Program Manager – Product Strategy

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Program Manager – Product Strategy

Company: Marsh McLennan (Mercer)

Location: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia or Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Revenue Operations / GTM Strategy / Product Operations

Date Posted: 2026-05-19

Experience Level: 10+ years

Remote Status: Hybrid (minimum 3 days in office)

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the execution of a comprehensive product strategy delivery roadmap, ensuring alignment with Mercer Super's overarching portfolio and future strategic direction.

• Manage a diverse portfolio of complex, interdependent change initiatives, including product development, insurance uplift, claims enhancement, platform simplification, and experience improvements.

• Drive effective resource utilization and financial oversight, validating project financials and forecasts to ensure efficient program delivery.

• Establish and maintain robust governance frameworks, facilitating executive decision-making through regular reporting and strategic engagement with sponsors and stakeholders.

• Lead and mentor large delivery teams, fostering a collaborative environment focused on achieving optimal solutions and continuous improvement in project delivery methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role sits within Mercer's Transformation and Change Office, specifically focusing on the Mercer Super business. The "Product Strategy" aspect, combined with responsibilities for "Product development, Insurance uplift and activities, Enhancement of Claims, Platform simplification, experience uplift, enhancement of BAU activities; and continual improvements," indicates a strong GTM (Go-To-Market) and Product Operations focus. The Program Manager will be instrumental in translating strategic product visions into executable plans and ensuring successful delivery, requiring a blend of strategic thinking, operational execution, and strong stakeholder management within the financial services and superannuation domain.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Collaborate with Executive Sponsors and key stakeholders to define high-level scope, develop compelling business cases with measurable benefits, and establish clear success metrics for product strategy initiatives.

• Structure and lead complex programs, sourcing and integrating necessary skills from delivery groups, enablement teams, and various business areas to ensure comprehensive project execution.

• Manage program budgets meticulously, validating project financials, forecasts, and resource allocation plans to ensure fiscal responsibility and efficient deployment of capital.

• Develop detailed project schedules and maintain accurate resource plans, proactively identifying potential bottlenecks and ensuring timely delivery of all project milestones.

• Function as both a Project and Program delivery lead, overseeing the end-to-end execution of strategic initiatives from inception through to successful completion.

• Establish and maintain effective governance structures, including leading Steering Committees, providing regular performance reports, and facilitating informed decision-making processes.

• Facilitate the detailed gathering of project costs and resource time commitments, coordinating input from various business units and divisions to ensure accurate financial and resource planning.

• Rigorously measure and report on project performance against defined plans and agreed-upon quality standards, identifying deviations and implementing corrective actions as needed.

• Set clear expectations for project teams regarding roles, responsibilities, and deliverable timelines, fostering accountability and driving consistent execution.

• Effectively leverage the diverse skills and knowledge of team members to foster innovative problem-solving and achieve superior project outcomes.

• Proactively identify program risks, develop comprehensive mitigation strategies, and implement contingency plans to safeguard project objectives and timelines.

• Monitor and manage interdependencies within the program and with other concurrent projects or programs to prevent scope creep and ensure cohesive delivery.

• Identify opportunities for continuous improvement in project delivery processes and methodologies, proposing innovative strategies or the adoption of new tools to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a deep involvement in program execution, financial management, and governance, typical for a senior Program Manager role. The emphasis on "Product development, Insurance uplift and activities, Enhancement of Claims, Platform simplification, experience uplift" indicates a strong focus on the product lifecycle and customer experience within the superannuation sector. This role requires not just project management but strategic program leadership to drive complex product initiatives to completion.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience within the Australian financial services sector.

• Demonstrated experience in managing large, complex, and strategic initiatives, with a preference for programs focused on regulatory or risk uplift.

• Proven ability to lead and manage large, cross-functional delivery teams effectively.

• Extensive experience in establishing and maintaining successful Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) frameworks within sizeable organizations.

Required Skills:

• Program Management: Expertise in end-to-end program lifecycle management, from initiation and planning to execution, monitoring, and closure, for large-scale strategic initiatives.

• Product Strategy: Deep understanding of product strategy development, roadmap planning, and execution within the financial services or superannuation domain.

• Superannuation Expertise: Strong technical understanding and practical knowledge of the Australian superannuation landscape, including its regulatory environment and operational complexities.

