(Senior) Product Strategy Manager - Retail Media (all genders)

ABOUT YOU SE & Co. KG
Full-timeβ€’Hamburg, Germany

πŸ“ Job Overview

Job Title: (Senior) Product Strategy Manager - Retail Media (all genders)

Company: ABOUT YOU SE & Co. KG

Location: Hamburg, Germany

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Product Strategy / Retail Media Operations

Date Posted: May 18, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (2-5 years)

Remote Status: On-site

πŸš€ Role Summary

  • Spearhead the strategic direction and product roadmap for ABOUT YOU's Retail Media offerings, acting as a critical liaison between technical development and commercial business objectives.

  • Develop and articulate compelling product positioning, messaging, and value propositions to empower the Sales team and drive impactful client engagements in the AdTech and e-commerce landscape.

  • Serve as a strategic advisor to key clients, translating complex retail media concepts into clear business value and crafting data-driven campaign strategies to foster client growth and retention.

  • Drive product adoption and commercial success through robust cross-functional collaboration with Tech, Sales, and Business stakeholders, ensuring continuous optimization and alignment with long-term business goals.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: This role bridges product management, business development, and client strategy within the burgeoning Retail Media sector. It requires a blend of strategic thinking, commercial acumen, and a strong understanding of AdTech platforms and e-commerce dynamics to effectively translate technical capabilities into client value and revenue generation. The "Senior" aspect suggests a need for proven experience in driving initiatives with significant business impact.

πŸ“ˆ Primary Responsibilities

  • Translate commercial needs and market feedback into clear, actionable strategic product requirements for the Tech teams, ensuring alignment with the overall Retail Media strategy and long-term business objectives.

  • Define and own the product positioning, messaging, and value proposition for all Retail Media products, developing compelling narratives that enable Sales teams to effectively pitch to clients.

  • Empower Retail Media Managers by providing strategic guidance, data-driven insights, and comprehensive training to enhance their ability to position products and drive client performance.

  • Act as a strategic advisor to key clients, translating complex technical concepts into understandable business value and developing data-backed campaign strategies to unlock growth opportunities.

  • Collaborate cross-functionally with Technology, Sales, Marketing, and Business Development stakeholders to drive product adoption, ensure commercial success, and facilitate continuous optimization of the Retail Media offering.

  • Analyze market trends, competitive landscapes, and client performance data to identify opportunities for product innovation and strategic enhancement within the Retail Media space.

  • Develop and maintain product documentation, including strategic roadmaps, feature specifications, and go-to-market plans, ensuring clear communication across all relevant teams.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a need for deep involvement in the entire product lifecycle, from ideation and requirement definition to go-to-market execution and ongoing performance analysis. The emphasis on client advisory and sales enablement underscores the commercial impact expected from this role.

πŸŽ“ Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

  • Minimum of 3 years of progressive experience in Retail Media, AdTech, Product Strategy, Business Development, or Consulting roles.

  • Demonstrated experience in translating complex business needs into strategic product requirements and roadmaps.

Required Skills:

  • Product Strategy: Ability to define and execute long-term product vision, roadmaps, and go-to-market strategies for digital products.

  • Retail Media / AdTech: Deep understanding of retail media platforms, advertising technologies, ad operations, and programmatic advertising principles.

  • Business Development: Experience in identifying and capitalizing on commercial opportunities, building strategic partnerships, and driving revenue growth.

  • Data Analysis & Insights: Strong analytical skills with the ability to translate raw data into actionable business insights and data-backed campaign strategies. Proficiency in data interpretation tools and methodologies is crucial.

  • Communication & Storytelling: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with a proven ability to craft compelling narratives and present complex information clearly to diverse audiences, including C-suite executives and technical teams.

  • Commercial Mindset: A strong focus on business outcomes, revenue generation, and market positioning.

  • Cross-functional Collaboration: Proven ability to work effectively with diverse teams, including Engineering, Sales, Marketing, and Client Services.

