Vice President, Product Strategy

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Vice President, Product Strategy

Company: Hills Bank

Location: Hills, Iowa, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Product Strategy & Operations / Financial Services Operations

Date Posted: 2026-08-14

Experience Level: 8+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Develop and execute a comprehensive product strategy and roadmap to achieve the Bank's strategic plan, growth objectives, and enhance client experience.

• Oversee the end-to-end lifecycle management of consumer, business, and treasury management banking products, ensuring competitiveness and profitability.

• Drive digital banking innovation by leading the strategic planning for client-facing technology solutions and evaluating emerging fintech partnerships.

• Foster strong cross-functional collaboration across business lines and support functions to ensure successful product implementation, adoption, and alignment on strategic priorities.

• Ensure all product offerings and operations adhere to stringent risk management standards, regulatory compliance, and internal policies within the financial services landscape.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role of Vice President, Product Strategy in a financial institution like Hills Bank requires a deep understanding of banking products, regulatory environments, and the intersection of technology and client experience. This position is critical for driving growth and operational efficiency through strategic product development and management.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a forward-thinking product strategy and detailed product roadmap for consumer, business, and treasury management products that aligns with overarching business objectives and client needs.

• Lead the comprehensive product lifecycle management, from conception and development through pricing, positioning, enhancement, and eventual retirement, ensuring optimal product performance and market relevance.

• Proactively monitor and analyze product performance metrics, including utilization, profitability, market penetration, and client adoption, to identify areas for improvement and strategic adjustment.

• Drive innovation in digital banking by spearheading the strategic planning for client-facing technology, evaluating new solutions, and identifying opportunities to leverage automation and self-service capabilities.

• Cultivate robust partnerships with executive leadership and business line heads to identify market opportunities, competitive threats, and emerging trends impacting the financial services sector.

• Collaborate closely with Information Technology, Operations, Marketing, Finance, Compliance, and Risk Management teams to ensure seamless execution of product initiatives and strategic alignment across the organization.

• Ensure all product offerings and associated processes strictly adhere to banking regulations, internal policies, and robust risk management frameworks, actively participating in product governance processes.

• Support sales and relationship management teams by providing essential product expertise, market intelligence, and strategic guidance to drive client acquisition and retention efforts.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core responsibilities highlight a strategic leadership role focused on product innovation, lifecycle management, and cross-functional execution within the highly regulated banking industry. Emphasis is placed on balancing growth objectives with risk mitigation and client experience enhancement.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree required; preferred in Business, Marketing, or a related field.

Experience: 8+ years of experience in product strategy, product management, or financial services leadership. Demonstrated success managing banking products, strategic initiatives, and cross-functional projects.

Required Skills:

• Product Strategy Development: Proven ability to conceptualize, articulate, and implement comprehensive product strategies that drive business growth and market competitiveness.

• Product Portfolio Management: Expertise in overseeing the entire lifecycle of financial products, including development, pricing, positioning, and performance monitoring.

• Digital Banking & Innovation: Strong understanding and strategic vision for digital banking platforms, client-facing technology, and identifying opportunities for innovation and process improvement.

• Financial Services Expertise: Deep knowledge of deposit products, treasury management services, payments, and overarching banking regulations.

• Strategic Planning & Roadmapping: Skill in developing and executing multi-year product roadmaps that align with organizational goals and market dynamics.

• Cross-Functional Leadership: Proven ability to lead and influence diverse teams across business lines and support functions to achieve strategic objectives.

• Market Analysis & Competitive Intelligence: Capability to identify market trends, competitive threats, and emerging opportunities within the financial services landscape.

• Risk Management & Compliance: Thorough understanding of banking regulations and the ability to integrate risk management and compliance into product strategy and operations.

• Client Experience Focus: Demonstrated commitment to enhancing client experience through product design, digital tools, and service improvements.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with Fintech partnerships and evaluating emerging technologies.

• Advanced degree (e.g., MBA) in a relevant field.

• Proven track record of driving measurable business results and ROI through product initiatives.

• Experience with Agile methodologies for product development and management.

