Sr. Director, Product Strategy & AI

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Sr. Director, Product Strategy & AI

Company: Strada

Location: Granada, Spain

Job Type: Full time

Category: Product Management / AI Strategy

Date Posted: 2026-09-16

Experience Level: 8+ years (with AI/Product Strategy focus)

Remote Status: Remote OK (with primary location in Granada, Spain)

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the strategic vision, roadmap, and execution for AI-powered employee and enterprise solutions, with a significant focus on conversational employee experiences and agentic AI orchestration.

• Drive innovation in AI product development, translating market trends, client needs, and emerging AI capabilities into scalable, human-centered HR and payroll solutions.

• Partner closely with cross-functional teams including Product, Engineering, Design, Delivery, Sales, and Operations to identify high-value AI opportunities and ensure successful market adoption.

• Define and measure success for AI initiatives, emphasizing client value, operational efficiency gains, responsible AI practices, and overall commercial impact.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Sr. Director, Product Strategy & AI," the core responsibilities and qualifications heavily emphasize product management and strategic leadership within the AI domain, specifically for HR and payroll solutions. The role requires a blend of technical understanding of AI, deep domain knowledge of HR/Payroll systems (Workday/SAP), and strong strategic product development capabilities. The "AI Product Management" aspect is central.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Define the overarching AI product vision, strategy, and detailed roadmap for both external-facing conversational employee experiences and internal enterprise workflow solutions, leveraging platforms like Workday and SAP.

• Drive the design and implementation of AI-enabled conversational UIs that enhance employee interaction with HR and payroll services, focusing on usability, trust, resolution quality, and user adoption.

• Lead strategic initiatives for process transformation and workflow redesign using agentic AI orchestration to optimize multi-step enterprise processes, improve service delivery handoffs, and boost overall operational efficiency.

• Conduct thorough market analysis, including AI platform capabilities, customer needs assessment, and competitive intelligence, to identify unique growth opportunities and establish clear product priorities.

• Develop compelling business cases and investment recommendations that articulate the balance between client value, technical feasibility, responsible AI deployment, and commercial viability.

• Collaborate extensively with Product, Engineering, Design, Data Science, Delivery, and Commercial teams to architect scalable AI solutions, incorporating essential elements like human-in-the-loop controls, robust escalation paths, and comprehensive model/agent governance.

• Spearhead co-design workshops, design sprints, and proof-of-concept projects with clients and internal stakeholders to validate AI-driven conversational experiences and automation opportunities, ensuring alignment with defined business outcomes.

• Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) for AI initiatives, focusing on aspects such as experience quality, containment rates, productivity improvements, risk mitigation, and financial performance, utilizing these metrics to iteratively refine the product roadmap.

• Contribute to the development of go-to-market strategies, product messaging, and partner alignment for AI-enhanced payroll and HR offerings, effectively translating technical AI capabilities into tangible business value for client-facing teams.

• Assist in establishing and maintaining repeatable AI governance frameworks and operating practices that facilitate safe experimentation, scalable deployment, robust observability, and continuous improvement of AI solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly indicate a strategic, leadership-oriented role focused on defining and executing AI product strategy within the HR/Payroll domain. The emphasis on "agentic AI orchestration" and "conversational UI" suggests a need for deep understanding of modern AI applications beyond basic automation. The role requires a strong product management foundation combined with specialized AI knowledge and experience in enterprise SaaS ecosystems like Workday and SAP.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent practical experience required.

• An advanced degree in a relevant field (e.g., Computer Science, AI, Business, Product Management) is considered a strong plus. Experience:

• A minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in product strategy, product management, portfolio leadership, or digital transformation roles, specifically for enterprise cloud and AI-enabled solutions.

• Demonstrated success in defining and executing product visions, strategies, and roadmaps that are directly tied to measurable business and client outcomes.

• Proven experience in leading cross-functional initiatives involving Product, Engineering, Design, Delivery, Operations, and Commercial teams to successful completion. Required Skills:

• AI Product Vision & Strategy: Ability to define and articulate a compelling AI product vision, strategy, and roadmap, aligning with organizational goals and market opportunities.

• Conversational AI & UX: Experience designing, scaling, or managing conversational AI, digital assistants, or employee-facing experiences, with a solid understanding of conversational UX principles and trust-centered design.