  • Stakeholder Management: Skill in managing relationships and expectations with internal and external stakeholders, ensuring alignment and driving consensus.

  • Strategic & Solution-Oriented: A structured, analytical, and proactive approach to problem-solving and strategic planning.

  • Language Proficiency: Fluent in both English and German, both written and spoken.

Preferred Skills:

  • Experience with CRM systems and marketing automation platforms.

  • Familiarity with agile development methodologies (Scrum, Kanban).

  • Experience in e-commerce strategy and operations.

  • Knowledge of pricing strategies and yield management within advertising.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The requirement for fluency in both English and German is critical for this role, given the company's European operations and client base. The "Senior" designation in the title, combined with the 3+ years of experience, suggests the company is looking for someone who can operate with a high degree of autonomy and strategic influence, potentially mentoring junior team members.

πŸ“Š Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

  • Product Strategy Case Studies: Showcase examples where you defined and executed product strategy for digital products, detailing the market opportunity, strategic approach, product requirements, and measurable outcomes.

  • Retail Media / AdTech Project Examples: Present projects demonstrating your understanding of retail media ecosystems, ad platforms, or AdTech solutions, highlighting your contribution to product development, client success, or revenue generation.

  • Data Analysis & Insights Demonstrations: Include examples of how you used data to inform product decisions, develop campaign strategies, or identify new business opportunities. Quantify the impact of your insights.

  • Cross-functional Collaboration Examples: Illustrate instances where you successfully collaborated with technical and commercial teams to launch or optimize products, emphasizing your role in bridging communication gaps and driving alignment.

  • Value Proposition & Messaging Development: Provide examples of compelling value propositions, product messaging, or sales enablement materials you have created, demonstrating your ability to translate technical features into client benefits.

Process Documentation:

  • Strategic Planning Frameworks: Be prepared to discuss your approach to strategic planning for product development, including market analysis, competitive intelligence gathering, and roadmap prioritization methodologies.

  • Requirement Gathering & Translation: Detail your processes for gathering business and user requirements, translating them into clear specifications for technical teams, and managing the backlog.

  • Go-to-Market Strategy Development: Articulate your methodology for planning and executing product launches, including defining target audiences, messaging, sales enablement, and success metrics.

  • Performance Monitoring & Optimization: Describe your processes for tracking product performance, analyzing key metrics (e.g., adoption, revenue, engagement, client ROI), and implementing iterative improvements.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: For a Product Strategy Manager, a portfolio is essential to demonstrate strategic thinking, analytical capabilities, and execution experience. Candidates should focus on showcasing their ability to connect product features to business value and revenue outcomes, particularly within the Retail Media and AdTech context. Documenting the "why" and "how" behind their strategic decisions is as important as the "what."

πŸ’΅ Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

  • Given the role's seniority, location in Hamburg, Germany, and the specialized nature of Retail Media/AdTech Product Strategy, an estimated annual gross salary range would be €65,000 - €90,000. This range is based on industry benchmarks for similar roles in major German tech hubs, considering experience level (3+ years), and the specific expertise required.

Benefits:

  • Comprehensive Health & Wellness Programs: Access to health insurance, potentially including supplementary coverage, and wellness initiatives.

  • Professional Development Opportunities: Budget for training, conferences, certifications, and continuous learning to stay ahead in the AdTech and Retail Media space.

  • Employee Discounts: Generous discounts on ABOUT YOU products, reflecting the company's core business.

  • Flexible Working Environment: While this role is on-site, there may be options for some flexibility or hybrid arrangements as per company policy.

  • Team Events & Social Activities: Opportunities to connect with colleagues through regular team lunches, after-work drinks, and company-wide events, fostering a strong team spirit.

  • Modern Office Environment: A well-equipped, collaborative workspace designed to foster innovation and productivity.

  • Retirement Savings Plan: Contributions towards a company-sponsored pension scheme.