• Financial Services Domain: Extensive experience within the Australian financial services industry, demonstrating awareness of market dynamics, regulatory frameworks, and client needs.

• Stakeholder Management: Exceptional ability to engage with and manage expectations of diverse stakeholders, including Executive Sponsors, business leaders, delivery teams, and external partners.

• Budget Management: Proficiency in managing program budgets, validating financial forecasts, and ensuring fiscal accountability for large-scale projects.

• Governance Frameworks: Proven experience in establishing, implementing, and managing robust governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) structures.

• Risk & Issue Management: Demonstrated ability to identify, assess, and mitigate program risks and issues, developing effective contingency and escalation plans.

• Team Leadership: Strong leadership skills to effectively manage, motivate, and guide large delivery teams, fostering a collaborative and high-performance culture.

• Continuous Improvement: A proactive approach to identifying and implementing process enhancements and innovative solutions within project delivery.

Preferred Skills:

• Direct People Management: Experience in directly managing and developing teams, including performance management and career development.

• Regulatory/Risk Uplift Programs: Specific experience in delivering programs aimed at enhancing regulatory compliance or mitigating financial and operational risks.

• Platform Simplification: Experience in managing initiatives focused on streamlining or modernizing technology platforms.

• Insurance Product Development: Familiarity with the development and enhancement of insurance products within the superannuation context.

• Claims Management Processes: Understanding of claims enhancement initiatives and their operational implications.

• Change Management Methodologies: Familiarity with structured change management approaches to ensure successful adoption of new products and processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirements are substantial, signaling a senior-level role demanding deep domain expertise and a proven track record of successfully delivering complex, strategic programs within the Australian financial services and superannuation sector. The emphasis on GRC, regulatory uplift, and people management suggests a need for a candidate who can navigate intricate compliance landscapes while leading sizable teams.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Strategic Initiative Delivery: Evidence of successfully managing and delivering a portfolio of complex, interdependent change initiatives that align with overarching business strategy and deliver measurable outcomes.

• Process Optimization Case Studies: Detailed examples showcasing how you've identified inefficiencies in existing processes (e.g., product development, claims, BAU activities) and implemented optimized workflows or new methodologies to achieve significant improvements in speed, cost, or quality.

• System Implementation & Integration: Demonstrable experience in overseeing the implementation or enhancement of systems that support product strategy, such as CRM, core banking/superannuation platforms, or workflow automation tools. This should include managing integrations and ensuring seamless data flow.

• ROI & Business Case Articulation: Portfolio pieces that clearly articulate the business case for proposed initiatives, including projected ROI, cost-benefit analyses, and how the initiative supports strategic objectives. This should also include post-delivery validation of achieved benefits.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Examples of documented workflows for key processes within the program lifecycle, demonstrating how they were designed, analyzed, and optimized for efficiency and effectiveness. This could include process maps, flowcharts, or detailed operational procedures.

• Implementation & Automation Methods: Documentation outlining the methodologies used for implementing new processes or automating existing ones, including change management considerations, training plans, and pilot program structures.

• Measurement & Performance Analysis: Examples of how program and project performance metrics were defined, tracked, and analyzed. This should include dashboards, performance reports, and post-implementation reviews that assess outcomes against initial objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Program Manager focused on Product Strategy within a transformation office, a portfolio demonstrating the successful end-to-end management of complex initiatives is crucial. This includes not just project delivery but also strategic planning, business case development, financial oversight, and process improvement. The ability to articulate the impact of these initiatives through quantifiable results (ROI) and robust documentation will be paramount.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Professional Development Opportunities: Access to ongoing training, workshops, and external courses to enhance skills in program management, product strategy, and financial services.

• Supportive Leadership: A work environment that champions professional growth and provides guidance from experienced leaders.

• Impactful Work: The opportunity to contribute to significant transformation initiatives that have a broad impact on Mercer Super's operations and client experience.

• Inclusive Culture: A vibrant and inclusive workplace culture that encourages collaboration with talented colleagues to develop innovative solutions.

• Career Opportunities: As a large global organization, Mercer offers diverse career paths and opportunities for advancement across various business units and geographies.

• Well-being Rewards: Benefits and rewards designed to enhance employee well-being, potentially including health and wellness programs, financial wellness resources, and competitive leave entitlements.

• Hybrid Work Model: Flexibility to balance office-based collaboration with remote work, fostering a better work-life integration.

