VP Global Auto Product Strategy

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: VP Global Auto Product Strategy

Company: Gallagher

Location: Rolling Meadows, Illinois, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Product Strategy / Operations

Date Posted: 2026-07-31

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: Remote Solely

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the strategic development and refinement of global commercial auto risk management solutions, encompassing product offerings, pricing strategies, and market positioning.

• Drive innovation by conceptualizing, designing, and iterating on solutions that proactively address current and future client challenges within the commercial auto risk landscape.

• Foster strong cross-functional collaboration with internal teams (sales, marketing, claims, executive leadership) and external partners to ensure successful execution and market leadership of auto business initiatives.

• Analyze market dynamics, emerging technologies, and industry trends to maintain and enhance Gallagher Bassett's position as a provider of industry-leading value in commercial auto risk management.

• Support sales and marketing efforts by providing strategic insights and product expertise to drive client acquisition and expand market share.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "VP Global Auto Product Strategy," the responsibilities heavily lean into operationalizing strategy, market analysis, and cross-functional execution, indicating a strong need for operations-centric thinking in driving product success. This role requires a blend of strategic vision and tactical execution, aligning with GTM (Go-To-Market) operations principles.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop, refine, and execute the global auto risk management strategy, defining the direction for solution offerings, pricing models, and overall market positioning.

• Conduct continuous market and technology research within commercial auto risk management to ensure Gallagher Bassett remains at the forefront of industry innovation and value delivery.

• Ideate, design, and iterate on cutting-edge solutions tailored to address existing and anticipated client challenges in the commercial auto risk space.

• Collaborate effectively with product development, sales, marketing, claims, and executive leadership teams to operationalize and launch new solutions, ensuring they deliver superior market value.

• Partner with sales and marketing teams to develop compelling go-to-market strategies, sales enablement materials, and client-facing communications that support growth objectives and expand market share.

• Monitor and analyze the performance of auto risk management solutions, gathering feedback for continuous improvement and strategic adjustments.

• Represent Gallagher Bassett at industry events and client engagements, articulating the company's vision and product strategy for commercial auto risk management.

• Manage complex, large-scale programs from concept through execution, ensuring alignment with strategic goals and successful delivery of intended outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "bringing solutions to life" and "ensuring they deliver market leading value" highlights the operational execution component of this strategic role. This suggests a need for experience in product lifecycle management and GTM strategy implementation, which are core to revenue and sales operations.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: University Degree or equivalent experience.

Experience: Minimum 12 years of relevant experience.

Required Skills:

• Extensive experience in developing and executing global strategic plans, particularly within the insurance or risk management sectors.

• Proven ability to conceptualize, design, and refine complex product or solution offerings.

• Strong analytical capabilities to translate intricate data into actionable insights and strategic recommendations.

• Demonstrated success in managing large, complex programs from initial concept through to successful execution.

• Exceptional communication skills (verbal and written) to effectively inspire, influence, and gain strategic alignment across diverse internal and external stakeholders.

• Deep understanding of commercial auto insurance markets, including current trends, emerging technologies, and competitive landscapes.

• Proven ability to stay ahead of industry trends and proactively adapt strategies to maintain market leadership. Preferred Skills:

• In-depth knowledge of auto insurance claims processes and best practices.

• Experience with pricing strategy development and market positioning for risk management solutions.

• Familiarity with data analytics tools and techniques for performance measurement and strategic decision-making.

• Experience collaborating with sales and marketing teams to drive go-to-market strategies and support business development.

• A strong problem-solving mindset with a proactive approach to identifying and resolving challenges.

• Experience working in a global organizational structure and managing cross-cultural communication.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for 12+ years of experience and the "VP" title suggest a senior-level role where strategic thinking, leadership, and operational execution are paramount. The preferred skills like "Auto Insurance claims knowledge" and "pricing strategy" point to the need for deep domain expertise that can be leveraged operationally.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase examples of strategic initiatives you have led from conception to successful implementation, demonstrating end-to-end program management.

• Present case studies that illustrate your ability to analyze complex market data, identify opportunities, and translate them into concrete product or solution strategies.

• Provide evidence of your experience in developing and refining pricing strategies and market positioning for complex offerings.