• Strong analytical and data interpretation skills to inform product decisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a blend of strategic thinking, deep financial services product knowledge, and strong leadership capabilities. The "preferred skills" suggest a forward-looking approach to product development, embracing technological advancements and data-driven decision-making within the banking sector.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Strategic Roadmap Examples: Showcase examples of developed product roadmaps, detailing prioritization frameworks, stakeholder alignment, and how they support broader business goals.

• Product Lifecycle Case Studies: Present case studies demonstrating successful management of a product's lifecycle, including market analysis, launch strategies, performance monitoring, and optimization efforts.

• Digital Initiative Proposals: Include examples of proposals for new digital banking features or enhancements, outlining the business case, client benefit, technical considerations, and implementation plan.

• Performance Metrics & ROI: Provide evidence of how product performance was measured and improved, including specific metrics and demonstrated Return on Investment (ROI) for key product initiatives.

• Risk & Compliance Integration: Illustrate how risk assessments and regulatory compliance were integrated into product development and ongoing management processes.

Process Documentation:

• Product Strategy Framework: Document the framework used for developing and refining product strategy, including market research methodologies, competitive analysis techniques, and stakeholder input mechanisms.

• Product Development Workflow: Outline the standardized workflow for new product development or significant enhancements, detailing phases from ideation to launch, including roles, responsibilities, and approval gates.

• Performance Monitoring & Reporting Process: Describe the process for tracking product performance, including key performance indicators (KPIs), data sources, reporting cadence, and how insights are translated into actionable strategies.

• Risk Assessment & Mitigation Process: Detail the process for identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks associated with new and existing products, ensuring adherence to regulatory requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Vice President role, a portfolio should demonstrate strategic thinking, end-to-end product ownership, and a data-driven approach to product management and innovation within the financial services context. The emphasis on process documentation highlights the need for structured, repeatable methodologies.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a Vice President of Product Strategy in the financial services sector in Iowa, with 8+ years of experience, the estimated salary range is $150,000 - $210,000 annually. This range accounts for the strategic nature of the role, the required experience, and the specific demands of product leadership within a banking institution.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Benefits Package: Includes health, dental, and vision insurance, providing robust coverage for employees and their families.

• Retirement Savings Plan: Likely includes a 401(k) or similar plan with potential employer matching contributions, crucial for long-term financial security.

• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation, sick leave, and holiday pay, allowing for work-life balance and rejuvenation.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for continued learning, training, certifications, and conference attendance to stay abreast of industry advancements.

• Employee Wellness Programs: Initiatives focused on promoting physical and mental well-being.

• Potential for Bonuses/Incentives: Performance-based bonuses or incentives may be offered, tied to the achievement of strategic product and business goals.

Working Hours: Full-time, exempt position. Employees must be available to work the hours necessary to meet business and position requirements, typically 40 hours per week, with flexibility expected for strategic initiatives and to address critical business needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The estimated salary range is derived from general compensation data for VP-level product strategy roles in the US financial services industry, adjusted for the Iowa location and the specified experience level. It reflects the significant responsibility and strategic impact of this position. The listed benefits are standard for a reputable financial institution.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Banking and Financial Services. Hills Bank operates within a competitive and highly regulated industry, emphasizing trust, security, and client relationships. The focus on "taking care of the customer" and employees suggests a client-centric and employee-supportive culture.

Company Size: Mid-sized regional bank. This size often allows for a balance between established processes and agility, providing opportunities for significant individual impact without being lost in a massive corporate structure.

Founded: Hills Bank was founded in 1904. This long history indicates stability, deep community roots, and a proven track record in the financial services sector, likely fostering a culture of enduring values and long-term strategic vision.

Team Structure:

• Product & Strategy Department: This role likely leads a dedicated product strategy team, possibly including product managers, analysts, and specialists focused on specific product lines (e.g., consumer, business, digital).

• Reporting Structure: The VP will report to a senior executive, such as a Chief Revenue Officer, Chief Product Officer, or Chief Operating Officer, depending on the bank's organizational hierarchy.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Integral to the role is close collaboration with leaders and teams from Retail Banking, Commercial Banking, Treasury Management, Marketing, Operations, Finance, Compliance, and Risk Management, requiring strong partnership-building skills.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Product decisions are expected to be informed by market analysis, client feedback, performance metrics, and financial modeling.

