Product Strategy and Research Analyst, Fall 2026 Co-op

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Product Strategy and Research Analyst, Fall 2026 Co-op

Company: CIBC

Location: Toronto, ON, Canada

Job Type: Full-time, Temporary (Fixed Term)

Category: Product Strategy & Operations, Financial Services Operations

Date Posted: June 05, 2026

Experience Level: Entry Level (Co-op/Internship)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Support the development and enhancement of competitive intelligence frameworks within the asset management business.

• Analyze market trends, competitor products, and investment strategies to inform product positioning and strategy.

• Collaborate with sales, marketing, and portfolio management teams to craft compelling narratives and support sales enablement.

• Gain hands-on experience with data analysis and visualization tools such as Excel and Power BI to derive actionable insights.

• Contribute to strategic decision-making by assessing market opportunities and supporting cross-functional initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a co-op/internship position, indicating an entry-level opportunity focused on learning and development within product strategy and research. While not strictly a "Revenue Operations" or "Sales Operations" role, it heavily involves data analysis, competitive intelligence, and supporting sales enablement, making many operations skills transferable and valuable. The emphasis on "Product Strategy" suggests a focus on the GTM aspect of product development and positioning.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Analyze competitor products, investment strategies, and market positioning to identify competitive advantages and areas for strategic focus.

• Develop and maintain competitive intelligence frameworks, including data collection, synthesis, and reporting mechanisms.

• Collaborate with sales teams to create and refine sales enablement materials, pitch decks, and talking points that highlight product value propositions.

• Support the visualization of new product opportunities and market assessments using data analysis and reporting tools.

• Participate in key business meetings to gain exposure to diverse functions within the asset management business and contribute insights.

• Assist in the evaluation of market trends and their potential impact on CIBC's product suite and overall strategy.

• Translate complex data into clear, concise, and actionable insights for various stakeholders, including senior management.

• Contribute to the continuous improvement of internal processes for research, analysis, and reporting.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core responsibilities highlight a strong analytical and strategic component, with a direct link to supporting sales and product development. This role requires the analyst to act as a bridge between market intelligence and actionable business strategies, a key function often found within GTM operations.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Currently enrolled in post-secondary education; a Bachelor's degree in Business, Economics, Finance, or a closely related discipline is required.

• While not mandatory, enrollment in a registered Co-op program is considered beneficial but not a strict requirement. Experience:

• Previous internship or co-op experience in finance, asset management, product management, or a related analytical role is preferred.

• Demonstrated experience in analyzing complex datasets and identifying key trends and insights. Required Skills:

• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills with the ability to dissect complex information.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel for data manipulation, analysis, and modeling.

• Familiarity with data visualization tools, particularly Power BI, for creating reports and dashboards.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate findings to diverse audiences.

• Demonstrated ability to build relationships and collaborate effectively within a team environment.

• A proactive and efficiency-oriented mindset, seeking opportunities for process improvement.

• A data-driven approach to problem-solving and decision-making.

• Understanding and alignment with core values such as trust, teamwork, and accountability. Preferred Skills:

• Experience in competitor analysis within the financial services or asset management industry.

• Knowledge of investment strategies and the broader asset management landscape.

• Familiarity with product management principles and go-to-market strategies.

• Exposure to CRM systems or sales enablement platforms.

• Experience with market research methodologies and tools.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on Excel and Power BI, combined with competitor analysis and product strategy, points towards a role that bridges analytical capabilities with business application. This is highly relevant for operations roles that require data-driven insights to support GTM strategies.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Case Studies: Showcase 1-2 examples of analytical projects where you investigated a market trend, competitor, or product, detailing your methodology, findings, and the resulting insights or recommendations.

• Data Analysis Examples: Provide samples of data analysis performed using Excel or Power BI, demonstrating your ability to clean, analyze, and visualize data effectively. Highlight any metrics or KPIs you tracked or influenced.

• Strategic Recommendations: Include any instances where your analysis led to strategic recommendations, even if in an academic context, illustrating your ability to connect data to business outcomes.

• Collaborative Projects: If possible, include examples of projects where you collaborated with others to achieve a common goal, showcasing your teamwork and communication skills.

Process Documentation:

• While a formal process documentation requirement isn't stated, candidates are expected to demonstrate an understanding of how research and analysis feed into strategic decision-making and product development processes.

• Ability to articulate how you would approach collecting and synthesizing competitive intelligence.

• Understanding of how data insights can be used to improve sales enablement or product positioning.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a co-op role, the emphasis will be on demonstrating potential and foundational skills. The portfolio should highlight analytical rigor, understanding of data tools, and the ability to translate findings into business-relevant insights, even if derived from academic projects.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• The expected annualized base salary range for this role is $50,840 to $59,350 CAD.

• This range is determined by factors including candidate skills, experience, job-related knowledge, geographic location (Toronto), and specific business needs. Benefits:

• Competitive Compensation

• Banking Benefit (specifics to be confirmed with the hiring team)

• Wellbeing Support

• Employee and Family Assistance Programs (EFAP)

• MomentMakers, CIBC's social, points-based recognition program

• Access to modern workspaces and technological tools to foster innovation. Working Hours:

• 37.5 hours per week.

