Senior Director, Product Strategy and Operations

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Director, Product Strategy and Operations

Company: Carnival Corporation (Holland America Line)

Location: Seattle, Washington, United States

Job Type: Full time

Category: Product Strategy & Operations / Commercial Operations

Date Posted: 2026-06-25

Experience Level: 10+ years

Remote Status: Hybrid (4 days in office)

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the development and execution of product strategy and operational frameworks for commercial priorities, focusing on the POLAR roadmap and AI-enabled transformations.

• Establish and maintain enterprise-wide governance models, PMO standards, and portfolio management processes to optimize investment decisions and resource allocation.

• Drive significant enterprise impact by applying advanced understanding of the competitive landscape, guest needs, and technology-enabled business change to influence executive decision-making.

• Lead and develop a high-performing team responsible for product strategy, project management, governance, and change management to foster organizational capability and strategic alignment.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is critical for aligning commercial strategies with operational execution, particularly in leveraging AI and technology for business transformation. The "POLAR" roadmap is a key focus, suggesting a proprietary system or strategic initiative that applicants should research or be prepared to understand. The hybrid nature with a strong emphasis on in-office presence (4 days/week) indicates a need for strong collaboration and direct team engagement.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Governance & Portfolio Management: Own and lead the enterprise governance model for POLAR, AI innovation, and commercial priorities, encompassing portfolio intake, prioritization, sequencing, decision rights, executive forums, escalation paths, and operating rhythms.

• Product Strategy Ownership: Define and manage the POLAR product roadmap and strategy, translating commercial, guest, trade, operational, and technology priorities into an integrated product vision with defined business requirements and measurable outcomes.

• PMO Leadership: Direct the PMO function for Commercial Product Strategy & Operations, establishing and enforcing standards for planning, execution, reporting, risk management, and dependency management across complex, cross-functional initiatives.

• Change Management & Implementation: Own the business-side change management and implementation strategy for POLAR and AI-enabled initiatives, ensuring successful transition from build to adoption through readiness criteria, training, communication, and sustainment routines.

• Team Leadership & Development: Lead, coach, and develop a team of managers and professionals responsible for product strategy, PMO, governance, implementation, and analytics, fostering a culture of accountability, strategic thinking, and continuous improvement.

• Executive Advisory: Serve as a senior advisor to executive leadership, developing executive-ready recommendations, business cases, scenario analyses, and portfolio health reporting to inform strategic decisions and fund action plans.

• Value Realization: Ensure portfolio decisions and product strategies are tied to measurable business outcomes, guest and trade impact, operational readiness, financial value, risk mitigation, and long-term commercial strategy.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities heavily emphasize strategic leadership, cross-functional influence, and the operationalization of complex initiatives, including AI. Applicants should prepare to discuss their experience in establishing and refining governance structures, developing product roadmaps, and managing large-scale change initiatives within a corporate environment.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Technology Management, Product Management, Operations, Strategy, or a related field required.

• Advanced degree preferred. Experience:

• Demonstrated leadership experience (10+ years) in developing strategy, product roadmaps, portfolio governance, PMO practices, business cases, KPI frameworks, implementation plans, and change management approaches across multiple functions.

• Proven experience leading subordinate managers and senior professionals in a matrixed, cross-functional environment. Required Skills:

• PMO Leadership & Governance: Expertise in program governance, dependency management, executive reporting, risk/issue escalation, and establishing scalable PMO standards and operating rhythms.

• Product Strategy & Roadmap Development: Proven ability to own product roadmaps, translate business needs into capabilities, and align product strategy with enterprise objectives.

• Change Management & Implementation: Deep understanding of business readiness, deployment strategies, training, communication plans, adoption measurement, and sustainment routines for new capabilities.

• Portfolio Management: Experience with portfolio intake, prioritization models, decision frameworks, and aligning investments with strategic and financial objectives.

• Executive Communication & Influence: Strong capabilities in stakeholder influence, strategic storytelling, financial acumen, decision support, and presenting complex information to senior leadership.

• People Leadership: Ability to lead, coach, and develop teams, build organizational capability, and foster a culture of accountability and strategic thinking.

• Analytical & Strategic Thinking: Ability to operate in ambiguity, synthesize complex information, and translate long-term strategy into executable plans and measurable outcomes.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with commercial technology platforms, product operations, transformation programs, AI-enabled business change, or large-scale operational implementation.

• Familiarity with the cruise or hospitality industry.