Working Hours:

• The role is full-time, typically based on a standard 40-hour work week. However, given the nature of program management and potential for critical deadlines or urgent issue resolution, the role may require flexibility and occasional overtime, particularly during peak project phases. The hybrid model allows for some flexibility in scheduling, with at least three days per week expected in the office.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on industry benchmarks for senior program management roles in Australia's financial services sector, adjusted for the specified experience level and location. The benefits listed are derived from common offerings for large professional services firms and specific mentions within the job description.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Financial Services (specifically focused on Superannuation, Investments, Retirement, and Human Capital Consulting). Mercer is a business of Marsh McLennan, a global leader in risk, reinsurance, capital, people, and investments, and management consulting.

Company Size: Marsh McLennan is a large, global organization with over 95,000 employees worldwide and annual revenues exceeding $27 billion. Mercer itself is a significant entity within this structure.

Founded: Mercer was founded in 1945. Marsh McLennan's history traces back much further. This longevity indicates stability, established practices, and a deep understanding of the financial services and consulting landscape.

Team Structure:

• Transformation and Change Office: This role sits within a dedicated Transformation and Change Office, suggesting a structured approach to managing significant business change initiatives.

• Portfolio Management: The team is responsible for managing the execution of "all notable change initiatives across the Mercer Super business," implying a centralized portfolio management function.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: The Program Manager will work closely with Executive Sponsors, delivery groups, enablement teams, and various business areas, indicating a highly collaborative and matrixed reporting structure. The role requires interaction across different departments to source skills and ensure integrated delivery.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: The role emphasizes understanding business case benefits, measuring project performance, and reporting on metrics, suggesting a data-driven approach to program management and strategic decision-making.

• Structured Program Management: Responsibilities like structuring programs for success, enabling governance, and managing interdependencies point to the use of established program management methodologies.

• Continuous Improvement: The mandate to "identify and implement continuous improvements to project delivery" and propose "alternate & innovative strategies" suggests a culture that values learning and evolving operational practices.

Company Website: https://www.mercer.com/, https://www.marshmclennan.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company context highlights Marsh McLennan's global scale and Mercer's specialized focus within financial services. The role's placement within a Transformation and Change Office underscores the strategic importance of this position in driving key business objectives for Mercer Super. Collaboration and data-driven methodologies are likely core to the team's operations.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior-level Program Manager role, positioned at an advanced stage of a career in program and project delivery, particularly within the financial services sector. It requires significant strategic oversight, leadership of large teams, and deep domain expertise. It's a role that bridges strategy and execution, demanding a blend of analytical, managerial, and interpersonal skills.

Reporting Structure: The Program Manager will likely report to a senior leader within the Transformation and Change Office, such as a Head of Transformation, Portfolio Director, or Head of Program Management. They will, in turn, lead multiple project managers and delivery teams responsible for executing specific streams within the Product Strategy program. Close collaboration with Executive Sponsors is a key aspect of the reporting and engagement model.

Operations Impact: This role has a direct and significant impact on the strategic direction and operational efficiency of Mercer Super. By successfully delivering the Product Strategy roadmap, the Program Manager will influence:

• Revenue Growth: Through the successful launch of new products and enhancements that attract and retain clients.

• Customer Experience: By improving claims processes, platform usability, and overall client engagement.

• Operational Efficiency: By simplifying platforms, enhancing BAU activities, and optimizing resource utilization.

• Risk & Compliance: By managing regulatory uplift programs and strengthening governance frameworks.

• Market Competitiveness: By ensuring Mercer Super remains agile and innovative in its product offerings and service delivery.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to progress into more senior leadership roles within the Transformation and Change Office, such as Head of Transformation, Portfolio Director, or a broader operational leadership position within Mercer or Marsh McLennan.

• Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas of product strategy, superannuation, or large-scale transformation, becoming a recognized subject matter expert.

• Cross-Functional Mobility: The experience gained in managing diverse initiatives can open doors to other strategic operational roles across Marsh McLennan's global businesses.

• Strategic Advisory: The role’s close work with executive sponsors and business leaders provides exposure to high-level strategic decision-making, potentially leading to roles in strategic planning or business advisory.