• This is an on-site, full-time role, requiring the candidate to be physically present at the office.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is provided as an annualized figure for a co-op/temporary role. This implies that the actual earnings for the term (September-December 2026) would be a pro-rated portion of this annual amount. The benefits listed are standard for a temporary/co-op position at a large financial institution.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Financial Services (Banking/Asset Management)

Company Size: CIBC is a large, established financial institution with a global presence, indicating a structured yet dynamic corporate environment.

Founded: CIBC was founded in 1864, signifying a long history and deep expertise in the financial sector.

Team Structure:

• The role reports to the Senior Manager, Product Strategy, within CIBC's Product Positioning and Research Team.

• This team likely works closely with various departments, including Sales, Marketing, and Portfolio Management, fostering a cross-functional collaborative environment.

• As a co-op, you'll be integrated into a team that values learning and mentorship. Methodology:

• Data Analysis & Insights: The team utilizes data analysis, including Excel and Power BI, to understand market dynamics and inform strategic decisions.

• Strategic Planning: Emphasis on developing competitive intelligence frameworks and contributing to product strategy and positioning.

• Collaboration: A strong focus on working across departments to ensure alignment and effective execution of strategies.

• Continuous Improvement: Encouragement to challenge the status quo and share insights for ongoing refinement of products and processes.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: CIBC positions itself as a "relationship-oriented bank for the modern world," emphasizing client focus and empowering employees. This suggests a culture that values both strong analytical capabilities and interpersonal skills, crucial for success in operations and strategy roles.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an entry-level co-op/internship position, designed for students to gain foundational experience in product strategy, research, and financial analysis. It serves as a stepping stone for future opportunities.

Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Senior Manager, Product Strategy, providing clear guidance and mentorship.

Operations Impact: While not directly managing revenue, this role impacts revenue indirectly by:

• Enhancing the competitiveness of CIBC's asset management products.

• Equipping the sales team with effective tools and insights to drive sales.

• Informing strategic decisions that can lead to new product development or market penetration. Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Development: Significant opportunity to enhance technical skills in Excel and Power BI, alongside developing strategic thinking and market analysis capabilities.

• Industry Exposure: Gain deep insights into the asset management industry, investment strategies, and financial product development.

• Networking: Build professional connections within CIBC across sales, marketing, and portfolio management teams.

• Future Opportunities: Successful co-op students may be considered for future roles or internships within CIBC, depending on business needs and performance.

📝 Enhancement Note: This co-op role is positioned as a learning experience, offering exposure to high-level strategic functions within a major financial institution. The growth is primarily in skill acquisition and industry knowledge, rather than direct career advancement within the term itself.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site, full-time, at CIBC's Toronto office (141 Bay Street, 11th Floor). This indicates a traditional office environment conducive to collaboration and direct mentorship.

Office Location(s): 141 Bay Street, Toronto, Ontario. This is a prime downtown Toronto location, easily accessible by public transit.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role involves working closely with various cross-functional teams, suggesting an open and communicative workspace.

• Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard tools like Excel and Power BI, along with CIBC's corporate technology infrastructure.

• Team Interaction: Frequent opportunities for interaction with team members, mentors, and potentially other co-op students.

Work Schedule:

• Standard business hours, 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday.

• The on-site requirement ensures full immersion in the team's daily operations and collaborative workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is emphasized, indicating that CIBC values in-person collaboration, mentorship, and the ability to fully integrate co-op students into the team's daily rhythm.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Application Submission: Submit resume (max 2 pages), cover letter (max 1 page), and unofficial transcript as a single document in the resume section.

• Review & Screening: Applications will be reviewed by recruiters and hiring managers (June/July).

• Interviews: Expect interviews focusing on analytical skills, understanding of finance/asset management, communication abilities, and cultural fit (June/July).

• Potential Assessments: May include attribute-based assessments or skills tests (e.g., data analysis exercises).

• Offers: Offers are expected to be extended in July.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Conciseness is Key: Ensure your resume, cover letter, and transcript are well-organized and easy to read.

• Highlight Relevant Skills: Tailor your cover letter to specifically address the requirements of product strategy, research, and analysis. Emphasize your Excel and Power BI skills.

• Showcase Analytical Projects: If you have academic projects involving data analysis, market research, or strategic thinking, be prepared to discuss them in detail. Quantify your contributions and impact where possible.

• Demonstrate Enthusiasm for Finance: Express genuine interest in the asset management industry and CIBC's role within it.

• Address "How You'll Succeed" and "Who You Are" sections: Weave examples from your experience that align with these criteria into your cover letter and interview responses.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss how you would approach analyzing competitor products or market trends.

• Practice articulating your thought process for solving analytical problems.

• Prepare questions for the interviewer about the team, the role, and CIBC's product strategy.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application requires a consolidated document for resume, cover letter, and transcript, so organization is paramount. The interview process will likely assess both technical aptitude and the candidate's alignment with CIBC's values and collaborative culture.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Microsoft Excel: Essential for data manipulation, analysis, modeling, and creating detailed reports. Proficiency is a must.

