlessly with Product, Sales, Legal, and Engineering to ensure alignment and successful product launches.

• Feedback-Oriented: Open to receiving and providing constructive feedback to improve processes and product outcomes.

• Action-Oriented: A pragmatic approach to problem-solving, focusing on delivering tangible results.

📝 Enhancement Note: Roku's stated culture emphasizes problem-solvers, bold action, and collaboration. For this role, it translates to a need for individuals who are proactive, detail-oriented, and adept at working with diverse teams to achieve strategic objectives in the fast-paced ad tech landscape.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Ambiguity: Working within a rapidly evolving industry and product landscape requires comfort with uncertainty and the ability to create structure.

• Balancing Strategy and Execution: Juggling strategic input with the hands-on operational tasks required for successful product launches.

• Cross-functional Alignment: Ensuring all stakeholders are aligned and working towards common goals, especially when dealing with complex technical integrations or legal requirements.

• Pace of Innovation: Keeping up with the rapid pace of innovation in ad tech and the CTV space to ensure products remain competitive and relevant.

• Global Launch Complexity: Managing launches across different regions, considering varying market dynamics, regulations, and advertiser needs.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Domain Knowledge: Gaining deep expertise in specific areas of Roku's advertising portfolio.

• GTM Best Practices: Learning and applying best-in-class go-to-market strategies within the streaming and digital advertising sectors.

• Operational Process Design: Developing skills in designing, documenting, and optimizing complex operational workflows.

• Product Development Lifecycle: Understanding the end-to-end process from ideation to market launch and iteration.

• Industry Exposure: Engaging with the broader ad tech and CTV ecosystem through internal collaboration and potentially external events.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for roles at the intersection of product, strategy, and operations in a high-growth tech company. They also represent significant opportunities for skill development and career advancement.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you contributed to a product launch. What was your role, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on GTM elements, coordination, and impact).

• "How would you approach defining the go-to-market strategy for a new ad format on Roku's platform?" (Prepare to outline key steps, considerations, and potential challenges).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Roku and the CTV advertising space?" (Showcase research on Roku, its market position, and the industry).

• "How do you handle working with multiple stakeholders who may have competing priorities?" (Highlight your collaborative and communication strategies).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select Relevant Examples: Choose 1-2 projects that best demonstrate your experience in GTM, product operations, or strategic analysis.

• Focus on Your Contribution: Clearly articulate your specific role, responsibilities, and impact within each project.

• Structure with STAR Method: Use the Situation, Task, Action, Result framework to present your experiences clearly and concisely.

• Quantify Achievements: Whenever possible, use data and metrics to illustrate the success and impact of your work.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about your methodology, challenges encountered, and lessons learned.

📝 Enhancement Note: Expect interview questions to test your understanding of the ad tech landscape, your ability to think strategically about product launches, and your operational acumen. Demonstrating a proactive, analytical, and collaborative approach will be key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Roku careers page.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight experience in strategy, operations, product marketing, or program management, specifically mentioning any digital advertising or ad tech exposure. Quantify achievements with metrics where possible.

• Portfolio Preparation: Curate 1-2 key projects that showcase your GTM contributions, analytical skills, or process improvement initiatives. Be ready to discuss these in detail.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Roku's platform, its position in the streaming and advertising markets, and its company culture. Understand the different ad product areas mentioned.

• Interview Practice: Prepare to answer behavioral and situational questions using the STAR method, and practice articulating your thought process for GTM strategy and operational challenges.

⚠️ 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.

---