• Include examples of how you have successfully collaborated with cross-functional teams (sales, marketing, product, claims) to achieve strategic objectives and drive business growth. Process Documentation:

• Examples of strategic framework development and the documentation of go-to-market plans for new product or solution launches.

• Documentation illustrating how you have tracked and measured the success of strategic initiatives, including key performance indicators (KPIs) and return on investment (ROI) analysis.

• Evidence of process improvement methodologies applied to risk management solutions or product development lifecycles.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a VP-level Product Strategy role with strong operational components, a portfolio should highlight strategic leadership, market analysis, solution design, cross-functional collaboration, and successful execution. Emphasis should be placed on quantifiable achievements and the operationalization of strategic plans.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a VP-level role in Product Strategy within the insurance/risk management sector in the Rolling Meadows, Illinois area, with 12+ years of experience, the estimated salary range is $180,000 - $280,000 annually. This range can vary based on the candidate's specific experience, qualifications, and performance during the interview process.

Benefits:

• Competitive compensation package, reflecting the senior level of the role.

• Comprehensive benefits programs designed to support employee well-being, likely including health, dental, and vision insurance.

• Robust career development opportunities and a commitment to ongoing learning and professional growth.

• Access to a collaborative, people-first culture with accessible leadership, fostering an environment for impactful work.

• Opportunities for professional development, including potential for industry conferences, certifications, and advanced training relevant to product strategy and risk management.

• Retirement savings plans, such as a 401(k) with company match.

Working Hours: Standard full-time hours are expected, approximately 40 hours per week, with flexibility for strategic initiatives and global collaboration across different time zones. Occasional evening or weekend work may be required to meet critical deadlines or support global team synchronization.

📝 Enhancement Note: As no specific salary was provided, an estimated range has been generated based on the job title (VP), experience level (12+ years), industry (Insurance/Risk Management), and location (Rolling Meadows, IL). Research for this estimate would typically involve consulting industry salary surveys (e.g., Radford, Mercer), salary data aggregators (e.g., Glassdoor, LinkedIn Salary), and considering the specific responsibilities of a global product strategy leadership role. The provided benefits are standard for a senior-level position at a company of Gallagher's size and industry.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Insurance and Risk Management Services. Gallagher Bassett is a leading provider of claims and risk management solutions, operating within a highly regulated and competitive global market. This industry demands precision, compliance, and a strong focus on client service and outcomes.

Company Size: Gallagher is a large, global organization. As of the latest available data, Gallagher employs over 30,000 people worldwide. This size implies robust infrastructure, established processes, and opportunities for diverse career paths, but also requires clear communication and alignment to navigate effectively.

Founded: Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. was founded in 1927. Gallagher Bassett, the claims and risk management arm, has a long history of service, underscoring stability, extensive industry experience, and a deep understanding of client needs.

Team Structure:

• The role operates within a senior leadership capacity, likely reporting to a global or regional head of product, strategy, or a business unit leader (e.g., Global CEO).

• The product strategy team is expected to be relatively lean but highly influential, working closely with various operational departments, including claims management, sales, marketing, underwriting, and IT.

• Collaboration is key; this role will interface with global and regional CEOs, C-suite executives, and potentially external partners, requiring strong stakeholder management skills. Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making is paramount, leveraging market analysis, client feedback, and performance metrics to inform strategic direction and product development.

• Agile principles may be applied to solution design and iteration, allowing for rapid response to market changes and client needs.

• A focus on process optimization and efficiency will be critical to ensure that new strategies and solutions are effectively implemented and deliver tangible value.

• Emphasis on cross-functional alignment and collaborative problem-solving to ensure successful go-to-market execution.

Company Website: https://www.ajg.com/ / https://www.gallagherbassett.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding Gallagher's established position in the insurance industry is crucial. This role isn't about building a startup but about strategically evolving and optimizing within a large, reputable organization. The "fast-paced fixers, empathetic experts, and outcomes drivers" culture suggests a need for proactive, results-oriented individuals who can navigate complexity.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior leadership position (VP-level) focused on global product strategy within the commercial auto risk management domain. It signifies a strategic, high-impact role responsible for shaping the future direction of a significant business line. The scope extends beyond product development to encompass market positioning, pricing, and driving go-to-market success, requiring a strong blend of strategic foresight and operational understanding.