• Power BI: Key for data visualization, creating interactive dashboards, and presenting insights to stakeholders.

• Microsoft Office Suite: General productivity tools (Word, PowerPoint) will be used for documentation and presentations.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Expect to utilize various internal CIBC reporting tools and databases to gather information.

• The focus will be on leveraging Excel and Power BI to synthesize this data into actionable reports and visualizations. CRM & Automation:

• While not explicitly mentioned as a primary tool for this role, an understanding of CRM systems (like Salesforce) and sales enablement platforms may be beneficial for contextualizing sales narratives.

• Automation tools are less likely to be a direct focus for this analyst role, but an awareness of process efficiency is valued.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Excel and Power BI signifies that proficiency in these tools is critical. Candidates should be ready to demonstrate their capabilities with these technologies during the interview process.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Trust & Accountability: CIBC emphasizes these core values, meaning team members are expected to be reliable, take ownership of their work, and act with integrity.

• Teamwork: A strong emphasis on collaboration and supporting colleagues to achieve shared objectives. This role requires active participation in team projects.

• Relationship-Oriented: Both internally and externally, CIBC values building strong relationships. This translates to effective communication and stakeholder management.

• Efficiency-Oriented: Candidates are encouraged to look for ways to improve processes and drive better outcomes, a key aspect of operations roles.

• Data-Driven: Decisions and strategies are informed by data analysis and insights.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The role necessitates close collaboration with sales, marketing, and portfolio management, requiring clear communication and understanding of different departmental needs.

• Open Communication: Team members are encouraged to share insights and challenge the status quo, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

• Mentorship: As a co-op, you'll benefit from guidance and feedback from experienced professionals, contributing to a learning-focused environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture at CIBC, as described, leans towards a professional and collaborative environment where individual contributions are valued within a team context. Demonstrating alignment with these values will be important during the interview.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating a Large Organization: Understanding the internal structures and processes within a large financial institution like CIBC can be a learning curve.

• Translating Data to Strategy: Effectively bridging the gap between raw data and actionable strategic recommendations requires strong analytical and communication skills.

• Fast-Paced Environment: The financial industry is dynamic; keeping up with market trends and competitor actions requires agility.

• On-site Requirement: Fully adapting to an on-site work environment and integrating into established team routines.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Technical Skill Enhancement: Deepen expertise in Excel and Power BI through practical application on real business problems.

• Industry Knowledge: Gain a comprehensive understanding of the asset management sector, investment products, and competitive dynamics.

• Strategic Thinking: Develop skills in competitive intelligence, market analysis, and product strategy formulation.

• Professional Networking: Build connections with experienced professionals across various functions within CIBC.

• Exposure to Business Operations: Observe and participate in key business meetings, gaining insight into how strategic decisions are made.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents a significant learning opportunity, particularly for students looking to enter the financial services industry. The challenges are framed as opportunities for growth and skill development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you analyzed complex data to identify a key insight. What was your process, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on your methodology, tools used, and the impact of your findings).

• "How would you approach researching a competitor's new investment product to understand its market positioning and potential threat?" (Demonstrate your structured thinking and research approach).

• "Imagine you need to explain a complex financial concept or market trend to a non-expert audience. How would you do it?" (Assess your communication and simplification skills). Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in CIBC and specifically this Product Strategy and Research Analyst role?" (Research CIBC's values, recent news, and connect it to your career interests).

• "How do you approach collaboration with team members, especially when working on group projects?" (Provide examples showcasing teamwork and relationship-building).

• "What does 'accountability' mean to you in a professional setting?" (Align your answer with CIBC's stated values). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: When discussing your portfolio, frame each project as a narrative: the problem/objective, your approach/methodology, the challenges faced, your specific contributions, the results/insights, and any learnings.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use numbers and metrics to demonstrate the scale or impact of your work, even for academic projects.

• Tool Demonstration: Be prepared to briefly discuss how you used Excel and Power BI, perhaps even showing a screenshot or a simplified example if appropriate and allowed.

• Concise and Focused: Keep your presentation brief and relevant to the role, highlighting the skills most applicable to product strategy and research.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to discuss specific examples from their academic or previous work experiences that demonstrate analytical rigor, communication skills, and a proactive, collaborative approach.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations-adjacent position:

• Submit your application through the provided CIBC careers portal link.

• Consolidate Your Application Documents: Ensure your resume (max 2 pages), cover letter (max 1 page), and unofficial transcript are uploaded as a single document in the designated 'Resume' section.

• Tailor Your Cover Letter: Specifically address how your skills in data analysis, research, and strategic thinking align with the responsibilities of a Product Strategy and Research Analyst. Highlight your proficiency with Excel and Power BI.

• Prepare for Data/Analytical Discussions: Be ready to talk through your analytical projects from your resume or portfolio, explaining your process and any insights derived.

• Research CIBC: Understand CIBC's position in the financial market, its core values, and its asset management offerings. Be prepared to articulate why you are a good fit for their culture.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details, especially regarding specific benefits, team structure nuances, and exact interview formats, should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.