Senior Product Strategy Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Product Strategy Manager

Company: Aviva

Location: London, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Product Strategy & Management (Financial Services/Asset Management)

Date Posted: March 10, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (5-10 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive global product strategy and innovation for Aviva Investors, focusing on both public and private markets to support business growth.

• Analyze market trends, identify strategic opportunities, and define actionable product initiatives to meet evolving client needs and competitive landscapes.

• Act as a key liaison between portfolio managers, distribution teams, and clients to ensure alignment on product development, positioning, and innovation.

• Contribute to the development and refinement of product roadmaps, ensuring relevance, competitiveness, and adherence to regulatory and governance frameworks.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Senior Product Strategy Manager," the responsibilities heavily lean into the strategic and analytical aspects of product management within the asset management sector. This role requires a deep understanding of financial markets, product structures, and regulatory environments, distinguishing it from general product management roles. The emphasis on "shaping the 1-3 year product strategy" signifies a forward-looking and impactful position within Aviva Investors' product development lifecycle.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and shape the 1-3 year global product strategy for Aviva Investors, encompassing both public and private market initiatives.

• Analyze industry trends, competitor activities, and market gaps to identify new product opportunities and strategic initiatives.

• Collaborate closely with Investment and Distribution teams to inform product roadmaps and ensure alignment with regional sales channels and business priorities.

• Provide expert guidance on product positioning, sales plans, vehicle selection (e.g., UCITS funds, private market structures), and key product characteristics to drive strategic growth.

• Ensure product development and strategy adhere to global regulatory requirements, including European, UK, and APAC landscapes.

• Support ongoing reviews of product roadmaps to maintain relevance, competitiveness, and alignment with strategic business objectives.

• Act as a subject matter expert on product structures, characteristics, and market dynamics for internal stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strategic, analytical, and cross-functional role. The emphasis on "shaping the 1-3 year product strategy" and "analyzing industry trends and opportunities" indicates a need for proactive market research and strategic foresight. The role requires bridging the gap between investment expertise and market execution, necessitating strong communication and collaboration skills across diverse teams.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• While specific degree requirements are not stated, a Bachelor's degree in Finance, Economics, Business, or a related field is typically expected for senior roles in asset management.

Experience:

• Proven experience in a product strategy role, with a strong preference for experience across both public and private markets within the asset management industry.

• Demonstrated experience with various product structures, including UCITS funds and private market structures, understanding their characteristics and implications.

• Solid understanding of global regulatory landscapes, specifically European, UK, and APAC regulatory requirements relevant to financial products.

• Experience in analyzing market trends, competitor landscapes, and identifying strategic opportunities for product innovation.

Required Skills:

• Product Strategy Development: Ability to define and execute long-term product visions and roadmaps.

• Market Analysis: Proficient in assessing market trends, competitive landscapes, and identifying strategic opportunities.

• Financial Markets Expertise: Deep understanding of both public and private market dynamics, products, and structures.

• Regulatory Acumen: Knowledge of global financial regulations (UK, EU, APAC) and their impact on product development.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Skill in working effectively with diverse teams (Investment, Sales, Distribution, Legal).

• Analytical Skills: Ability to interpret complex data, derive insights, and form strategic recommendations.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with UCITS fund structures and private market investment vehicles.

• Familiarity with product positioning and sales enablement strategies.

• Strong presentation and communication skills for articulating complex strategies to various stakeholders.

• Relevant professional certifications (IMC, CAIA).

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills emphasize a blend of strategic thinking, market intelligence, regulatory knowledge, and collaborative aptitude, essential for a senior product strategy role in a regulated financial services environment. The preference for specific market and product knowledge (public/private, UCITS) suggests the company is looking for specialized expertise to drive its product innovation agenda.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrated examples of developing and executing product strategies that led to tangible business growth or market penetration.

• Case studies showcasing analysis of market gaps, competitor landscapes, and the subsequent identification of actionable product initiatives.

• Documentation or examples of product roadmaps developed, outlining strategic priorities, timelines, and key deliverables for public and/or private market products.

• Evidence of contributions to product positioning reviews, sales plan development, or product launch strategies.

Process Documentation:

• Examples of how you have analyzed industry trends and translated them into product development strategies.

• Documentation of collaboration processes with investment, sales, and distribution teams to align product strategy with business objectives.

• Methodologies used for assessing the competitive landscape and identifying product differentiation opportunities.