• Strategic Planning Cycles: Regular strategic planning processes, likely annual or bi-annual, will guide product roadmap development and investment priorities.

• Agile Principles (Potential): While not explicitly stated, the emphasis on digital innovation and collaboration may involve adopting Agile or hybrid methodologies for product development and project management.

• Risk-Informed Innovation: A core methodology will be balancing the pursuit of growth and innovation with rigorous risk assessment and adherence to regulatory requirements.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company context suggests a stable, community-focused financial institution with a long-standing reputation. The Product Strategy role is positioned at the intersection of business growth, client needs, and operational execution, requiring a strategic leader who can navigate the complexities of the banking industry.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior leadership role, a Vice President position, signifying a high level of responsibility and strategic influence within the organization. It's a critical role for shaping the bank's future product offerings and client engagement strategies.

Reporting Structure: The VP will report directly to a C-suite executive or a senior executive overseeing product, strategy, or revenue. This proximity to top leadership offers significant visibility and opportunity to influence key business decisions.

Operations Impact: The role has a direct and substantial impact on revenue generation, client acquisition and retention, operational efficiency, and the overall client experience. Successful product strategies will drive market share, profitability, and competitive positioning for Hills Bank.

Growth Opportunities:

• Executive Leadership Advancement: Potential to advance to Chief Product Officer, Chief Strategy Officer, or other executive leadership roles within the bank or the broader financial services industry.

• Specialization & Domain Expertise: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas like digital transformation, treasury management, or retail banking products, becoming a recognized subject matter expert.

• Strategic Initiative Leadership: Chance to lead major strategic projects and transformations that have a bank-wide impact, building a strong portfolio of high-profile achievements.

• Mentorship & Team Development: Opportunity to build and mentor a team of product professionals, developing future leaders within the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: This Vice President role offers a significant platform for career growth, providing exposure to executive-level strategy and the opportunity to drive tangible business outcomes. Advancement within the financial services sector, particularly in product and strategy leadership, is a likely trajectory.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is on-site, implying a traditional office environment within Hills Bank's corporate headquarters or a significant branch location in Hills, Iowa. This setting facilitates in-person collaboration, team synergy, and direct interaction with various departments.

Office Location(s): The primary work location is 131 Main St, Hills, IA 52235. This location is central to the bank's operations in the region.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The office environment will likely foster collaboration with teams from Retail Banking, Commercial Banking, Treasury Management, Marketing, Operations, Finance, Compliance, and Risk Management, encouraging in-person meetings and brainstorming sessions.

• Tools & Technology: Access to standard office productivity tools, as well as specialized banking and product management software, CRM systems, and data analytics platforms will be available.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for direct interaction with direct reports, peers, and senior leadership, fostering a culture of open communication and shared strategic vision.

Work Schedule: Full-time, exempt status, typically around 40 hours per week. However, the nature of a VP role in banking requires flexibility, with potential for extended hours to meet project deadlines, address urgent business needs, or participate in critical strategic discussions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site work environment at Hills Bank in Hills, Iowa, suggests a traditional corporate setting focused on collaboration and direct engagement. The flexibility required for an exempt VP role is standard in the financial services industry.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and application to assess alignment with the core requirements, especially years of experience and industry knowledge.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion with the direct hiring manager (likely a C-suite executive) to evaluate strategic thinking, leadership capabilities, and understanding of product strategy in banking.

• Cross-Functional Interviews: Meetings with key stakeholders from departments like Retail Banking, Commercial Banking, Operations, and Risk Management to assess collaboration skills and ability to influence across teams.

• Product Strategy Presentation/Case Study: Candidates may be asked to present a strategic product initiative, a product roadmap proposal, or a case study demonstrating their approach to managing a complex product challenge.

• Final Executive Interview: A final conversation with senior leadership to confirm cultural fit, strategic alignment, and overall suitability for the VP role.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Strategic Impact: Clearly articulate the strategic objectives your product initiatives aimed to achieve and how they contributed to broader business goals.