• Mentorship & Development: Opportunities to mentor junior program and project managers, contributing to the development of future talent within the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role represents a significant step in a career focused on strategic program leadership within financial services. The impact is broad, affecting revenue, customer experience, and operational efficiency. Growth opportunities are geared towards senior leadership and specialized strategic roles within a large, global organization.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is a hybrid role, meaning a combination of remote work and in-office presence. Marsh McLennan is committed to hybrid work, emphasizing the benefits of both remote flexibility and in-office collaboration, professional development, and connection.

Office Location(s): The role is open to candidates based in Melbourne (727 Collins Street) or Sydney, Australia. These are prime business districts, indicating professional and well-equipped office environments.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The requirement to be in the office at least three days a week, with "anchor days" for teams, suggests a focus on fostering team cohesion, spontaneous collaboration, and knowledge sharing. This is crucial for managing complex, interdependent programs.

• Operations Tools & Technology: While specific tools aren't detailed here, a role of this nature in a large financial services firm would typically have access to robust project and program management software, collaboration platforms (like Microsoft Teams, Slack), and potentially specialized financial modeling or reporting tools.

• Cross-Functional Interaction: The workspace will facilitate regular interaction with a wide array of colleagues, including executive leadership, project managers, business analysts, IT specialists, compliance officers, and other operational teams, enabling effective communication and problem-solving.

Work Schedule:

• Full-time role, typically 40 hours per week. The hybrid model offers flexibility in how the week is structured, balancing remote work days with dedicated in-office collaboration days. Specific "anchor days" will be established by teams to ensure collective presence.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work environment is a key feature, balancing flexibility with the recognized benefits of in-person collaboration for complex program delivery and team building. The professional office locations in Melbourne and Sydney suggest a modern, well-resourced working environment conducive to high-level strategic work.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of the application and resume, focusing on meeting the stringent experience and domain requirements (15+ years in Australian financial services, superannuation expertise, program leadership).

• Hiring Manager Interview: An in-depth discussion with the hiring manager to assess alignment with the role's strategic objectives, leadership style, and understanding of product strategy and program management within the financial services context.

• Panel Interview / Stakeholder Interviews: Interviews with key stakeholders, including executive sponsors, peers, and potential team members. This stage will assess collaboration skills, stakeholder management capabilities, and ability to navigate complex organizational dynamics. A portfolio review is highly likely at this stage.

• Case Study / Presentation: Candidates may be asked to prepare and present a case study based on a past program they managed, demonstrating their approach to strategy, execution, risk management, and stakeholder communication. This will be a critical opportunity to showcase portfolio artifacts.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a more senior leader within the Transformation Office or Mercer to confirm overall fit and strategic alignment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Quantify Impact: For each project or program highlighted, clearly articulate the business objectives, your specific role, the challenges faced, the actions taken, and the measurable outcomes achieved (e.g., % improvement in delivery time, $ saved in budget, % increase in customer satisfaction, successful regulatory compliance).

• Showcase Strategic Alignment: Demonstrate how your programs directly supported broader business strategies and objectives, particularly for Mercer Super.

• Highlight Process Improvements: Include examples of how you improved project delivery processes, implemented new methodologies, or leveraged technology to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.

• Detail Governance & Risk Management: Provide evidence of your ability to establish robust governance structures and effectively manage risks and issues within complex programs.

• Articulate Stakeholder Engagement: Use examples to show how you managed diverse stakeholder expectations, facilitated decision-making, and communicated effectively across different levels of the organization.

• Structure for Clarity: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by program theme or by key competency (e.g., Strategy, Execution, Leadership, Risk). Ensure it is easy to navigate and digest.

Challenge Preparation:

• Strategic Thinking: Be prepared to discuss your approach to developing and executing product strategy, especially in a regulated environment like superannuation.

• Problem-Solving: Anticipate questions about how you would handle specific program challenges, such as scope creep, resource constraints, interdependencies, or stakeholder conflicts.

• Leadership Scenarios: Prepare examples that demonstrate your ability to lead, motivate, and develop large, diverse teams.

• Financial Acumen: Be ready to discuss budget management, financial forecasting, and validating project financials.