• Processes for evaluating and selecting appropriate product structures (e.g., UCITS, private market vehicles) based on market needs and regulatory constraints.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior Product Strategy Manager role, a portfolio should showcase strategic thinking, market analysis capabilities, and a deep understanding of product lifecycle management within financial services. The emphasis is on demonstrating how strategic insights translate into concrete product initiatives and business outcomes, with a clear understanding of the regulatory and market context.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Discretionary Bonus Opportunity: Performance-based bonus tied to individual and company (Aviva Investors') success.

• Generous Pension Scheme: Aviva contributes up to 14% based on employee contributions, providing strong long-term financial security.

• 29 Days Holiday Plus Bank Holidays: Generous annual leave allowance, with the option to buy or sell up to 5 additional days for increased flexibility.

• Aviva-funded Private Medical Benefit: Comprehensive private medical insurance for expert healthcare support.

• Retail Discounts: Access to various retailer discounts, enhancing employee purchasing power.

• Share Plans:

  • Matching Share Plan: Up to £1,200 of free Aviva shares annually.
  • Save As You Earn (SAYE) Scheme: Opportunity to save and invest in Aviva shares.

• Parental and Carer’s Leave: Supportive policies for significant life events.

• Flexible Benefits: Options to customize benefits, including sustainability initiatives like the Cycle to Work scheme.

• Volunteering Days: 3 annual days to contribute to Aviva Communities.

Working Hours:

• The role is advertised with 40 working hours per week.

• Aviva promotes "smart working," indicating a hybrid model where employees spend at least 50% of their time in the office, balancing flexibility with in-person collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on industry data for similar roles in London. The benefits package is comprehensive, reflecting Aviva's commitment to employee well-being, financial security, and work-life balance, with specific emphasis on long-term investment and flexibility.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Financial Services / Asset Management

Company Size: Aviva Investors manages £253 billion in assets with approximately 1,000 employees globally. This places them as a significant player in the global asset management industry.

Founded: Aviva plc was founded in 1896, giving Aviva Investors a long heritage and established presence in the financial sector.

Team Structure:

• This role is within the Product team, reporting to the Head of Product Strategy.

• The Product team likely comprises specialists focused on different asset classes (public/private markets), product development, and strategy.

Methodology:

• Client-Centric Approach: Focus on understanding and meeting client needs through tailored investment solutions.

• Data-Driven Decision-Making: Utilizing market analysis, competitor insights, and client feedback to inform product strategy.

• Integrated Thinking: Connecting diverse perspectives (investment, distribution, client) to create robust and sustainable product offerings.

• Sustainable Investing: A core commitment, reflecting a responsible approach to investment and client outcomes.

• Collaborative Innovation: Encouraging cross-functional teamwork to drive product development and enhance client experience.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Aviva Investors operates within a highly regulated and competitive asset management landscape. The company culture emphasizes expertise, collaboration, client focus, and a commitment to responsible and sustainable investing. The Product Strategy Senior Manager will be instrumental in translating market intelligence and client needs into actionable product plans that align with these core values and drive business objectives.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior Manager position, indicating a mid-to-senior career stage. It requires significant experience and the ability to operate with a degree of autonomy in strategic decision-making related to product development.

Reporting Structure: The role reports to the Head of Product Strategy, placing it within the broader Product function. This structure allows for direct influence on strategic product direction and close collaboration with other key departments like Investment and Distribution.

Operations Impact: The Senior Product Strategy Manager has a direct impact on Aviva Investors' revenue and market position by identifying and shaping product offerings that meet client demands and differentiate the firm in the competitive asset management landscape. Strategic product decisions influence AUM (Assets Under Management), client acquisition, and retention.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to progress to Head of Product Strategy or other senior leadership roles within the Product or broader Asset Management functions.

• Specialization Deepening: Opportunity to become a leading expert in specific market segments (e.g., private markets, sustainable investing) or product types.

• Cross-Functional Mobility: Potential to move into related areas such as Business Development, Investment Management oversight, or Strategic Planning roles.

• Industry Influence: Contributing to shaping Aviva Investors' product portfolio can lead to industry recognition and thought leadership opportunities.

• Continuous Learning: Aviva's commitment to employee development suggests opportunities for further training, certifications, and exposure to new investment strategies and market trends.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant growth potential within a large, established financial institution. The Senior Manager title implies a path towards leadership, with opportunities to deepen expertise or broaden responsibilities across different facets of the asset management business. The impact is strategic, directly influencing the firm's product offerings and market competitiveness.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in London, at "EightyFen – Level 8," which suggests a modern, professional office environment. Aviva promotes "smart working," indicating a hybrid model that balances office-based collaboration with remote flexibility.