• Workflow Automation & AI Orchestration: Proven experience leading process transformation or workflow redesign using automation, AI copilots, or agentic AI orchestration across complex, multi-step enterprise processes.

• AI Concepts & Governance: Knowledge of key AI concepts including Large Language Models (LLMs), Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG), prompt and interaction design, orchestration frameworks, human-in-the-loop (HITL) controls, and responsible AI governance practices.

• Enterprise HR/Payroll Systems: Strong experience within the Payroll and/or HR applications space, with direct, hands-on experience in Workday and/or SAP payroll ecosystems being highly preferred.

• Business Case Development: Ability to build robust business cases and investment recommendations that effectively balance client value, technical feasibility, responsible AI practices, and commercial impact.

• Stakeholder Management: Exceptional analytical, communication, and stakeholder management skills, with a proven ability to translate complex AI concepts into clear, impactful business value narratives for diverse audiences (executives, clients, delivery teams).

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with specific AI development platforms or frameworks.

• Familiarity with data science methodologies and AI model lifecycle management.

• Understanding of global payroll and HR compliance landscapes.

• Experience in product-led growth (PLG) strategies for enterprise software.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirement is stated as "8+ years," but the comprehensive nature of the role and the "Sr. Director" title suggest that candidates with 10+ years of relevant experience, particularly in leadership product roles involving AI and enterprise software, will be more competitive. The emphasis on Workday/SAP payroll ecosystems is a significant differentiator.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• AI Product Strategy Case Studies: Showcase examples of developing and executing product strategies for AI-powered solutions, detailing the problem, proposed solution, AI technologies used, and measurable outcomes.

• Conversational AI Design & Impact: Present case studies demonstrating the design and implementation of conversational AI interfaces (chatbots, virtual assistants) with clear metrics on user adoption, task completion rates, and customer satisfaction.

• Workflow Automation & Optimization: Include examples of leading process redesign initiatives using AI or automation, illustrating improved efficiency, reduced cycle times, and enhanced operational throughput.

• Business Case & ROI Demonstration: Provide examples of developing business cases for AI initiatives, clearly articulating the projected ROI, commercial impact, and alignment with strategic business objectives.

Process Documentation:

• AI Product Lifecycle Management: Demonstrate understanding of managing AI products through their lifecycle, from ideation and validation to development, deployment, and continuous improvement, with a focus on iterative development and feedback loops.

• Cross-functional Collaboration Workflows: Illustrate experience in establishing and managing effective workflows for collaboration between Product, Engineering, Design, Data Science, and Operations teams on AI projects.

• Responsible AI & Governance Frameworks: Present documentation or frameworks for implementing responsible AI practices, including data privacy, bias mitigation, explainability, and human oversight within product development and deployment.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Sr. Director role, the portfolio should not just show what was done, but how it was strategically driven, the leadership involved, and the quantifiable business impact. Emphasis should be on strategic decision-making, market analysis, and managing complex AI product initiatives.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for Sr. Director roles in Product Strategy and AI in Spain, and considering the 8+ years of experience requirement, the estimated salary range for this position in Granada, Spain, is between €90,000 - €140,000 annually. This range accounts for the strategic nature of the role, the specialized AI expertise required, and the leadership responsibilities.

• This estimate is derived from analyzing compensation data for similar senior product leadership roles in technology companies within Spain, adjusted for the specific location and the AI/SaaS focus. It also considers the company's positioning as a global leader in workforce management technology. Benefits:

• Comprehensive health coverage.

• Dedicated wellbeing programs to support employee health and mental wellness.

• Generous paid leave, including vacation, sick leave, and parental leave.

• Competitive retirement plans to secure your financial future.

• Opportunities for continuous learning and professional development, including access to training and educational resources.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses or incentives. Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours are expected, typically around 40 hours per week.

• Given the remote-friendly nature and the senior leadership level, flexibility in working hours may be accommodated, provided that business needs, team collaboration, and client commitments are met.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimation based on available market data for similar roles in Spain. Actual compensation will depend on the candidate's specific experience, qualifications, and negotiation. The inclusion of "AI Product Strategy" and "Sr. Director" title indicates a compensation level at the higher end of senior management bands.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: People, Payroll, and Technology leader simplifying international workforce management. Strada operates in over 180 countries, designing and delivering people-first solutions powered by cloud-based technology.