• Experience with advanced analytics and data-driven decision-making frameworks.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis is on strategic leadership and operational execution. Candidates must demonstrate a strong blend of strategic foresight, project management rigor, and people leadership. Experience with AI initiatives and proprietary product roadmaps (like "POLAR") is a significant plus.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Strategic Frameworks: Demonstrated ability to develop and present comprehensive strategic frameworks, including multi-year product roadmaps, enterprise governance models, and operating rhythms.

• Business Cases & Value Realization: Proven experience in developing robust business cases, defining KPI frameworks, and tracking value realization for significant initiatives, including technology transformations and AI deployments.

• Process Optimization: Evidence of designing, implementing, and improving operational processes, decision-making frameworks, and scalable ways of working that enhance efficiency and effectiveness.

• Change Management Artifacts: Examples of developing and executing change management plans, business readiness assessments, training strategies, and adoption measurement tools for large-scale implementations.

Process Documentation:

• Governance Models: Documentation showcasing the design and implementation of enterprise governance models, including portfolio intake, prioritization, and executive forum structures.

• PMO Standards: Examples of established PMO standards, tools, templates, and reporting cadences that ensure consistent project and program management across diverse initiatives.

• Implementation Playbooks: Creation of scalable implementation playbooks and business transition models that facilitate the successful adoption of new capabilities and technologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates are expected to have a robust portfolio that showcases their ability to not only strategize but also to operationalize and govern complex initiatives. This includes a strong emphasis on process design, change management documentation, and quantifiable results from previous roles.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $158,700 - $214,300 USD per year

Benefits:

• Cruise and Travel Privileges for You and Your Family

• Health Benefits

• 401(k)

• Employee Stock Purchase Plan

• Training & Professional Development

• Tuition & Professional Certification Reimbursement

Working Hours: 40 hours per week (standard full-time)

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is based on the explicit statement in the job description. The benefits package is comprehensive, offering standard corporate benefits along with industry-specific perks like travel privileges, which are highly attractive in the hospitality sector.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Hospitality & Tourism (Cruise Line)

Company Size: 10,000+ employees (Carnival Corporation is a large global entity; Holland America Line operates as a distinct brand within it)

Founded: Holland America Line was founded in 1873, indicating a long-standing history and established brand presence in the cruise industry.

Team Structure:

• This role leads the "Product Strategy & Operations" function, likely a centralized team within the commercial operations or IT division of Holland America Line.

• The team will include subordinate managers responsible for specific areas like PMO, product strategy, and change management.

• Close collaboration is expected with IT, AI Innovation, Revenue, Sales, Marketing, Contact Center, Hotel Operations, and other business leaders across the organization. Methodology:

• Emphasis on data-driven decision-making, leveraging analytics and KPI frameworks to inform strategy and measure outcomes.

• Structured approach to portfolio management, including intake, prioritization, and executive reviews.

• Iterative and continuous improvement mindset for processes, product roadmaps, and operational rhythms.

• Focus on AI-enabled business change and technology-driven transformation.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: As part of Carnival Corporation, Holland America Line operates within a large, publicly traded company with established corporate structures and values. The role's emphasis on "Commercial Priorities" and "long-term business objectives" suggests a strategic, results-oriented environment. The company's long history implies a blend of tradition and innovation.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior Director level, indicating significant leadership responsibility and strategic influence within the organization. This role is positioned to shape major commercial and operational initiatives.

Reporting Structure: The role likely reports to a VP or SVP level executive within Commercial Operations, Strategy, or a related transformation office. The role directly manages other managers and senior professionals.

Operations Impact: This position has a direct impact on revenue generation, operational efficiency, guest experience, and the successful implementation of strategic initiatives, including critical technology and AI advancements. The role is central to driving measurable enterprise impact.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Expansion: Potential to grow into VP-level roles, overseeing broader strategic portfolios or operational domains within Carnival Corporation.

• Strategic Influence: Opportunity to shape the future direction of product strategy, technology adoption, and operational excellence across a major cruise line.

• Industry Expertise: Deepen expertise in the complex operational and commercial landscape of the global cruise industry, particularly in areas of digital transformation and AI.

• Mentorship: Develop and mentor a team, creating future leaders in product strategy and operations management.

📝 Enhancement Note: This is a pivotal role for operations professionals looking to make a significant impact at a senior level. Growth opportunities are substantial, tied to the success of the strategic initiatives managed and the candidate's ability to influence and lead within a large corporate structure.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid position based in a corporate office in Seattle, WA. Requires 4 days per week in the office.