• Data-Driven Approach: Showcase how you used data, market analysis, and client feedback to inform product decisions and measure success. Quantify results wherever possible.

• Lifecycle Management: Demonstrate your ability to manage products across their entire lifecycle, from ideation and launch to optimization and retirement.

• Collaboration & Influence: Highlight instances where you successfully collaborated with diverse teams and influenced stakeholders to drive product adoption and strategic alignment.

• Innovation & Risk Balance: Present examples of how you've driven innovation while effectively managing risks and ensuring regulatory compliance.

Challenge Preparation:

• Strategic Case Study: Be prepared to discuss how you would develop a product strategy for a specific banking segment (e.g., small business lending, digital payments) or address a market challenge (e.g., increased competition from neobanks).

• Roadmap Prioritization: Practice articulating your criteria for prioritizing product investments and features on a roadmap, balancing competing demands from different business units.

• Digital Transformation Vision: Think about how you would approach enhancing Hills Bank's digital banking capabilities to improve client experience and operational efficiency.

• Risk & Compliance Scenario: Prepare to discuss how you would navigate a scenario involving a new product proposal that carries significant regulatory or risk implications.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to assess strategic leadership, deep product expertise, and strong interpersonal skills essential for a VP role in a regulated financial institution. A well-curated portfolio that showcases strategic impact and data-driven decision-making will be crucial.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CRM Systems: Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics, or similar platforms for managing client relationships and sales pipelines, crucial for understanding client needs and product adoption.

• Product Management Platforms: Tools like Aha!, Productboard, Jira, or Asana for roadmap planning, feature prioritization, backlog management, and tracking development progress.

• Business Intelligence & Analytics Tools: Tableau, Power BI, Looker, or internal bank analytics platforms for data analysis, performance monitoring, and reporting on product metrics.

• Collaboration Suites: Microsoft 365 (Teams, SharePoint, Outlook) or Google Workspace for communication, document sharing, and project management.

• Financial Modeling Software: Excel or specialized financial planning tools for developing business cases, pricing models, and ROI analyses.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Web Analytics: Google Analytics or similar for tracking client behavior on digital platforms.

• Database Tools: SQL for querying and extracting data from internal banking systems.

• Reporting Dashboards: Experience creating and interpreting dashboards for executive-level reporting on product performance and strategic initiative progress.

CRM & Automation:

• Banking Core Systems: Familiarity with core banking platforms (e.g., Fiserv, Jack Henry) and their integration capabilities with product management and CRM systems.

• Workflow Automation Tools: Potentially tools for automating internal processes related to product onboarding, approvals, or reporting.

• Integration Platforms: Understanding of APIs and integration strategies for connecting various banking systems and third-party fintech solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack for a VP of Product Strategy in banking involves a blend of standard product management tools, robust analytics platforms, and an understanding of core banking systems and their integration. Proficiency in data analysis and visualization is key for strategic decision-making.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Client Focus: A deep commitment to understanding and serving client needs, ensuring products and services enhance the banking experience.

• Integrity & Trust: Upholding the highest ethical standards, ensuring all operations and product decisions are transparent and trustworthy.

• Innovation with Prudence: Encouraging forward-thinking and the adoption of new technologies, balanced with rigorous risk assessment and compliance.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering a culture where cross-functional teams work together seamlessly to achieve common goals and support product success.

• Accountability & Performance: Taking ownership of product outcomes and striving for measurable results that contribute to the bank's growth and profitability.

Collaboration Style:

• Partnership-Oriented: Building strong, collaborative relationships with business line leaders, IT, Operations, Marketing, and Risk Management to ensure alignment and mutual support.

• Data-Informed Dialogue: Engaging in discussions backed by data and analysis to drive objective decision-making and strategic alignment.

• Proactive Communication: Maintaining open and transparent communication channels to keep all stakeholders informed about product strategy, roadmap updates, and performance.

• Solution-Focused: Approaching challenges with a problem-solving mindset, working collaboratively to identify and implement effective solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Hills Bank's culture likely emphasizes traditional banking values of integrity and client trust, combined with a modern approach to innovation and collaboration essential for product strategy in today's market.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Innovation with Regulation: Navigating the complex regulatory landscape of the banking industry while driving innovation and introducing new products or digital capabilities.