Company Size: Strada is a significant global player in its industry, operating in over 180 countries. While the exact employee count isn't provided, its scale suggests a large, established organization with a substantial global footprint.

Founded: The founding date is not specified, but the company's broad international reach and technological focus imply a mature organization that has evolved with the digital landscape.

Team Structure:

• AI Product Leadership: This role will likely lead a dedicated function or a significant portion of the AI product strategy, potentially managing a team of product managers or AI specialists.

• Cross-functional Integration: The role demands close collaboration with Engineering, Design, Data Science, Product Management, Delivery, Sales, and Operations teams to drive AI initiatives from conception to market.

• Reporting: The Sr. Director will likely report into a VP of Product, Chief Product Officer (CPO), or a senior executive responsible for technology and innovation.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Emphasis on using data analytics to identify opportunities, measure success, and refine AI product roadmaps and strategies.

• Agile Product Development: Likely adoption of agile methodologies for product development, with iterative cycles, continuous feedback, and adaptability.

• Human-Centered Design: A core philosophy of designing solutions that are user-centric, focusing on employee experience and ease of use.

• Responsible AI Implementation: Commitment to ethical AI practices, including governance, fairness, transparency, and security in AI solutions.

Company Website: www.stradaglobal.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Strada's mission to simplify international workforce management through technology suggests a company that values innovation, global reach, and leveraging technology to solve complex business problems. The company culture is described as "people-first," emphasizing growth, discovery, and impact.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a senior leadership position within Product Strategy and AI, focusing on a critical and emerging area of technology for the company. It's a strategic contributor role with significant influence over the company's future product direction in AI.

Reporting Structure: The Sr. Director will likely report to a VP or C-level executive (e.g., CPO, CTO, Head of Product), overseeing a key strategic product area. They will collaborate extensively with peer directors and VPs across various departments.

Operations Impact: The role's impact is significant, directly influencing the company's ability to innovate, enhance its product offerings with AI, improve operational efficiency, and gain a competitive advantage in the HR and payroll technology market. Success will be measured by client adoption, commercialization of AI solutions, and advancement of strategic AI initiatives.

Growth Opportunities:

• Strategic Leadership Expansion: Potential to grow into a VP or Chief AI Officer role, expanding responsibility over broader AI product portfolios or the entire AI strategy.

• Domain Specialization: Deepen expertise in AI for HR/Payroll, becoming a recognized thought leader in the industry.

• Organizational Influence: Opportunity to shape the company's overall technology strategy and innovation pipeline.

• Mentorship & Team Building: Lead and mentor product management and AI specialist teams, fostering talent development within the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: This is a high-impact strategic role, offering significant growth potential within a global technology leader. The focus on AI and its application in HR/Payroll positions the candidate at the forefront of technological innovation in a critical business function.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The job listing indicates "Remote OK" with a primary location in Granada, Spain. This suggests a hybrid approach is possible, where employees might utilize local office spaces if available, or work fully remotely within the specified region. Strada operates globally, implying a distributed workforce model.

Office Location(s): The primary listed location is Granada, Spain. Strada operates in over 180 countries, suggesting potential for collaboration with colleagues across various international hubs.

Workspace Context:

• Remote Collaboration Tools: Expect to utilize a suite of digital collaboration tools (e.g., Slack, Microsoft Teams, Zoom, project management software) to connect with a global, distributed team.

• Access to Technology: As a technology leader, Strada likely provides robust IT infrastructure and access to necessary AI development and productivity tools.

• Cross-functional Interaction: The role necessitates frequent interaction with diverse teams, fostering a dynamic and collaborative work environment, even in a remote setting.

Work Schedule:

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

• Flexibility is likely available, common in remote roles and for senior leadership, to accommodate global team interactions and personal needs, provided business objectives and team collaboration are maintained.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Remote OK" with a specific location suggests a preference for candidates within or willing to relocate to Granada, Spain, or a strong remote presence within Spain. This offers flexibility but requires strong self-management and communication skills.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or HR representative will likely conduct an initial screening to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion with the hiring manager (likely a VP of Product or similar) to delve deeper into strategic thinking, AI product experience, leadership capabilities, and alignment with the role's objectives.

• Cross-functional Panel Interviews: Interviews with key stakeholders from Product, Engineering, Design, Data Science, and potentially Sales/Operations to evaluate collaboration skills, technical understanding, and ability to work across departments.