Office Location(s): Seattle, Washington (specific address: 450 Third Ave West, Seattle, WA 98119).

Workspace Context:

• The hybrid model suggests a blend of focused individual work and collaborative team activities.

• Expect a professional corporate office environment with access to standard business technology and resources.

• Opportunities for direct interaction and collaboration with cross-functional teams, including IT, marketing, sales, and operations.

Work Schedule: Standard 40-hour work week, with potential for extended hours during critical project phases or deadlines, typical for senior leadership roles. The emphasis on in-office presence highlights the importance of face-to-face collaboration for strategy development and team management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature with a strong in-office requirement emphasizes the company's value for in-person collaboration, team cohesion, and direct management oversight. Candidates should be comfortable with this structure and prepared to contribute actively in a shared office environment.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or recruiter screen to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.

• Hiring Manager Interview: In-depth discussion with the hiring manager to evaluate strategic thinking, leadership capabilities, and alignment with role requirements.

• Panel Interviews: Interviews with key stakeholders, peers, and direct reports to assess cross-functional collaboration, technical depth, and leadership style. This may include case studies or scenario-based questions.

• Executive Interview: Final interview with a senior executive (e.g., VP or SVP) to assess strategic vision, executive presence, and overall fit for the organization.

• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session or integration into interviews where candidates present their portfolio, showcasing key achievements, strategic frameworks, process designs, and quantifiable results.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Quantify Impact: For each project or initiative, clearly articulate the problem, your solution, the process you followed, and most importantly, the quantifiable business outcomes (e.g., revenue growth, cost savings, efficiency improvements, adoption rates).

• Strategic Alignment: Demonstrate how your work directly contributed to broader company strategies, commercial objectives, or operational goals.

• Process & Governance Focus: Highlight examples of establishing or improving governance models, PMO standards, and strategic planning processes.

• Change Management Narrative: Present case studies that clearly outline the change management approach, stakeholder engagement, and successful adoption of new systems or processes.

• Visual Storytelling: Use clear, concise visuals (diagrams, charts, dashboards) to illustrate complex processes, roadmaps, and performance metrics.

Challenge Preparation:

• Strategic Scenario: Be prepared for a case study or scenario-based question that requires you to outline a strategy for a specific business challenge (e.g., launching a new product feature, improving a customer journey, or optimizing a process with AI).

• Governance Design: Expect to be asked about how you would design or improve a governance framework for a portfolio of initiatives.

• Team Leadership: Prepare to discuss your leadership philosophy, how you develop teams, and how you manage performance and conflict.

• AI Integration: Consider how you would approach integrating AI into existing commercial operations or product strategies, including potential benefits, risks, and implementation considerations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is likely rigorous, involving multiple stages and stakeholders. A strong, well-prepared portfolio that demonstrates concrete achievements in strategy, operations, governance, and change management is crucial for success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools: While not explicitly listed, this role would likely interact with or oversee the use of:

• Project & Portfolio Management Software: Tools like Jira, Asana, Microsoft Project, Monday.com, or dedicated PPM solutions for managing roadmaps, tasks, and dependencies.

• CRM Systems: Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics, or similar platforms for understanding commercial operations and guest data.

• Business Intelligence & Analytics Tools: Tableau, Power BI, Looker, or similar for data analysis, dashboard creation, and performance tracking.

• Collaboration Platforms: Microsoft Teams, Slack, Confluence for communication, documentation, and knowledge sharing.

• AI/ML Platforms: Exposure to or oversight of platforms used for AI-enabled transformation initiatives.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Proficiency in leveraging data from CRM, BI tools, and other systems to generate insights for strategic decision-making.

• Experience in designing and interpreting KPI frameworks and performance scorecards. CRM & Automation:

• Understanding of CRM functionalities and how they integrate with broader commercial and operational strategies.

• Familiarity with automation concepts and tools that can drive operational efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific tools aren't mentioned, the role's scope implies a need for familiarity with a broad range of enterprise software and platforms commonly used in strategy, operations, PMO, and transformation initiatives. The emphasis on AI indicates a need for forward-thinking technology awareness.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Compliance & Responsibility: A strong emphasis on compliance, environmental protection, and the health, safety, and well-being of employees and guests.

• Strategic Impact: A drive to achieve measurable enterprise impact through well-defined strategies and effective execution.

• Collaboration: A "Stronger Together" culture that values cross-functional teamwork and shared success.

• Continuous Improvement: A commitment to refining processes, enhancing guest experiences, and adapting to market changes through innovation and learning.