Office Location(s): The primary location is London, United Kingdom. The specific address "AVIN UK – London – EightyFen – Level 8" indicates a contemporary office space designed for collaboration and productivity.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The emphasis on "smart working" and spending time in offices suggests an environment that encourages face-to-face interaction, team brainstorming, and relationship building.

• Technology & Tools: As a leading financial institution, expect access to sophisticated financial data platforms, analytical tools, and communication technologies necessary for market analysis and strategy development.

• Team Interaction: The role requires significant interaction with portfolio managers, sales teams, and other product specialists, fostering a dynamic and communicative work setting.

Work Schedule: The standard working hours are 40 per week. The hybrid "smart working" model provides flexibility, allowing employees to manage their time effectively between office presence and remote work, which is beneficial for deep analytical work and focused strategy development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment at Aviva Investors is geared towards a hybrid model, emphasizing collaboration and efficiency. The London office location provides access to a major financial hub, while the "smart working" policy offers flexibility, aligning with modern professional expectations.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and application by the recruitment team to assess alignment with the core requirements.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion with the Head of Product Strategy to delve into your experience, strategic thinking, and understanding of public/private markets and regulatory landscapes.

• Case Study/Presentation: Likely a task requiring you to analyze a market scenario, propose a product strategy, or present on a relevant topic, demonstrating your analytical and communication skills. This is where your portfolio will be crucial.

• Panel Interview: Meetings with key stakeholders from Investment, Distribution, or other relevant teams to assess cross-functional collaboration aptitude and cultural fit.

• Final Interview: Potentially a final discussion with senior leadership to confirm suitability for the role and team.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Strategic Impact: Showcase how your product strategy contributions led to measurable business outcomes (e.g., increased AUM, market share, new product launches).

• Demonstrate Market Insight: Include examples of market analysis, trend identification, and competitor research that informed your strategic recommendations.

• Showcase Product Lifecycle Understanding: Present case studies that cover product ideation, development, positioning, and ongoing management, with a focus on public and private markets.

• Detail Regulatory Navigation: If possible, illustrate how you incorporated regulatory requirements into product design or strategy.

• Structure for Clarity: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by product type or strategic initiative, with clear summaries and key takeaways for each piece. Use visuals where appropriate to convey complex information.

Challenge Preparation:

• Market Analysis Exercise: Be prepared to analyze a given market segment or trend and propose a product strategy. Focus on identifying opportunities, risks, target audience, and key product features.

• Product Positioning: Practice articulating the unique selling propositions of hypothetical or existing products, considering different client segments and competitor offerings.

• Regulatory Scenario: Anticipate questions about navigating specific regulatory challenges (e.g., UCITS compliance, new regional regulations) in product development.

• Collaboration Scenarios: Prepare examples of how you effectively collaborated with investment teams, sales, and legal departments on product initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a Senior Product Strategy Manager role at Aviva will likely be rigorous, focusing on strategic acumen, analytical depth, and collaborative capabilities. A well-curated portfolio is essential for substantiating your experience and demonstrating your ability to drive product strategy in a complex financial environment.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Financial Data Platforms: Bloomberg Terminal, Refinitiv Eikon, FactSet for market data, news, analytics, and research.

• CRM Systems: Salesforce or similar for client data, sales pipeline tracking, and relationship management (though this role is more strategy-focused, understanding CRM context is important).

• Project Management Tools: JIRA, Asana, Trello, or similar for managing product development workflows and cross-functional projects.

• Collaboration Tools: Microsoft Teams, Slack for real-time communication and team coordination.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Software: Advanced Excel, potentially Python or R for data manipulation and analysis, Tableau or Power BI for data visualization and dashboard creation.

• Internal Reporting Tools: Aviva's proprietary systems for performance tracking, regulatory reporting, and business intelligence.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly managing CRM, understanding its role in sales and client engagement is key. Knowledge of how product strategies translate into CRM-driven sales enablement is beneficial.

• Workflow Automation: Awareness of how automation can streamline product development processes or data analysis.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency with industry-standard financial data and analytics tools is critical. While direct management of CRM or automation tools might not be the primary focus, understanding their role in the broader Go-To-Market and client engagement process is essential for effective product strategy.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Client Focus: Prioritizing client needs and delivering solutions that provide genuine value and meet their investment objectives.

• Integrity & Responsibility: Upholding the highest ethical standards, acting responsibly in all business dealings, and managing client assets with care.

• Collaboration: Fostering a culture of teamwork, open communication, and mutual support across departments to achieve shared goals.