• Strategic Case Study/Presentation: Candidates may be asked to prepare and present a strategic case study on a relevant AI product initiative, demonstrating their approach to product vision, strategy, roadmap development, and business impact.

• Final Round: Potentially a discussion with a senior executive (e.g., CPO, CEO) for final assessment of strategic alignment and cultural fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Impact: Highlight quantifiable results and business impact (e.g., revenue growth, cost savings, efficiency gains, user adoption rates) achieved through your AI product strategies and initiatives.

• Strategic Narrative: Clearly articulate the strategic thinking behind your product decisions, market analysis, and roadmap prioritization.

• AI Technical Depth: Showcase your understanding of AI concepts, technologies (LLMs, RAG, agentic AI), and their application in enterprise solutions.

• Process & Governance: Demonstrate experience in managing the AI product lifecycle, including responsible AI practices and governance frameworks.

• Collaboration & Leadership: Provide examples of successful cross-functional collaboration and leadership in driving complex AI projects.

Challenge Preparation:

• AI Strategy Formulation: Be prepared to discuss how you would develop an AI product strategy for a specific area within HR/Payroll, considering market trends, competitive landscape, and business goals.

• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Anticipate questions about how you would address challenges in AI product development, such as data availability, model bias, user adoption, or ethical considerations.

• Roadmap Prioritization: Practice articulating your approach to prioritizing AI initiatives based on business value, feasibility, and strategic alignment.

• Stakeholder Communication: Prepare to explain complex AI concepts and product strategies clearly and concisely to both technical and non-technical audiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the strategic seniority of this role, expect a rigorous interview process that tests not only technical and product acumen but also strategic thinking, leadership potential, and the ability to influence across a global organization. A well-curated portfolio demonstrating tangible results is critical.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• AI/ML Platforms: Familiarity with cloud-based AI/ML platforms (e.g., AWS SageMaker, Google AI Platform, Azure Machine Learning) and specific LLM APIs/frameworks will be advantageous.

• Conversational AI Platforms: Experience with platforms for building chatbots and virtual assistants (e.g., Dialogflow, Amazon Lex, Microsoft Bot Framework) is highly relevant.

• Agentic AI Orchestration Frameworks: Understanding and potential experience with frameworks that enable AI agents to perform complex multi-step tasks.

• Product Management Tools: Proficiency in tools like Jira, Confluence, Productboard, or similar for roadmap planning, backlog management, and collaboration.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Visualization Tools: Experience with tools like Tableau, Power BI, or Looker for creating dashboards and reporting on AI product performance and business impact.

• Analytics Platforms: Familiarity with web analytics or product analytics tools to track user behavior and engagement with AI-powered features.

• BI Tools: Ability to leverage business intelligence tools for deep-dive analysis of product usage, customer feedback, and market trends.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems: Experience working with or integrating AI solutions into CRM systems.

• Workflow Automation Tools: Understanding of enterprise workflow automation tools and how AI can enhance these processes.

• HRIS/Payroll Systems: Deep familiarity with Workday and/or SAP payroll and HR modules is a significant plus, as AI solutions will likely integrate with or enhance these core systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific tools aren't listed, a Sr. Director in AI Product Strategy should possess broad knowledge of the AI/ML ecosystem and be adept at leveraging data and analytics tools to drive product decisions. Deep understanding of enterprise HRIS/Payroll systems like Workday and SAP is critical for this role's success.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Anticipate Customer Needs: A proactive approach to understanding and addressing customer challenges, particularly in the evolving landscape of HR and payroll technology.

• Own the Outcome: Taking full responsibility for the success of AI product initiatives, from strategy to execution and impact measurement.

• Challenge Ourselves to Work Smarter: Driving innovation and efficiency through AI, seeking out smarter ways to solve problems and deliver value.

• Empower Each Other to Solve Problems: Fostering a collaborative environment where diverse perspectives are valued in tackling complex AI challenges.

• Care About Our Work: Recognizing the significant impact of HR and payroll solutions on individuals and organizations, and maintaining a high standard of quality and responsibility.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Synergy: Emphasis on seamless collaboration across Product, Engineering, Design, Data Science, Sales, and Operations to ensure cohesive AI product development and go-to-market strategies.