• Industry Knowledge: Refresh your understanding of current trends, challenges, and regulatory changes in the Australian superannuation and broader financial services industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is likely rigorous, given the seniority and strategic nature of the role. A strong, well-documented portfolio that clearly demonstrates quantifiable achievements and strategic impact will be essential for success. Candidates should prepare to articulate their methodologies and leadership approach with specific, evidence-based examples.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project & Program Management Software: Proficiency with enterprise-level PPM tools such as Microsoft Project, Jira (with advanced configurations for portfolio management), Asana, Smartsheet, or similar platforms for planning, scheduling, resource allocation, and tracking progress across multiple initiatives.

• Collaboration Platforms: Extensive experience with tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, Zoom, or Webex for team communication, virtual meetings, and document sharing, crucial for a hybrid and cross-functional environment.

• Document Management Systems: Familiarity with systems like SharePoint, Google Drive, or Workday for organizing, storing, and collaborating on program documentation.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Business Intelligence Tools: Experience with BI platforms such as Tableau, Power BI, or QlikView for creating insightful dashboards and reports to track program KPIs, financial performance, and strategic objectives.

• Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) Tools: Familiarity with tools or advanced Excel functions used for budget management, financial forecasting, and variance analysis.

• Reporting Frameworks: Ability to develop and present comprehensive performance reports tailored for executive audiences, steering committees, and project teams.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems (e.g., Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics): Understanding of how CRM systems support customer engagement and product strategy, and potentially managing projects involving CRM enhancements or integrations.

• Workflow Automation Tools: Familiarity with tools or platforms that enable process automation, such as UiPath, Blue Prism, or native workflow engines within enterprise systems, to streamline operations and enhance efficiency.

• Integration Platforms: Awareness of how different systems are integrated to ensure seamless data flow, which is critical for complex product development and enhancement initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific tools aren't listed, a Program Manager at this level in a large financial institution is expected to be proficient with enterprise-grade project and portfolio management software, advanced reporting/BI tools, and collaboration platforms. The ability to leverage technology for efficiency and data-driven decision-making is key.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Focus: A commitment to understanding and improving the client experience, particularly within the superannuation context, driving initiatives that enhance member value and satisfaction.

• Excellence & Quality: A drive for high-quality delivery, meticulous attention to detail in program execution, financial management, and risk mitigation.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Emphasis on working effectively across diverse teams and functions to achieve shared goals, fostering an environment where collective expertise is leveraged.

• Integrity & Accountability: Upholding the highest ethical standards, demonstrating transparency in reporting, and taking ownership of program outcomes and responsibilities.

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: A forward-thinking mindset that encourages seeking new and better ways to deliver programs, optimize processes, and drive business transformation.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Actively fosters partnerships with business units, IT, risk, compliance, and other departments to ensure seamless integration of programs and alignment with overall business objectives.

• Open Communication & Feedback: Promotes a culture of open dialogue, constructive feedback, and transparency in program status, risks, and decisions, encouraging active participation from all team members.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encourages the sharing of best practices, lessons learned, and innovative ideas across project teams and within the broader Transformation Office to drive collective learning and improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture at Marsh McLennan and Mercer emphasizes professional excellence, client focus, and collaborative problem-solving. For this role, a strong emphasis on integrity, accountability, and a proactive approach to continuous improvement will be highly valued, aligning with the demands of managing complex strategic programs in a regulated industry.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Complexity of Interdependencies: Managing multiple large, complex, and interdependent initiatives simultaneously requires sophisticated planning, constant monitoring, and agile adaptation to shifting priorities or unforeseen issues.

• Stakeholder Alignment: Securing and maintaining alignment among a diverse group of senior stakeholders with potentially competing priorities can be a significant challenge, requiring strong negotiation and communication skills.

• Navigating Regulatory Landscape: The superannuation industry is heavily regulated. Ensuring all programs and initiatives comply with current and evolving regulations adds a layer of complexity and risk that must be meticulously managed.

• Resource Optimization: Effectively sourcing, allocating, and managing resources across various projects within the portfolio, especially when facing constraints or competing demands from other business areas.

• Driving Cultural Change: As part of a transformation team, the role may involve influencing and driving cultural shifts within the organization to adopt new processes, technologies, or ways of working.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Strategic Program Leadership: Deepening expertise in leading large-scale, strategic transformation programs within the financial services sector, including advanced methodologies and best practices.

• Industry-Specific Knowledge: Further developing specialized knowledge in superannuation, insurance, and investment products, as well as their regulatory and market dynamics.

• Executive Stakeholder Management: Enhancing skills in communicating complex information, influencing senior leaders, and building strategic relationships at the executive level.