Working Hours:

  • Standard full-time hours are typically 40 hours per week.

  • The company promotes a pragmatic approach, suggesting that while core hours exist, there may be some flexibility to accommodate project needs and personal work-life balance, within the context of an on-site role.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: Salary estimations for Germany are typically gross annual figures. The benefits listed are common for tech companies in Germany, with specific emphasis on employee discounts relevant to ABOUT YOU's e-commerce nature and professional development crucial for a strategic role in a fast-evolving industry. The "all genders" in the title is a standard inclusivity marker in German job postings.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏒 Company Culture

Industry: E-commerce, Fashion Technology, Digital Advertising (Retail Media)

Company Size: Approximately 1,000-5,000 employees (based on typical growth for a company of ABOUT YOU's scale). This size indicates a dynamic environment with established processes but still retaining agility.

Founded: 2013. This relatively young founding date means ABOUT YOU likely fosters a culture of innovation, continuous improvement, and a less rigid corporate structure compared to older, more established companies.

Team Structure:

  • The Product Strategy Manager will likely be part of the Product Management or Retail Media team, reporting to a Head of Product, Director of Product, or a similar senior leader.

  • This role involves significant collaboration with Product Managers, Tech Leads, Engineers, Sales Directors, Business Development Managers, and Marketing stakeholders.

Methodology:

  • Data-Driven Decision Making: ABOUT YOU emphasizes data to guide strategy and product development, aligning with the need for analytical skills in this role.

  • Agile & Pragmatic Approach: The company culture values flat hierarchies, direct communication, and pragmatic decisions, suggesting an agile and iterative approach to product development and strategy execution.

  • Cross-functional Collaboration: Success hinges on effective teamwork across departments, fostering a collaborative and communicative environment.

  • Customer-Centricity: The mission to "rethink online shopping and make it personal and seamless" implies a strong focus on understanding and meeting customer needs, which should extend to client needs in Retail Media.

Company Website: https://corporate.aboutyou.de/en/

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: ABOUT YOU's described culture – flat hierarchies, direct communication, and ownership – is highly conducive to operations and strategy roles where initiative and impact are key. The focus on fashion and technology suggests a fast-paced, trend-aware environment.

πŸ“ˆ Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a "(Senior) Product Strategy Manager," indicating a mid-to-senior level position. It requires a blend of strategic thinking, market understanding, and the ability to translate business needs into product roadmaps. Candidates are expected to operate with a significant degree of autonomy and influence.

Reporting Structure: Typically, this role would report to a Director of Product Management, Head of Product, or VP of Product. They would likely manage a portfolio of products or a significant strategic initiative within the Retail Media domain. Direct reports are less common at this level unless specified as a "Lead" or "Director" role, but mentorship of junior product managers or analysts is often expected.

Operations Impact: The Product Strategy Manager plays a pivotal role in shaping ABOUT YOU's Retail Media offering, directly impacting revenue generation through advertising sales. Their strategic decisions influence product development, sales enablement, and client acquisition/retention, making their contribution critical to the company's commercial success and competitive positioning in the e-commerce AdTech landscape.

Growth Opportunities:

  • Product Leadership: Progression to a Senior Product Manager, Lead Product Manager, or Director of Product roles, potentially managing larger product portfolios or teams.

  • Specialization: Deepening expertise within Retail Media, AdTech, or expanding into related areas like Data Strategy or Commercial Strategy.

  • Cross-Functional Moves: Opportunities to move into broader strategy, business development, or even commercial leadership roles within the e-commerce sector, leveraging their strategic and analytical skills.

  • Mentorship & Training: Opportunities to mentor junior product professionals, develop training programs for Sales and Retail Media teams, and contribute to shaping the company's product development culture.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The "(Senior)" prefix is crucial; it implies that candidates should have a solid foundation and demonstrable success in strategic product roles, not just execution. The growth path suggests a clear trajectory within product management or a pivot into broader business strategy roles.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The company operates from modern, well-equipped offices in Hamburg and Berlin, designed to foster collaboration and innovation. Given the role is on-site, expect a dynamic, open-plan or hybrid office setup conducive to teamwork and spontaneous interaction.