• Data-Informed Dialogue: Encouraging discussions grounded in data and analytics to drive objective decision-making regarding AI product features, roadmaps, and investments.

• Open Communication & Feedback: Cultivating an environment where open communication, constructive feedback, and knowledge sharing are integral to continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: Strada's stated values are people-centric and outcome-oriented, aligning well with a strategic role that requires both innovation and a strong sense of responsibility for delivering impactful solutions.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Rapid AI Evolution: Keeping pace with the extremely fast-moving field of AI, particularly LLMs and generative AI, and translating these advancements into viable product strategies.

• Responsible AI Implementation: Navigating the complexities of ethical AI, ensuring fairness, transparency, privacy, and security in AI solutions for sensitive HR and payroll data.

• Integration with Legacy Systems: Successfully integrating advanced AI capabilities with established enterprise systems like Workday and SAP, which can present technical and procedural hurdles.

• Driving Adoption: Ensuring that AI-powered features are not only developed but also effectively adopted by end-users (employees and internal teams) and demonstrate clear value.

• Cross-functional Alignment: Garnering buy-in and sustained collaboration from diverse teams with varying priorities and technical understanding of AI.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Cutting-edge AI Exposure: Direct involvement with state-of-the-art AI technologies and their application in enterprise software.

• Industry Leadership: Opportunity to shape the future of AI in the HR/Payroll tech space and become a recognized leader.

• Strategic Influence: Play a pivotal role in defining the technology roadmap and innovation strategy for a global company.

• Professional Development: Access to training, conferences, and resources to enhance AI, product management, and leadership skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for senior AI product roles, requiring a blend of technical foresight, strategic acumen, and strong interpersonal skills to overcome. The growth opportunities are substantial for someone looking to make a significant impact in the AI product space.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for defining an AI product vision and roadmap. How would you apply this to enhancing employee experiences in HR and payroll?"

• "How do you balance innovation with responsible AI practices, especially when dealing with sensitive employee data? Provide an example."

• "Walk me through how you would build a business case for investing in an agentic AI orchestration solution for HR workflows. What metrics would you prioritize?"

• "How would you approach identifying and prioritizing high-value AI opportunities within a complex enterprise ecosystem like Workday or SAP?" Company & Culture Questions:

• "How do Strada's values (Anticipate Customer Needs, Own the Outcome, etc.) resonate with your approach to product leadership?"

• "Describe a time you had to influence stakeholders from different departments (e.g., Engineering, Sales, Operations) to adopt a new AI product strategy. What was your approach?"

• "How do you foster a culture of innovation and responsible AI within a product team?"

• "What excites you most about Strada's mission and its role in international workforce management?" Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each case study, clearly outline the problem statement, your strategic approach, the AI technologies employed, your leadership role, the execution process, and most importantly, the quantifiable business outcomes and lessons learned.

• Focus on Strategic Decisions: Emphasize why certain strategic choices were made, the market/customer insights that informed them, and how these decisions led to impact.

• Demonstrate AI Acumen: Be ready to discuss the technical underpinnings of your solutions, including the rationale for choosing specific AI models or approaches (e.g., LLMs, RAG, agentic AI).

• Quantify Impact: Use specific numbers, percentages, and ROI figures to demonstrate the value delivered by your initiatives.

• Address Challenges: Be transparent about challenges faced and how you navigated them, showcasing problem-solving skills and resilience.

📝 Enhancement Note: Prepare to discuss your experience with specific AI technologies and frameworks, as well as your understanding of enterprise HR/Payroll systems. Be ready to demonstrate leadership in driving strategic initiatives and influencing cross-functional teams.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Sr. Director, Product Strategy & AI position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Strada's careers portal.

• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight experience in AI product strategy, product management, conversational AI, agentic AI orchestration, and familiarity with HR/Payroll systems (Workday/SAP). Quantify your achievements with specific metrics and business impact.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a portfolio that showcases your strategic thinking, leadership in AI product development, and demonstrable business outcomes. Focus on case studies that align with the responsibilities outlined in this job description.

• Research Strada: Thoroughly research Strada's products, services, mission, values, and recent news. Understand their position in the global workforce management market and how AI fits into their strategy.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare thoughtful answers to potential strategy, leadership, and behavioral questions, using the STAR method where appropriate, and be ready to articulate your vision for AI in HR/Payroll.

⚠️ 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.