Reporting Structure: The role likely reports to a senior executive, such as a Global Head of Product, Chief Strategy Officer, or a President/CEO of a relevant business division. This elevated reporting structure indicates direct influence on executive-level decision-making and strategic direction.

Operations Impact: The primary impact of this role is on revenue growth, market share expansion, and client retention by developing and deploying innovative, competitive, and profitable commercial auto risk management solutions. Success will be measured by the adoption and success of these solutions, their contribution to profitability, and their ability to solidify Gallagher Bassett's market leadership.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to move into higher executive roles, such as SVP of Product, Chief Product Officer, or broader leadership roles within strategy or business unit management.

• Strategic Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific product lines or risk management niches, becoming a recognized subject matter expert.

• Global Expansion: Opportunity to lead product strategy for additional regions or product lines, expanding global responsibility.

• Cross-Functional Leadership: Transition into operational leadership roles that leverage strategic product insights for broader business transformation initiatives.

• Mentorship: Opportunity to mentor junior product managers, strategists, and operations professionals, developing future talent within the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant opportunities for strategic leadership and business impact. The growth paths are clearly defined within senior management and specialized product/strategy roles, emphasizing the importance of strategic vision and operational execution in achieving career progression.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This position is designated as "Remote Solely," meaning the primary work environment is home-based. However, the company also maintains physical office locations, including Rolling Meadows, Illinois, which may serve as a hub for occasional in-person meetings or collaboration.

Office Location(s): While the role is remote, the primary listed location is Rolling Meadows, Illinois. Gallagher has numerous offices globally, and this role may involve interaction with teams and leaders based in various international locations.

Workspace Context:

• Remote Autonomy: Candidates should be comfortable working independently from a home office, managing their own schedule and workflow effectively.

• Digital Collaboration: Reliance on digital communication tools (video conferencing, instant messaging, project management software) for seamless interaction with colleagues, clients, and partners across different geographies and time zones.

• Strategic Hubs: Potential for occasional travel to Gallagher offices for key strategic planning sessions, team offsites, or client meetings, fostering in-person collaboration and relationship building.

• Technology Enablement: Access to company-provided or approved technology and software to facilitate remote work, communication, and strategic analysis.

Work Schedule: The role is full-time, typically around 40 hours per week. However, given the global nature of the responsibilities and the need to collaborate with teams in different time zones, flexibility will be required. This may involve early morning or late evening calls to accommodate international partners.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Remote Solely" designation is a key aspect. Candidates must demonstrate self-discipline, strong time management, and proficiency in remote collaboration tools. While remote, the expectation for global interaction implies a need to be adaptable to various working hours.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or HR representative will conduct an initial phone screen to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit. Be prepared to articulate your understanding of Gallagher Bassett and the commercial auto risk management space.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion with the direct hiring manager, likely a senior executive, to delve deeper into your strategic thinking, leadership experience, and understanding of product strategy principles.

• Cross-Functional Interviews: Interviews with key stakeholders from sales, marketing, claims, and potentially other business units. These will focus on your ability to collaborate, influence, and drive alignment across different functions. Prepare specific examples of cross-functional project successes.

• Case Study/Presentation: A common element for senior strategy roles. You may be asked to prepare and present a strategic analysis of a specific market challenge, a proposed solution, or a go-to-market plan. This is where your portfolio will be crucial.

• Executive Interview: A final interview with a senior executive (e.g., Global CEO, Head of Strategy) to assess overall strategic vision, leadership potential, and fit with the company's executive team.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Strategic Impact: Focus on case studies that demonstrate significant strategic impact, such as market share growth, successful product launches, or substantial improvements in risk management outcomes.

• Quantifiable Results: Whenever possible, use data and metrics to quantify your achievements. Highlight ROI, revenue impact, cost savings, or client satisfaction improvements.

• Process & Execution: Clearly articulate the strategic process you followed, from market analysis and ideation to solution design, cross-functional collaboration, and successful execution.

• Global Perspective: If applicable, showcase experience with global product strategies, market localization, and managing diverse stakeholder needs across different regions.

• Problem/Solution Framing: Structure your portfolio examples using a clear problem-statement, your strategic approach, the actions taken, and the measurable outcomes achieved.

Challenge Preparation:

• Market Analysis: Be ready to discuss current trends, challenges, and opportunities in the commercial auto insurance and risk management sector.