Office Location(s):

  • Hamburg, Germany: The primary location for this role. Hamburg is a major European city with a thriving tech and e-commerce scene, offering excellent infrastructure and a high quality of life. The specific office location will be within the city, likely accessible via public transport.

Workspace Context:

  • Collaborative Environment: The office design and company culture emphasize collaboration, encouraging interaction with colleagues from various departments, including Tech, Sales, and Marketing.

  • Technology-Rich: Access to modern technology, tools, and infrastructure necessary for strategic product management and data analysis.

  • Agile Setup: The workspace is likely set up to support agile methodologies, with areas for team meetings, brainstorming sessions, and focused individual work.

  • Team Integration: Opportunities to engage with the broader ABOUT YOU team through informal interactions, team lunches, and company events, fostering a strong sense of community.

Work Schedule:

  • Standard full-time hours (approx. 40 hours/week) are expected.

  • While the role is on-site, the company's pragmatic approach may allow for some flexibility in daily scheduling, provided project timelines and collaboration needs are met. This flexibility is often balanced with the necessity of in-person presence for strategic alignment and team cohesion.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement underscores the importance of in-person collaboration, strategic alignment, and team building in this role. Candidates should be prepared to actively engage with colleagues and contribute to the office-based work culture.

πŸ“„ Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

  • Initial Screening: A brief call with an HR representative or recruiter to assess basic qualifications, cultural fit, and salary expectations.

  • Hiring Manager Interview: In-depth discussion with the hiring manager (likely a Product Lead or Director) focusing on strategic thinking, product experience, and understanding of Retail Media/AdTech.

  • Case Study Presentation / Product Deep Dive: A practical exercise where candidates present a strategic analysis, product roadmap proposal, or a solution to a hypothetical Retail Media challenge. This is a critical stage to assess strategic thinking, communication, and analytical skills.

  • Cross-functional Team Interviews: Interviews with key stakeholders from Tech, Sales, and Business teams to evaluate collaboration style, stakeholder management capabilities, and ability to bridge technical and commercial perspectives.

  • Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader (e.g., VP of Product) to confirm strategic alignment, leadership potential, and overall fit within ABOUT YOU's culture.

Portfolio Review Tips:

  • Curate Strategically: Select 2-3 impactful projects that best demonstrate your product strategy, Retail Media, and cross-functional collaboration skills. Focus on quality over quantity.

  • Structure for Impact: For each project, clearly outline the business problem, your strategic approach, the specific requirements you defined, the challenges faced, the solutions implemented, and quantifiable results (e.g., revenue growth, adoption rates, client success metrics).

  • Highlight Your Role: Clearly articulate your specific contributions and decision-making processes, especially in collaborative efforts.

  • Quantify Everything: Use data and metrics to demonstrate the impact of your work. For Retail Media, this could include ad revenue, client campaign performance, platform adoption, or efficiency gains.

  • Tailor to Retail Media: Emphasize your understanding of the Retail Media ecosystem, AdTech principles, and how you've translated these into product success.

  • Prepare for Questions: Be ready to discuss your strategic rationale, defend your decisions, and elaborate on any aspect of your portfolio.

Challenge Preparation:

  • Understand Retail Media: Thoroughly research the current trends, key players, and challenges in the Retail Media landscape. Understand how brands and retailers leverage these platforms.

  • Think Strategically: Practice framing business problems, identifying strategic objectives, and developing actionable product strategies with clear KPIs.

  • Data-Driven Approach: Be prepared to use hypothetical data or make logical assumptions to support your recommendations.

  • Communication is Key: Practice presenting complex ideas clearly, concisely, and persuasively. Focus on storytelling and connecting your strategy to business outcomes.

