Senior Director, Product Strategy

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Director, Product Strategy

Company: Kardigan

Location: Princeton, New Jersey, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Product Strategy / GTM Operations

Date Posted: 2026-09-12

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: Hybrid (4 days in-office)

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the development and execution of integrated product strategies for assigned investigational cardiovascular therapies, ensuring alignment with scientific advancements and market potential.

• Drive cross-functional collaboration and influence key stakeholders to build robust target product profiles (TPPs), value propositions, and differentiation strategies.

• Provide critical analytical support, including forecasting inputs, scenario planning, and market landscape assessments, to inform portfolio governance and investment decisions.

• Spearhead launch-readiness workstreams, contributing to go-to-market strategy and ensuring preparedness for potential future product approvals.

• Act as a strategic partner to the Global Program Head and cross-functional teams, translating complex scientific and clinical data into actionable strategic frameworks.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is deeply embedded within GTM operations, focusing on the strategic groundwork that enables successful product launches. While not a traditional "operations" role in terms of system administration or process execution, it requires robust analytical, strategic, and cross-functional leadership skills essential for GTM success. The emphasis on data, market analysis, and decision support makes it highly relevant for operations professionals transitioning into strategic product roles.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Program Product Strategy Development:

  • Develop, maintain, and evolve comprehensive product strategies for assigned programs, ensuring alignment with clinical data, competitive landscape, and overall portfolio priorities.
  • Draft and refine Target Product Profiles (TPPs), value propositions, and differentiation strategies, driving cross-functional input and securing alignment on evidence requirements.
  • Provide strategic input to Clinical Development and Medical Affairs on trial design, endpoint selection, and evidence generation planning to support strategic objectives.
  • Conduct scenario planning and trade-off analyses across indications, therapeutic lines, and geographies, presenting clear options and implications to leadership.
  • Continuously monitor and analyze the competitive environment, generating insights and identifying key issues for strategic consideration.

• Analysis & Decision Support:

  • Build and maintain the commercial fact base for assigned programs, including market landscape, patient flow, unmet need, and competitive positioning, to support portfolio decision-making.
  • Own key forecast assumptions that feed into financial models, forecasting inputs, and program valuation analyses, in collaboration with the forecasting Center of Excellence.
  • Prepare decision-ready materials and recommendations for portfolio governance forums, securing sponsorship from product strategy leadership.
  • Track key performance indicators (KPIs) and impact measures for product strategies, reporting progress, risks, and mitigation options.
  • Support Business Development evaluations by contributing market, competitive, and strategic analyses to due diligence efforts for new programs or disease areas.
  • Provide commercial perspectives to inform new program decisions and lifecycle management strategies.

• Launch-Readiness Support:

  • Partner with the commercial organization to refine launch plans and drive assigned workstreams within the cross-functional launch-readiness plan.
  • Coordinate deliverables and timelines across contributing functions in anticipation of potential future approvals.
  • Collaborate with Regulatory and Market Access teams to document regulatory pathways, pricing, and reimbursement considerations, leveraging the Market Access Center of Excellence.
  • Own the evolving global go-to-market strategy, including market identification, entry sequencing, and defining the go-to-market model.

• Cross-Functional Leadership:

  • Serve as the day-to-day product strategy partner to the Global Program Head and the cross-functional Global Program team, leading through influence without direct authority.

  • Facilitate the resolution of cross-functional strategic questions, escalating conflicts and portfolio-level implications with clear options.

  • Contribute to the development of the Product Strategy function’s frameworks, templates, and best practices.

  • Provide guidance to analysts or Center of Excellence staff supporting the program.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strategic, analytical, and collaborative function crucial for GTM success. The emphasis on "leading through influence" and "cross-functional leadership" is typical for senior roles in product strategy and GTM operations that require complex stakeholder management.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university in a scientific, health, or business discipline.

• Advanced degree (PhD, MD, PharmD, or MBA) is preferred. Experience:

• 8+ years of experience in biotech, pharmaceutical, or life sciences strategy consulting, with a focus on late-stage clinical programs.

• Demonstrated experience developing core product strategy deliverables such as target product profiles, value propositions, competitive assessments, or market landscape analyses.

• Proven experience working cross-functionally with R&D, Commercial, Regulatory, and Market Access colleagues, leading workstreams through influence. Required Skills:

• Product Strategy Development: Expertise in crafting integrated product strategies, target product profiles (TPPs), and value propositions.

• Analytical & Financial Modeling: Strong analytical capabilities, including hands-on experience with financial modeling, forecasting, and program valuation.