• Strategic Frameworks: Familiarize yourself with common strategic planning frameworks (e.g., Porter's Five Forces, SWOT analysis) and how they can be applied to product strategy.

• Go-to-Market (GTM) Strategy: Understand the key components of a successful GTM strategy, including target audience definition, value proposition, sales enablement, and marketing plans.

• Stakeholder Management: Prepare examples of how you have successfully managed complex stakeholder relationships and driven consensus on strategic initiatives.

• Financial Acumen: Be prepared to discuss pricing strategies, revenue models, and the financial implications of product decisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the senior nature of this role and its strategic focus, the interview process will likely be rigorous, emphasizing strategic thinking, leadership, and the ability to drive tangible business outcomes. The portfolio review will be a critical component, serving as evidence of your strategic capabilities and operational execution skills.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Product Management Platforms: Tools like Aha!, Productboard, or Jira Product Discovery may be used for roadmap planning, feature prioritization, and backlog management.

• Project Management Software: Proficiency in tools such as Asana, Monday.com, or Microsoft Project for managing complex, multi-phase strategic initiatives and programs.

• Collaboration Suites: Extensive use of Microsoft 365 (Teams, SharePoint, OneDrive) or Google Workspace for communication, document sharing, and real-time collaboration.

• Presentation Software: Advanced skills in PowerPoint, Google Slides, or Keynote for creating compelling strategic presentations for executive audiences.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Business Intelligence (BI) Tools: Familiarity with platforms like Tableau, Power BI, or Qlik Sense for analyzing market data, performance metrics, and creating insightful dashboards.

• CRM Systems: Understanding of how CRM data (e.g., Salesforce) can inform product strategy and GTM execution, though direct CRM management may not be a primary responsibility.

• Data Analysis Tools: Proficiency in Excel for data manipulation and analysis; experience with statistical software or languages like R or Python could be advantageous for deeper market insights.

CRM & Automation:

• Salesforce: While not directly managing it, understanding how Salesforce supports sales and client management will be beneficial for aligning product strategy with sales execution.

• Marketing Automation Platforms: Awareness of tools like HubSpot or Marketo to understand how product messaging is delivered to the market and how campaigns are executed.

• Internal Communication Platforms: Expertise in using enterprise-level communication tools for broad dissemination of strategy and updates.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the role is strategic, a solid understanding of the tools used for product management, project execution, data analysis, and cross-functional collaboration is essential for effective execution and communication, especially in a remote environment.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Purpose-Driven Impact: A strong emphasis on helping clients navigate challenging moments and delivering outcomes that make a real difference, aligning with Gallagher Bassett's core purpose.

• Partnership and Collaboration: A culture that values teamwork, mutual support, and strong relationships both internally and externally. This role will require fostering strong partnerships across departments and with clients.

• Empathy and Care: A commitment to understanding and addressing the needs of clients and colleagues with empathy, particularly important in the claims and risk management sector.

• Excellence and Accountability: A drive for doing the right thing and doing it well, with a focus on delivering high-quality outcomes and taking ownership of responsibilities.

• Curiosity and Innovation: Encouragement of continuous learning, exploration of new ideas, and a proactive approach to problem-solving and process improvement.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The role requires seamless collaboration with diverse teams, including sales, marketing, claims, finance, and IT, to ensure cohesive strategy execution.

• Executive Engagement: A consultative and influential approach when interacting with senior leadership, providing data-backed insights and strategic recommendations.

• Open Communication: An environment that encourages open dialogue, constructive feedback, and the sharing of knowledge to foster continuous improvement.

• Results-Oriented: A focus on achieving shared objectives through collaborative efforts, with clear accountability for outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: Gallagher Bassett's stated values (helping people, empathy, partnership, excellence) are central to its culture. A candidate must demonstrate alignment with these values, particularly in how they approach strategic challenges, collaborate with others, and drive for impactful results in a client-centric industry.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Global Complexity: Developing and implementing a unified product strategy across diverse international markets, each with unique regulatory environments, client needs, and competitive landscapes.

• Driving Innovation in a Mature Industry: Introducing new technologies and risk management approaches within a traditional industry like commercial auto insurance, which can sometimes be resistant to rapid change.

