Highlights
5 key objectives
8 position requirements
9 competencies
The VP of Product spearheads the development and execution of a clear and well-formed product strategy that is directly tied to the business strategy and go-to-market. They work closely with cross-functional teams, including product, design, engineering, customer success, and revenue-generating functions, to achieve shared objectives.
The ideal candidate has a proven track record of delivering innovative, successful, and customer-oriented products and is able to leverage analytics and user data to inform product strategy. Additionally, they should have a strong understanding of technology and the latest industry trends, as well as the ability to balance daily operations with strategic planning.
Key objectives
Key objectives describe the objectives that the new employee has to achieve to be considered successful and help create the context for basic requirements and competencies.
Strong collaboration between customer success and product is in place and delivers user feedback to product and engineering quickly and effectively.
Product, design, and engineering are working in close partnership towards shared objectives.
A clear and well-formed product strategy is in place and directly tied to the business strategy and go-to-market.
Position requirements
Position requirements include the required experiences, qualifications, and skills needed to achieve the key objectives of the role.
Data-Driven Decision Making
Expertise in implementing and leveraging analytics and user data to inform product strategy. The candidate must be able to build and execute a robust process for collecting and analyzing user data, and using this data to drive decision making and priority setting.
Can you describe a time when you made a significant product decision based on user data analysis?
Can you share an instance where the data contradicted your team's initial hypothesis? How did you handle it?
Look for examples of leveraging data to make informed decisions. The candidate should demonstrate their ability to interpret data, navigate ambiguity, and pivot strategy based on new insights.
Cross-Functional Team Collaboration
Strong ability to work and communicate effectively across different teams such as engineering, design, sales, and customer success. This includes demonstrating empathy for the challenges faced by these teams, and a history of successful collaboration and alignment towards shared objectives.
Can you provide an example of a time when you had to bring together disparate teams (like Engineering, Design, Sales, and Customer Success) to achieve a shared objective?
Can you describe a situation where there was a conflict between two teams you were leading? How did you handle it?
Look for instances where they have successfully managed to align different teams and resolve conflicts. The best answers will demonstrate their ability to navigate organizational dynamics, build consensus, and drive cross-functional collaboration.
Proven Product Leadership
Demonstrable experience in leading and growing product teams, with a focus on scalability. This includes past responsibility for setting the strategic direction of a product and aligning it with business strategy. The candidate should have a strong track record of delivering innovative, successful, and customer-oriented products, preferably in a startup environment.
Can you describe a product you've led from ideation to launch? What challenges did you face and how did you overcome them?
Can you share a situation where you had to pivot a product strategy due to changing circumstances? How did you handle this situation, and what was the outcome?
Look for examples of successful product launches, dealing with complexity, and evidence of strategic thinking. A great response will show an ability to handle challenges, pivot when necessary, and align product strategies with broader business goals.
Competencies
Competencies are the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform a job successfully. They help to distinguish superior performance from the average.
Strategic Thinking
Understands industry trends, develops future-oriented scenarios, articulates a compelling vision, and links strategic goals to daily work.
Business Acumen
Understands the business and the competitive situation, evaluates the impact of business decisions, and is quick to take advantage of new business opportunities.
Analytical Thinking
Understands a complex and ambiguous problem by breaking it apart into smaller pieces, analyses information in a logical and methodical manner.
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