• Competitive Intelligence & Market Analysis: Ability to conduct thorough competitive assessments and analyze market landscapes.

• Cross-functional Collaboration & Influence: Proven ability to lead and align diverse teams without direct authority, fostering strong working relationships across R&D, Commercial, Regulatory, and Market Access.

• Scientific & Clinical Acumen: Strong scientific literacy and a working knowledge of clinical development, regulatory pathways, and therapeutic area dynamics (Cardiovascular experience preferred).

• Strategic Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a proven ability to prepare clear, executive-level presentations and influence senior audiences.

• Launch Planning Fundamentals: Understanding of launch-readiness activities, including regulatory, pricing, reimbursement, and go-to-market considerations.

Preferred Skills:

• Cardiovascular Therapeutic Area Expertise: Direct experience or deep understanding of the cardiovascular disease landscape.

• Pre-Launch/Launch Experience: Exposure to pre-launch or launch planning, including pricing, reimbursement strategy, or evidence-generation strategy development.

• Senior Governance Presentation: Experience presenting to and influencing senior governance bodies and executive audiences.

• Mentorship & Team Coordination: Experience mentoring junior team members and coordinating the work of analysts, consultants, or matrixed contributors.

• Biotech Entrepreneurial Environment: Experience in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial biotech setting with a patient-centric orientation and continuous improvement mindset.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize a blend of strategic thinking, analytical rigor, and strong interpersonal skills. The "lead through influence" aspect is critical for operations professionals who often manage projects without direct reports. The preference for an advanced degree and cardiovascular experience indicates a highly specialized and senior role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Strategic Frameworks: Demonstrated ability to develop and apply strategic frameworks for product evaluation, portfolio prioritization, and lifecycle management.

• Case Study Development: Proven experience creating comprehensive case studies that articulate product strategy, market opportunity, and competitive differentiation, supported by data.

• Value Demonstration: Ability to quantify the value and impact of product strategies, linking them to financial projections and potential ROI.

• Cross-Functional Alignment Documentation: Experience documenting alignment and decision-making processes across multiple functions (e.g., R&D, Commercial, Regulatory, Market Access) for key strategic initiatives.

Process Documentation:

• Strategy Development Lifecycle: Understanding of the end-to-end process for developing and evolving product strategies from early-stage development through pre-launch planning.

• Evidence Generation Planning: Experience in documenting the linkage between strategic objectives and the evidence required to support clinical development, regulatory submissions, and market access.

• Market Landscape Analysis: Proficiency in documenting methodologies for competitive intelligence gathering, market sizing, and unmet need assessment.

• Forecasting & Valuation Inputs: Ability to clearly articulate the assumptions, data sources, and methodologies used for financial modeling, forecasting, and program valuation.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this role is strategic, it requires the ability to structure and articulate complex strategic processes. Candidates should be prepared to discuss how they document and manage strategic initiatives, similar to how operations professionals document workflows. The emphasis is on the output of these processes (e.g., TPPs, forecasts) and the strategic thinking behind them.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $218,000 - $284,000 USD per year.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.

• Generous paid time off (PTO) and holidays.

• Stock options or equity grants, reflecting the entrepreneurial nature of the company.

• 401(k) retirement plan with company match.

• Professional development opportunities, including training, conferences, and potential for advanced degree support.

• Life and disability insurance.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses. Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours, approximately 40 hours per week.

• Hybrid work arrangement requiring 4 days per week on-site in Princeton, NJ.

• Flexibility for strategic work and collaboration, with an understanding of the demands of a fast-paced biotech environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is competitive for a Senior Director level role in the pharmaceutical/biotech sector in a high-cost-of-living area like Princeton, NJ. The benefits package is typical for a growth-stage biotech company, emphasizing long-term incentives like stock options and professional growth. The hybrid model with significant in-office presence is common for roles requiring extensive collaboration.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Biotechnology / Pharmaceutical (Cardiovascular Health)

Company Size: Mid-stage biotech (likely between 50-250 employees, based on the founding team's history and ambition).

Founded: Kardigan was founded by individuals who previously led MyoKardia (acquired by Bristol Myers Squibb). This indicates a strong foundation in drug discovery and development, with a focus on cardiovascular diseases.

Team Structure:

• Product Strategy Team: This team operates at the nexus of science, clinical development, commercial, and corporate strategy. It is structured to translate scientific research into viable product visions and lifecycle strategies.