• Balancing Strategic Vision with Operational Execution: Ensuring that ambitious strategies are effectively translated into actionable plans and successfully implemented by operational teams.

• Cross-Functional Alignment: Gaining and maintaining buy-in and collaboration from various departments (sales, claims, marketing, IT) that may have competing priorities.

• Staying Ahead of Market Shifts: Continuously monitoring evolving risks, regulatory changes, technological advancements (e.g., autonomous vehicles, telematics), and competitor strategies in the dynamic commercial auto sector.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Industry-Specific Certifications: Pursuing advanced certifications in risk management, insurance, or product strategy to deepen expertise.

• Executive Leadership Programs: Opportunities for formal leadership training and development, focusing on strategic decision-making, global management, and executive communication.

• Exposure to Diverse Business Units: Gaining insights into other areas of Gallagher's business beyond auto risk management, fostering a holistic understanding of the enterprise.

• Mentorship: Access to senior leaders and industry experts for guidance and career development support.

• Conferences and Seminars: Participation in key industry events to network, learn about emerging trends, and represent Gallagher Bassett.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant strategic challenges, but also offers substantial opportunities for professional growth and development. Overcoming these challenges will require strong leadership, strategic acumen, and effective operational execution.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for developing a global product strategy for a complex service offering like commercial auto risk management. What key inputs do you consider?" (Focus on market analysis, competitive landscape, client needs, regulatory factors, internal capabilities).

• "How would you approach identifying and prioritizing new product opportunities in the commercial auto space? Walk us through a recent example where you identified and developed a new solution." (Emphasize data-driven approach, validation, and iterative design).

• "Imagine a significant competitor launches a disruptive new pricing model for commercial auto insurance. How would you analyze this threat and formulate a strategic response for Gallagher Bassett?" (Demonstrate analytical skills, understanding of pricing strategy, and competitive response frameworks).

• "How do you ensure alignment between your global product strategy and the sales and marketing teams responsible for its go-to-market execution?" (Focus on communication, enablement, feedback loops, and collaborative planning). Company & Culture Questions:

• "Based on your understanding, what are Gallagher Bassett's core strengths in the commercial auto risk management market, and where do you see opportunities for strategic enhancement?" (Show research into the company and industry, and strategic foresight).

• "How do you embody Gallagher Bassett's values of empathy, partnership, and excellence in your professional work, especially in a remote leadership role?" (Provide specific examples of how your approach aligns with their stated culture).

• "Describe a time you had to influence senior executives or stakeholders who initially disagreed with your strategic recommendation. What was your approach, and what was the outcome?" (Highlight communication, persuasion, and data-driven argumentation skills). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Narrative Arc: Structure your portfolio presentation around a clear narrative: the challenge or opportunity, your strategic approach and methodology, the key actions taken (including cross-functional collaboration), and the measurable results achieved (quantified impact).

• Visual Clarity: Use clean, professional slides with minimal text. Employ charts, graphs, and diagrams to illustrate complex concepts, data, and processes.

• Focus on "Why" and "How": Explain not just what you did, but why it was the right strategy and how you executed it effectively. Detail your thought process and decision-making.

• Tailor to the Role: Emphasize examples that directly relate to product strategy, market analysis, risk management, and driving business growth in a global context.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about specific metrics, challenges encountered, lessons learned, and alternative approaches you considered.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating strategic leadership, deep market understanding, exceptional communication, and a proven ability to drive tangible business outcomes through product strategy and operational execution.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the Gallagher careers portal via the provided link.

• Tailor Your Resume: Customize your resume to highlight experience relevant to global product strategy, risk management, market analysis, program management, and cross-functional leadership. Use keywords from the job description, such as "commercial auto," "risk management strategy," "pricing strategy," "market positioning," and "global."

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 key projects or initiatives that best showcase your strategic thinking, execution capabilities, and quantifiable achievements. Prepare to present these clearly and concisely, focusing on impact and lessons learned.

• Prepare for Strategic Case Studies: Practice articulating your approach to common strategic challenges in the insurance and risk management sectors, and be ready to discuss industry trends and competitive dynamics.

• Research Gallagher Bassett Thoroughly: Understand their business model, market position, culture, and recent achievements. Prepare thoughtful questions to ask the interviewers that demonstrate your engagement and strategic interest.

⚠️ 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.