• Innovation: Encouraging new ideas, challenging the status quo, and proactively seeking opportunities for product and process improvement.

• Excellence: Striving for high performance, continuous learning, and delivering quality in all aspects of work.

• Sustainability: Integrating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles into investment strategies and business operations.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The role demands strong collaboration with Investment, Distribution, Marketing, Legal, and Compliance teams. Effective communication and relationship-building are key to navigating these interactions.

• Partnership Approach: Working collaboratively with portfolio managers to understand investment capabilities and with sales teams to understand market needs and client feedback.

• Feedback-Oriented: An environment where constructive feedback is exchanged to refine product strategies and improve outcomes.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of market insights, regulatory updates, and best practices across teams to foster collective intelligence.

📝 Enhancement Note: Aviva Investors' culture is built on professionalism, client-centricity, and a strong ethical foundation, particularly with its emphasis on sustainable investing. The collaborative style is crucial for a role that bridges investment expertise with market execution.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Complex Regulatory Environments: Staying abreast of and adapting to evolving regulations across multiple jurisdictions (UK, EU, APAC) requires continuous learning and diligence.

• Balancing Public and Private Market Strategies: Developing a cohesive strategy that effectively leverages opportunities and mitigates risks in both distinct market segments.

• Driving Innovation in a Mature Industry: Introducing new products or strategies in a competitive asset management landscape requires compelling differentiation and clear value propositions.

• Aligning Diverse Stakeholder Interests: Reconciling the strategic objectives of Investment, Distribution, and senior management while meeting client expectations.

• Market Volatility and Economic Uncertainty: Developing product strategies that remain resilient and attractive amidst fluctuating market conditions.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Industry Certifications: Support for pursuing or maintaining qualifications like CAIA or advanced financial certifications.

• Market Research & Analysis: Access to extensive data resources and market intelligence to deepen analytical skills and industry knowledge.

• Internal Training Programs: Aviva likely offers various internal development programs focused on leadership, strategy, and financial markets.

• Exposure to Global Markets: Opportunity to work with diverse teams and understand product demands across different international regions.

• Mentorship: Potential guidance from senior leaders within the Product Strategy team or broader Aviva Investors organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges inherent in this role are significant, stemming from the dynamic nature of financial markets and regulatory frameworks. However, these challenges also present substantial opportunities for professional growth and skill development within a leading asset management firm.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach developing a 3-year product strategy for Aviva Investors in the current market environment, considering both public and private markets?" (Focus on methodology, market analysis, stakeholder input, and risk assessment.)

• "Describe a time you identified a market gap and translated it into a successful product initiative. What was your process, and what were the key outcomes?" (Prepare a STAR method response highlighting analysis, strategy, execution, and results.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Aviva Investors' current product offerings and strategic priorities?" (Research the company website, recent reports, and news.)

• "How do you see your role contributing to Aviva's commitment to sustainable investing?" (Align your understanding of product strategy with ESG principles.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Executive Summary: For each portfolio piece, provide a concise overview of the objective, your role, the strategy, and the key results.

• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, use numbers and data to demonstrate the success of your product strategies (e.g., AUM growth, market share increase, revenue impact).

• Showcase Process: Clearly articulate the steps you took – from market research and analysis to strategy formulation and stakeholder engagement.

• Address Challenges: Be prepared to discuss any challenges encountered and how you overcame them.

• Tailor to Aviva: Emphasize examples relevant to asset management, public/private markets, and regulatory environments that align with Aviva's business.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating strategic depth, analytical rigor, and a clear understanding of the asset management landscape. Your portfolio is your tangible proof of capability, so be ready to present specific examples that showcase your strategic thinking and impact.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Product Strategy Manager position:

• Submit your application through the Aviva Careers portal using the provided URL.

• Portfolio Customization: Prepare a concise portfolio that highlights 2-3 key product strategy initiatives. Focus on demonstrating your ability to analyze markets, identify opportunities (especially in public/private markets), develop strategic roadmaps, and navigate regulatory landscapes.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your CV to emphasize experience in product strategy, asset management, market analysis, and regulatory knowledge. Use keywords from the job description such as "product strategy," "public and private markets," "UCITS," "regulatory knowledge," and "competitor insights."

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your strategic approach using the STAR method for behavioral questions and prepare a presentation for potential case studies, focusing on clear communication and data-backed insights.

• Company Research: Deeply research Aviva Investors' business model, current product suite, recent performance, and strategic initiatives, particularly their approach to sustainable investing and their presence in global markets.

⚠️ 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.