• Reporting Structure: The Senior Director, Product Strategy reports to the Vice President, Product Strategy.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: The role heavily emphasizes collaboration with Global Program Heads, Clinical Development, Medical Affairs, Regulatory, Commercial, Market Access, and Business Development teams. This indicates a matrixed, highly collaborative environment where influence is key.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Emphasis on rigorous data, analytics, and strategic framing to power portfolio governance and investment decisions.

• Patient-Centricity: A core value, ensuring that all strategic decisions prioritize the needs of patients and their families.

• Agile & Iterative: The dynamic nature of drug development and strategy requires continuous adaptation, scenario planning, and iteration.

• Value Creation Focus: Strategies are developed with a focus on long-term portfolio value creation and ensuring differentiated market positioning.

Company Website: kardigan.bio (Assumed based on domain_derived)

📝 Enhancement Note: Kardigan appears to be a science-led, ambitious company with a strong track record due to its founders' previous success. The culture is described as patient-centric, authentic, eager to learn, team-oriented, and focused on enabling innovation, which is crucial for a company aiming to tackle major diseases. The Product Strategy team's role is central to guiding the company's pipeline and strategic investments.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior Director, Product Strategy. This is a leadership role responsible for strategic direction and execution for specific product programs. It sits at a senior individual contributor or early management level, focusing on strategic impact rather than direct team management for analysts.

Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Vice President, Product Strategy, indicating a clear line of mentorship and strategic oversight. The role acts as a key strategic partner to Global Program Heads.

Operations Impact: This role has a profound impact on the company's future revenue and market position by shaping the development and commercialization strategies of investigational therapies. Decisions made here directly influence R&D investment, clinical trial design, and eventual market access and commercial success. The role is critical for maximizing the value of Kardigan's pipeline.

Growth Opportunities:

• Strategic Leadership: Progression to VP of Product Strategy, Head of Portfolio Strategy, or similar senior leadership roles within the company or broader GTM functions.

• Therapeutic Area Specialization: Deepening expertise within cardiovascular disease or expanding into other therapeutic areas.

• Cross-Functional Mobility: Opportunities to move into broader commercial strategy, market access leadership, or business development roles.

• Organizational Growth: As Kardigan grows, opportunities for leadership in building out new capabilities within the Product Strategy team or related functions will emerge.

• Mentorship & Influence: Developing leadership skills by mentoring junior team members and influencing strategic direction across the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a significant opportunity for growth within a dynamic biotech environment. The "Senior Director" title and the focus on program-level strategy, combined with the company's stage, suggest ample room for advancement and impact. The emphasis on "leading through influence" also builds critical leadership skills for future management roles.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work model with 4 days per week required in the Princeton, NJ office. This suggests a structured office environment that balances in-person collaboration with some flexibility.

Office Location(s): Princeton, NJ is the primary location for this role, with travel expected to South San Francisco and Chicago sites. This indicates a multi-site organization with a need for strong communication and coordination across geographically dispersed teams.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model and emphasis on cross-functional teams suggest an environment that encourages interaction, discussion, and shared problem-solving. Expect team meetings, workshops, and collaborative strategy sessions.

• Tools & Technology: The role will likely leverage standard office productivity tools (Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace), collaboration platforms (Slack, Teams), and specialized biotech/pharma analytics and strategy software (e.g., for forecasting, market modeling, competitive intelligence databases).

• Team Interaction: Frequent interaction with the Global Program Head, Product Strategy VP, and members of various cross-functional teams (Clinical, Commercial, Regulatory, Market Access, R&D).

Work Schedule: Standard full-time hours (approx. 40 hours/week) with the expectation of flexibility to meet project deadlines and strategic imperatives, particularly during critical decision points or launch preparations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role emphasizes the importance of in-person collaboration for strategic development and decision-making, while also acknowledging the need for efficient remote work practices. Candidates should be comfortable with this structured hybrid approach and the associated travel.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely a call with an HR representative or recruiter to assess basic qualifications and cultural fit.

• Hiring Manager Interview: Discussion with the VP, Product Strategy to delve into experience, strategic thinking, and understanding of product development lifecycles.

• Cross-Functional Panel Interviews: Interviews with key stakeholders from Clinical Development, Commercial, Regulatory, and Market Access to assess collaboration skills, scientific literacy, and ability to influence diverse functions.

• Case Study Presentation: Candidates will likely be asked to prepare and present a case study on a product strategy, market analysis, or competitive assessment. This will evaluate strategic thinking, analytical skills, presentation abilities, and data interpretation.