• Emerging Technologies & Methodologies: Opportunities to learn about and potentially implement new project management tools, automation technologies, and agile frameworks relevant to large-scale change delivery.

• Mentorship & Leadership Development: Engaging in mentorship programs, either as a mentor or mentee, and participating in leadership development initiatives offered by Marsh McLennan to prepare for future senior roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents significant challenges related to complexity, stakeholder management, and the regulated environment. However, these challenges are directly tied to substantial growth opportunities in advanced program leadership, industry expertise, and executive influence within a global organization.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to developing a program roadmap for a complex product strategy initiative, including how you would incorporate regulatory requirements and stakeholder feedback."

  • Preparation: Focus on phased approaches, iterative planning, stakeholder engagement loops, and risk assessment for regulatory compliance.

• "How do you prioritize initiatives within a portfolio when resources are constrained and multiple strategic objectives are in play?"

  • Preparation: Discuss frameworks like MoSCoW, RICE, or value-based prioritization, emphasizing alignment with overarching business goals and ROI.

• "Walk us through a time you had to manage significant interdependencies between multiple projects. What was your strategy, and what was the outcome?"

  • Preparation: Use the STAR method to detail the situation, task, action, and result, highlighting your proactive management of dependencies and risk mitigation.

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Based on your understanding of Mercer and the financial services industry, what do you see as the biggest strategic challenges for Mercer Super in the next 3-5 years, and how would your role contribute to addressing them?"

  • Preparation: Research Mercer's recent reports, industry trends (e.g., digital transformation, ESG, regulatory changes), and articulate how your program management skills can drive solutions.

• "How do you foster a collaborative and high-performing team environment, especially in a hybrid work setting?"

  • Preparation: Discuss strategies for clear communication, setting expectations, empowering team members, and leveraging in-office time for critical collaboration.

• "Describe your experience in implementing or improving governance structures for large programs. What are the key elements of effective governance in a regulated financial services environment?"

  • Preparation: Emphasize the importance of clear roles and responsibilities, decision-making authorities, reporting cadences, and risk oversight.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Focus on Impact: Select 2-3 key programs from your portfolio that best demonstrate your experience in product strategy, complex delivery, and financial services. For each, clearly articulate the business problem, your strategic approach, key challenges overcome, and quantifiable results.

• Showcase Process & Governance: Be ready to briefly explain the methodologies (e.g., Agile, Waterfall, Hybrid) and governance frameworks you employed. Highlight how you managed risks, budgets, and stakeholders.

• Demonstrate Leadership: Use examples to illustrate your leadership style, how you motivated teams, and how you fostered collaboration.

• Tailor to the Role: Emphasize aspects of your portfolio that align directly with the responsibilities and requirements of the Program Manager – Product Strategy role at Mercer, particularly regarding superannuation and transformation.

• Concise & Clear: Prepare concise summaries and be ready to dive into details when prompted. Use visuals if appropriate, but ensure they are clear and support your narrative.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating strategic thinking, deep domain expertise in Australian financial services and superannuation, robust program management capabilities, and strong leadership. A well-curated portfolio that highlights quantifiable achievements and strategic impact will be crucial for success.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the Marsh McLennan careers portal using the provided link, ensuring all sections of the application form are completed accurately and thoroughly.

• Portfolio Customization: Review your professional portfolio and select case studies that most directly align with the requirements of this Program Manager – Product Strategy role. Prioritize examples that showcase your experience in financial services transformation, superannuation product development, complex program delivery, and stakeholder management. Ensure each case study clearly articulates the problem, your solution, and quantifiable outcomes.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight keywords and experiences mentioned in the job description, such as "Program Management," "Product Strategy," "Superannuation," "Financial Services," "Governance," "Risk Management," and "Stakeholder Management." Quantify your achievements with metrics wherever possible to demonstrate impact.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your experience using the STAR method. Prepare specific examples that address the likely interview questions related to strategy, leadership, problem-solving, and industry knowledge. Rehearse your portfolio presentation to ensure it is clear, concise, and impactful.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Marsh McLennan and Mercer, with a specific focus on their Mercer Super business. Understand their strategic priorities, recent initiatives, and the current landscape of the Australian superannuation industry. This will enable you to articulate your understanding of the role's context and demonstrate genuine interest.

⚠️ 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.