• Data-Driven: Reliance on data analysis and KPIs to inform decision-making and measure performance.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Expected to work closely with various departments (IT, Revenue, Sales, Marketing, Operations) to ensure alignment and cohesive execution.

• Executive Engagement: Regular interaction with senior leadership to influence decisions and report on portfolio progress.

• Team-Oriented: Fostering a culture of shared accountability and mutual support within the Product Strategy & Operations team and across project teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company emphasizes a strong sense of responsibility, ethical conduct, and teamwork. Candidates should demonstrate an ability to collaborate effectively across diverse functions and levels of the organization, aligning with the company's core values.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Ambiguity: Synthesizing complex information from various sources (market trends, guest needs, operational constraints, AI potential) into clear, actionable strategies.

• Cross-Functional Alignment: Influencing and aligning diverse stakeholders with potentially competing priorities across a large, matrixed organization.

• AI Integration: Strategizing and operationalizing AI-enabled business changes effectively, managing expectations, and ensuring tangible ROI.

• Balancing Strategic Vision with Execution: Ensuring long-term strategic goals are translated into well-managed, executable projects and programs with clear accountability.

• Hybrid Team Management: Leading and motivating a team effectively in a hybrid work environment, ensuring consistent performance and engagement.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Strategic Portfolio Management: Gaining in-depth experience managing large, complex portfolios of strategic initiatives, including significant technology and AI investments.

• Industry Dynamics: Deepening understanding of the unique operational and commercial challenges within the global cruise industry.

• Leadership Development: Opportunities for executive coaching, leadership training programs, and mentorship to enhance strategic leadership skills.

• AI & Emerging Technologies: Staying at the forefront of AI and technology trends and applying them to business challenges within the hospitality sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant challenges tied to strategic complexity and organizational influence, offering substantial growth opportunities for ambitious operations leaders. Success will hinge on navigating these challenges effectively.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe how you would approach developing a 3-year product roadmap for our commercial operations, considering emerging AI capabilities and guest experience goals." (Focus on methodology, stakeholder input, and KPI integration.)

• "Outline your strategy for establishing an enterprise governance model for new technology investments, including portfolio intake, prioritization, and executive decision-making." (Emphasize process design, risk management, and executive reporting.)

• "How would you lead a cross-functional team to implement a new customer-facing digital product, ensuring business readiness and adoption?" (Highlight change management strategies, communication plans, and adoption metrics.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Holland America Line's current position in the market, and how do you see product strategy and operations contributing to its future success?" (Research the brand, recent news, and competitive landscape.)

• "Describe a time you had to influence senior leadership to adopt a strategic recommendation. How did you build your case and manage potential objections?" (Prepare a STAR method response showcasing influence and executive communication.)

• "How do you foster a culture of accountability and continuous improvement within your team, particularly in a hybrid work environment?" (Discuss leadership philosophy, performance management, and team engagement strategies.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each key portfolio piece, clearly define the business problem, your strategic approach, the operational processes implemented, the technologies used, and the measurable business outcomes achieved.

• Quantify Everything: Use specific numbers and percentages to demonstrate impact (e.g., "Increased conversion rates by 15%", "Reduced operational costs by $X million", "Achieved 90% user adoption within 6 months").

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Utilize visuals like flowcharts, roadmaps, and dashboard mockups to illustrate your work.

• Connect to the Role: Tailor your presentation to highlight experiences most relevant to product strategy, governance, PMO, change management, and AI initiatives for this specific role.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your methodologies, decision-making processes, and how you handled challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: Thorough preparation is key. Candidates should deeply understand the role's requirements, research Holland America Line and Carnival Corporation, and be ready to articulate their experience with concrete examples and quantifiable results, especially concerning strategic planning, operational execution, and leadership.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided Oracle Cloud portal link.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight keywords from the job description, such as "Product Strategy," "Portfolio Management," "PMO Leadership," "Change Management," "Governance Models," "AI-Enabled Transformation," and "Executive Communication." Quantify achievements wherever possible.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate 2-3 key projects or initiatives that best showcase your experience in strategic planning, roadmap development, process optimization, governance frameworks, and successful implementation with measurable business impact. Be ready to present these with clear narratives and data.

• Research Holland America Line: Understand their brand, target audience, recent initiatives, and competitive landscape within the cruise industry. Familiarize yourself with their stated mission, vision, and core values.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare answers using the STAR method for behavioral questions and be ready to discuss strategic scenarios and your leadership approach, focusing on the responsibilities and qualifications outlined in this description.

⚠️ 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.