• Executive/Senior Leadership Interview: A final interview with a senior leader (e.g., Chief Commercial Officer, Head of R&D, or CEO) to assess strategic alignment, leadership potential, and overall fit with Kardigan's values.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Strategic Impact: Focus on projects where you developed or significantly influenced product strategy, TPPs, or go-to-market plans.

• Quantify Achievements: Wherever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the impact of your strategic contributions (e.g., improved forecast accuracy, successful portfolio prioritization, secured investment for a program).

• Showcase Analytical Rigor: Include examples of market analyses, competitive assessments, financial models, or scenario planning that informed strategic decisions.

• Demonstrate Cross-Functional Collaboration: Provide examples of how you partnered with different functions, managed stakeholder expectations, and achieved alignment.

• Tailor to Kardigan: Research Kardigan's pipeline and therapeutic area. If possible, frame your portfolio examples within the context of cardiovascular disease or similar complex therapeutic areas.

• Prepare for Case Study: Practice structuring a strategic analysis, developing clear recommendations, and presenting complex information concisely.

Challenge Preparation:

• Strategic Problem-Solving: Be prepared to analyze a hypothetical product or market scenario and develop a strategic recommendation.

• Data Interpretation: Expect questions that require you to interpret clinical data, market research, or financial models.

• Cross-Functional Scenarios: Prepare for questions about how you would navigate disagreements or drive alignment among different functional teams.

• Value Proposition Development: Practice articulating a compelling value proposition for a novel therapy.

• Forecasting Assumptions: Be ready to discuss key assumptions that drive forecasting models for pharmaceutical products.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process and portfolio review are designed to assess strategic thinking, analytical skills, and the ability to operate effectively in a complex, cross-functional environment. Candidates should prepare to demonstrate not just what they did, but how they did it and the strategic rationale behind their actions.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Microsoft Office Suite/Google Workspace: Essential for document creation, presentations, spreadsheets, and communication (Word/Docs, Excel/Sheets, PowerPoint/Slides).

• Collaboration Platforms: Tools like Slack, Microsoft Teams for daily communication and team coordination.

• Project Management Software: Potentially Jira, Asana, or similar for tracking launch-readiness workstreams and cross-functional initiatives.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Financial Modeling & Forecasting Software: Excel is primary, but experience with specialized forecasting tools or platforms may be beneficial.

• Market Research Databases: Access to and proficiency with industry-standard market research platforms (e.g., IQVIA, Clarivate, EvaluatePharma) for competitive intelligence and market sizing.

• Business Intelligence Tools: Experience with tools like Tableau or Power BI for data visualization and dashboard creation, especially for tracking KPIs and strategic progress.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems (e.g., Salesforce): While not the primary focus, understanding how CRM data supports commercial strategy and market analysis is valuable.

• Integration Platforms: Awareness of how data flows between different systems (e.g., clinical trial data, market data, financial systems) is beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires proficiency in analytical and presentation tools. While not a "systems" role in the traditional operations sense, a strong understanding of how data is leveraged and presented through various software is critical for strategic decision-making and communication.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Patient-Centricity: A foundational value, guiding all strategic decisions and actions to prioritize patient needs and well-being.

• Authenticity: Encouraging honesty, transparency, and open communication to foster trust and drive better outcomes.

• Eagerness to Learn: Promoting curiosity, intellectual humility, and a willingness to change perspectives based on new data and insights.

• Winning as a Team: Emphasizing urgency, excellence, and mutual support to achieve collective goals, regardless of individual roles.

• Enabling the Impossible: A drive to innovate, take calculated risks, and overcome challenges to advance scientific discoveries and patient care.

Collaboration Style:

• Influence-Based: The team operates by leading through influence rather than direct authority, requiring strong interpersonal skills, strategic communication, and the ability to build consensus.

• Cross-Functional Integration: Seamless collaboration across scientific, clinical, commercial, regulatory, and market access functions is paramount.

• Data-Informed Dialogue: Discussions and decision-making are grounded in rigorous data analysis and strategic frameworks.

• Constructive Challenge: An environment where diverse perspectives are welcomed, and ideas are challenged constructively to arrive at the best strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: Kardigan's values are deeply ingrained and reflect a high-performance, mission-driven culture common in successful biotech companies. Understanding and embodying these values will be crucial for success and integration into the team.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Ambiguity: Working with investigational therapies means dealing with inherent scientific and clinical uncertainties. Strategies must be adaptable and robust enough to withstand evolving data.