  • Anticipate Stakeholder Needs: Consider how your strategy would be received and implemented by different teams (Tech, Sales, Marketing).

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The case study and portfolio review are paramount for this role. Candidates should prepare detailed examples that showcase not just what they did, but why they did it and the impact it had. Demonstrating an understanding of the Retail Media business model and its strategic levers will be critical.

πŸ›  Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

  • Product Management Platforms: Jira, Confluence, Asana, Trello (for backlog management, documentation, and workflow tracking).

  • Analytics & Business Intelligence Tools: Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics, Tableau, Power BI, Looker (for data analysis, performance tracking, and dashboard creation).

  • CRM Systems: Salesforce, HubSpot (for understanding customer/client relationships and sales pipeline).

  • Prototyping & Design Tools: Figma, Sketch, InVision (for product conceptualization and collaboration with design teams).

  • Collaboration Tools: Slack, Microsoft Teams (for daily communication and cross-functional interaction).

Analytics & Reporting:

  • Web Analytics: Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics for understanding user behavior on the ABOUT YOU platform and client campaign performance.

  • Business Intelligence Dashboards: Tools like Tableau or Power BI to visualize key performance indicators (KPIs) for Retail Media products, sales performance, and market trends.

  • Reporting Automation: Experience with tools that can automate the generation of performance reports for internal stakeholders and clients.

CRM & Automation:

  • Salesforce: A common CRM for managing sales pipelines, client interactions, and forecasting revenue related to Retail Media.

  • Marketing Automation: Potentially used for client communication or nurturing leads related to advertising opportunities.

  • Integration Tools: Understanding of how different systems (CRM, Ad Platforms, Analytics) integrate to provide a cohesive view of Retail Media performance.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: While specific tool requirements aren't listed, candidates should be proficient in common tools used in product strategy, digital analytics, and AdTech. Demonstrating familiarity with platforms that enable data-driven decision-making and cross-functional collaboration is key.

πŸ‘₯ Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

  • Ownership & Responsibility: Taking initiative and accountability for product strategy and its successful execution, aligning with ABOUT YOU's core value of "ownership, trust, and clear responsibility."

  • Data-Driven Decision Making: Relying on data and analytics to inform strategic choices, product requirements, and client recommendations, ensuring objectivity and measurable impact.

  • Collaboration & Transparency: Fostering open communication and working effectively across teams to achieve shared goals, embodying the company's emphasis on direct communication and flat hierarchies.

  • Innovation & Agility: Embracing new ideas, adapting to market changes, and maintaining a pragmatic, solutions-oriented approach to challenges within the fast-paced e-commerce and AdTech sectors.

  • Customer & Client Focus: Deeply understanding the needs of both end-customers and advertising clients to deliver valuable and seamless experiences.

Collaboration Style:

  • Proactive & Cross-Functional: Actively engaging with Tech, Sales, and Business stakeholders to gather insights, align on strategy, and ensure smooth product development and launch processes.

  • Solution-Oriented: Focusing on identifying problems and collaboratively developing practical, effective solutions, rather than dwelling on obstacles.

  • Feedback-Driven: Open to constructive feedback from all levels and departments, using it to refine strategies and improve product offerings.

  • Empowerment: Sharing knowledge and insights with teams like Retail Media Managers and Sales to empower them to succeed.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The company's stated values of "ownership, trust, and clear responsibility," "flat hierarchies," and "direct communication" directly translate into expectations for how individuals in strategic roles like this should operate. Candidates should reflect these values in their approach to work and collaboration.

⚑ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

  • Rapidly Evolving AdTech Landscape: The AdTech and Retail Media space is constantly changing with new technologies, regulations (e.g., privacy changes), and competitive pressures. Staying ahead requires continuous learning.

  • Balancing Stakeholder Needs: Effectively managing the diverse and sometimes conflicting needs of Tech teams, Sales, Business Development, and key clients requires strong negotiation and prioritization skills.