• Legacy Systems Integration: Working with potentially older core banking systems that may present integration challenges for new technologies and digital solutions.

• Cross-Functional Alignment: Ensuring consistent strategic alignment and buy-in from diverse business units, each with its own priorities and objectives.

• Market Volatility & Competition: Adapting product strategy to rapidly changing market dynamics, evolving client expectations, and increasing competition from traditional banks and fintechs.

• Data Silos & Accessibility: Overcoming potential data silos across different banking systems to gain a unified view for comprehensive product analysis and strategic planning.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Industry Conferences & Seminars: Attending leading financial services and product management conferences to gain insights into emerging trends, best practices, and new technologies.

• Professional Certifications: Pursuing certifications in product management, financial services, or digital transformation to enhance expertise.

• Mentorship Programs: Engaging with senior leaders within Hills Bank or through external networks for guidance on career progression and strategic leadership.

• Internal Training & Workshops: Participating in internal development programs focused on leadership, strategic planning, and specific banking domains.

• Exposure to New Technologies: Opportunity to research and evaluate cutting-edge fintech solutions and emerging technologies relevant to the future of banking.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the dynamic and complex nature of product strategy in the banking sector. The growth opportunities emphasize continuous learning and strategic development critical for a senior leadership role.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you develop a product strategy for Hills Bank to compete more effectively against digital-only banks?" (Focus on demonstrating strategic thinking, market analysis, and innovative solutions.)

• "Describe a time you had to influence executive leadership to approve a significant product investment. What was your approach, and what was the outcome?" (Prepare a STAR method answer highlighting influence, data-driven persuasion, and results.)

• "Imagine we want to launch a new treasury management service. Walk us through your process for validating the market need, defining the product features, and developing a go-to-market plan." (Showcase your end-to-end product management process and strategic planning capabilities.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "Based on your research, what do you see as Hills Bank's biggest product opportunity or challenge?" (Demonstrate that you've researched the bank, its market position, and understand its context.)

• "How do you foster a collaborative environment when working with different departments that may have competing priorities, such as Sales, IT, and Compliance?" (Prepare examples of your collaboration style and conflict resolution skills.)

• "How do you balance the need for rapid product innovation with the stringent risk and compliance requirements in the banking industry?" (Articulate your understanding of risk management and your approach to balanced innovation.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Quantify Impact: For each case study, clearly state the business problem, your strategic solution, the key metrics you tracked, and the quantifiable results (e.g., % increase in adoption, $ revenue growth, % reduction in operational costs).

• Highlight Strategic Alignment: Ensure your portfolio demonstrates how your product initiatives directly supported the strategic goals of previous organizations.

• Showcase Process & Methodology: Briefly explain the process and methodologies you employed in each project, such as market research techniques, roadmap prioritization frameworks, or agile development cycles.

• Tailor to Hills Bank: If possible, frame your examples in a way that resonates with the banking industry and the potential needs of Hills Bank.

• Concise Storytelling: Present your work as compelling stories with a clear beginning (challenge), middle (your solution and execution), and end (results and impact).

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating strategic leadership, a deep understanding of financial services product management, and the ability to translate strategy into actionable plans that drive measurable business outcomes while managing risk.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Hills Bank's applicant portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Curate your portfolio to highlight 2-3 key projects that best demonstrate your strategic product development, lifecycle management, and digital innovation experience within the financial services sector. Ensure these examples showcase quantifiable results and your ability to manage risk.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to emphasize keywords from the job description, such as "product strategy," "product roadmap," "digital banking," "treasury management," "financial services leadership," and "cross-functional collaboration." Quantify achievements with specific metrics.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your strategic approach to product development, your experience with banking products and regulations, and your ability to drive cross-functional alignment. Prepare specific examples using the STAR method for behavioral questions.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Hills Bank's current product offerings, its market position, recent news, and its stated values. Understand their strategic priorities and how your role as VP of Product Strategy can contribute to their success.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with Hills Bank before making application decisions.