• Cross-Functional Alignment: Achieving consensus and alignment across diverse functions with potentially competing priorities requires exceptional influence and negotiation skills.

• Balancing Strategy and Execution: Translating high-level strategy into actionable plans and ensuring effective execution, especially within launch-readiness workstreams.

• Pace of Biotech: Operating in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment requires quick thinking, adaptability, and the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.

• Competitive Landscape: The pharmaceutical and biotech industries are highly competitive; staying ahead requires continuous monitoring and strategic differentiation.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deep Therapeutic Area Expertise: Gaining in-depth knowledge of cardiovascular diseases and their treatment landscape.

• Advanced Strategic Planning: Refining skills in scenario planning, forecasting, competitive analysis, and portfolio management.

• Leadership Through Influence: Developing strong stakeholder management and influencing skills critical for senior roles.

• Launch Readiness Experience: Gaining hands-on experience in preparing for product launches, including market access and commercial strategy development.

• Exposure to Senior Leadership: Direct interaction with executive leadership, providing visibility into strategic decision-making at the highest levels.

• Industry Conferences & Networking: Opportunities to attend relevant industry events and build a professional network.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant challenges but also offers substantial opportunities for professional growth, particularly for those looking to advance into senior strategic leadership within the life sciences sector. The company's focus on innovation and patient outcomes provides a meaningful context for career development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you developed a Target Product Profile (TPP) for a late-stage asset. What were the key challenges, and how did you gain cross-functional alignment?"

• "Walk me through your process for conducting a competitive assessment for a novel therapeutic. What data sources do you rely on, and how do you translate findings into strategic recommendations?"

• "How would you approach developing a go-to-market strategy for a new cardiovascular therapy with limited initial clinical data?"

• "Imagine you have conflicting data or opinions from Clinical Development and Commercial regarding a key strategic decision for your assigned program. How would you facilitate a resolution and ensure alignment?"

• "Describe a scenario where you had to influence senior leadership or a cross-functional team to adopt a particular product strategy. What was your approach, and what was the outcome?" Company & Culture Questions:

• "Based on your understanding of Kardigan, how do you see your role contributing to our mission of making cardiovascular disease preventable or curable?"

• "Our values include 'Eagerness to Learn' and 'Winning as a Team.' How have you demonstrated these values in your previous roles?"

• "How do you approach working in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial biotech environment, especially with the inherent uncertainties of drug development?"

• "Describe your experience working in a hybrid environment. How do you ensure effective collaboration and communication with remote and on-site colleagues?" Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: Begin with the strategic challenge or objective, detail your approach and analysis, present your key findings and recommendations, and conclude with the impact or outcome.

• Quantify Impact: Use numbers, data, and KPIs to demonstrate the tangible results of your strategic contributions.

• Highlight Strategic Thinking: Emphasize your thought process, the strategic rationale behind your decisions, and how you addressed complex trade-offs.

• Showcase Collaboration: Clearly articulate how you worked with other functions and managed stakeholder relationships.

• Tailor to Kardigan: If presenting a case study, explain why it's relevant to Kardigan's business, pipeline, or therapeutic area.

• Conciseness is Key: Be prepared to present your most impactful work within a defined timeframe (e.g., 20-30 minutes), allowing ample time for Q&A.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating strategic acumen, analytical rigor, and strong influencing skills. Candidates should be ready to articulate their thought process and the impact of their work, using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for behavioral questions and a structured approach for case study presentations.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Director, Product Strategy position:

• Submit your application through the Kardigan careers portal via Greenhouse.

• Portfolio Customization: Curate a portfolio that highlights 2-3 key projects demonstrating your expertise in product strategy development, market analysis, and cross-functional leadership. For each project, clearly articulate the strategic challenge, your role, the methodology used, key insights, strategic recommendations, and quantifiable outcomes.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to emphasize experience in biotech/pharma strategy consulting, late-stage clinical program support, TPP development, forecasting, and cross-functional leadership. Use keywords from the job description, such as "product strategy," "target product profile," "commercial strategy," "clinical development," "market access," and "forecasting."

• Interview Preparation: Thoroughly research Kardigan's mission, values, pipeline, and the founders' background. Prepare specific examples using the STAR method for behavioral questions and practice presenting a strategic case study. Be ready to discuss your experience in cardiovascular disease, if applicable.

• Company Research: Understand Kardigan's position in the market, its scientific platform, and its long-term vision. This will help you articulate how your skills and experience align with the company's strategic goals and cultural values.

⚠️ 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.