  • Translating Technical Complexity: Articulating the value of complex AdTech solutions to non-technical audiences (clients, sales) can be challenging but is crucial for success.

  • Driving Adoption: Ensuring that new product features and strategies are effectively adopted by both internal teams and external clients requires robust enablement and support.

  • Measuring ROI in Retail Media: Accurately attributing and demonstrating the return on investment for Retail Media campaigns can be complex, requiring sophisticated analytics and reporting.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

  • Deep Dive into Retail Media: Gain unparalleled expertise in one of the fastest-growing segments of digital advertising.

  • Strategic Product Leadership: Develop advanced skills in product strategy, market analysis, and go-to-market execution within a leading European e-commerce platform.

  • Cross-Industry Exposure: Learn from and collaborate with experts in fashion, e-commerce, and AdTech, broadening your industry knowledge.

  • Mentorship: Potential to learn from experienced leaders within ABOUT YOU's product and commercial teams.

  • Industry Events & Certifications: Opportunities to attend relevant AdTech and e-commerce conferences and pursue certifications to enhance your professional profile.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: Highlighting these challenges and growth opportunities shows that the company is aware of the role's complexities and offers avenues for professional development, making the position more attractive to ambitious candidates.

πŸ’‘ Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

  • "Describe a time you translated market feedback into a strategic product requirement. What was the process, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on structured approach, data usage, and business impact).

  • "How would you define the value proposition for a new retail media product targeting fashion brands? What key metrics would you track for its success?" (Demonstrate commercial thinking, understanding of target audience, and KPI setting).

Company & Culture Questions:

  • "Why ABOUT YOU? What specifically about our mission, culture, or the Retail Media space attracts you to this role?" (Research ABOUT YOU's values, mission, and recent news).

  • "How do you approach collaboration with technical teams who may have different priorities or perspectives?" (Align with ABOUT YOU's value of flat hierarchies and direct communication).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

  • Storytelling: Frame your portfolio projects as compelling narratives. Start with the problem, introduce your strategic solution, detail your execution, and conclude with the measurable impact.

  • Quantify Impact: Use clear, concise data points to showcase the success of your initiatives. For Retail Media, emphasize revenue, campaign performance, adoption rates, or client satisfaction.

  • Focus on "Why": Be prepared to explain the strategic rationale behind your decisions at every step.

  • Tailor to the Role: Highlight aspects of your experience most relevant to Retail Media, AdTech, and Product Strategy.

  • Conciseness: Respect the interviewer's time. Practice presenting your key projects within a defined timeframe (e.g., 10-15 minutes per project).

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating strategic thinking, commercial acumen, and the ability to bridge technical and business needs. The portfolio and case study are crucial, so candidates must be able to articulate their work with clarity, data, and strategic justification.

πŸ“Œ Application Steps

To apply for this (Senior) Product Strategy Manager position:

  • Submit your application through the ABOUT YOU careers page (https://corporate.aboutyou.de/en/career/jobs - navigate to the specific role).

  • Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 key projects that best showcase your strategic product development, Retail Media experience, and analytical capabilities. Ensure each project clearly outlines the problem, your strategic solution, your role, and quantifiable business outcomes.

  • Tailor Your Resume: Highlight keywords and achievements relevant to Product Strategy, Retail Media, AdTech, business development, data analysis, and cross-functional collaboration. Quantify your accomplishments wherever possible.

  • Prepare Your Presentation: Practice presenting your portfolio highlights and be ready to discuss your strategic approach to product challenges in the Retail Media space. Prepare specific examples for common interview questions.

  • Research ABOUT YOU: Understand the company's mission, values, target market, and recent developments, particularly in their e-commerce and advertising ventures. Consider how your strategic vision aligns with theirs.

⚠️ 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.

Application Requirements

Requires a degree in Business Administration, Marketing, or a similar field with over 3 years of experience in AdTech, Retail Media, or Consulting. Must be fluent in both English and German with strong analytical and communication skills.