Job Description

We are currently seeking a Director Product Strategy & Innovation to join our team.


The Director, Product Strategy & Innovation drives product development, innovation and management for First West Credit Union including deposits, lending and ancillary revenue generation for all lines of business. This role is accountable for product roadmap development and management as well as the growth of key product portfolios including core deposits, lending and third-party products. The Director is responsible for all product management activities including product compliance in line with all applicable provincial and federal regulatory guidelines.

Accountabilities

Leadership

: Builds and leads high-performing product teams. Champions a culture of innovation, agility, and accountability. Influences senior leadership and cross-functional partners to drive product excellence and member value. Provides ongoing coaching and support for all team members; conducts performance reviews and establishes performance goals for direct reports.

Product

Strategy: Strategy: Owns the end-to-end product development process, ensuring alignment with strategic goals, regulatory requirements, and member needs. Facilitates quarterly roadmap reviews with executive stakeholders to assess progress, reprioritize initiatives, and resolve cross-functional dependencies. Leads the development of multi-year strategic product plans aligned with enterprise objectives. Synthesizes internal performance data, competitive intelligence, and member insights to define long-term product priorities and investment strategies. Collaborates closely with stakeholders in Strategy, Finance, IT, Member Experience, Marketing, Risk and Regulatory Compliance to identify key constraints and opportunities critical to advancing our goals. Prepares business plans for the approval of key initiatives critical to advancing the product strategy.

Product Management

: Responsible for product lifecycle management of the products at FW across all brands for business and retail lines of business. Accountable for the financial and operational performance of the product portfolio. Establishes performance targets, monitors KPIs, and leads corrective action planning to ensure products meet growth, profitability, and member engagement goals. Reports regularly to executive leadership on performance outcomes and strategic pivots. Responsible for the growth of product portfolio's and takes intervening measures (e.g. marketing campaigns, team member training, etc.). to ensure product portfolios achieve targets.

Market Intelligence

: Keeps up-to-date with industry trends, competitors' products, economic conditions, demographics and socioeconomic trends to enhance and evolve First West's product strategy to ensure our business remains competitive and meets the evolving needs of our members.

Product Governance & Compliance

: Ensures all products comply with guidelines of federal and provincial regulators as applicable. Establishes and maintains internal governance process for product development/ modification.

Required Skills, Experience & Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in marketing, business, finance or economics required; MBA preferred 8-9 years product management experience with 3-5 years in a leadership role required Experience working in a federally regulated financial institution preferred Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional collaboration to advance strategic priorities Demonstrated ability to transform market and member insights into a clear and compelling product strategy that meets the needs of our current and future members Demonstrated ability to build and coach a high-performing team of product managers and analysts Detail oriented, analytically curious with strong numeracy, logical thinking and problem-solving abilities Demonstrated organizational, leadership, planning and communication skills Advanced data analysis skills and basic financial modeling Advanced business writing and presentation skills and ability to influence ideas to senior leaders and stakeholders Strong business acumen with a deep understanding of product development within financial services Displays an understanding of risk and risk ownership by being able to demonstrate adherence to policies and procedures.

What's in it for you:

First, we strive to make our team members feel genuinely rewarded. You'll have:


Mental health coverage and resources Customizable health benefits, as well as topped-up parental leave Performance-based compensation, employee banking advantages and group RRSP matching Vacation time and flexible work arrangements to support your lifestyle
We are committed to providing a fair, equitable, and competitive rewards package that reflects the value an individual brings to our organization. The compensation mentioned in this job posting should serve as a guide. The total cash compensation earned may vary based on a variety of factors including bonuses and/or incentives, an individual's skills and experience, and may correlate with performance in the role.


We also provide and encourage opportunities for our employees to make a meaningful impact. After all, as a credit union we're powered by giving back--in big ways and through small gestures. That's why we offer employees paid time off to volunteer, partner with thousands of local charities, build long-lasting relationships that help our members get ahead and commit to environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices.


By joining our team, you'll be able to elevate your potential. Wherever your own purpose leads, we're here to support you with award-winning in-house training programs, access to LinkedIn Learning, and reimbursement for external courses to help you get ahead.


Take the next step in your career as part of our team. Apply for this opportunity!



Candidates, please note: if you are being considered for this role, you will be required to complete a background check, such as employment verification, credit check and criminal record check.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging

At First West Credit Union, we embrace diversity regardless of gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, religion, race, ethnicity, age, diverse ability, and any aspect that makes someone unique. Inclusion is woven through our organization, from our employee-led network groups, hiring practices and education programs that address barriers and continually grow our equitable, diverse and inclusive culture.


We encourage people who are from equity-deserving groups to apply for a career with us, including women or non-binary people, persons with diverse abilities, Black, Indigenous Peoples, People of Colour and members of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities.


If an accommodation would help you during the process of applying or interviewing for a career with us, please let us know how we can assist you, whether it's preparing materials in an alternate format, booking an accessible meeting room or other arrangement.


Your individuality is welcome here.

About Us

We're a financial cooperative that does things differently. We provide time-tested advice that helps our members feel optimistic about their future, and we offer comprehensive banking solutions that enable people to confidently reach their goals. With the financial strength and extended branch network of a large financial institution, we maintain local connections to our communities and take a unique grassroots approach to service. Our more than 250,000 members and approximately 1,250 employees operate from 45 branches throughout the province of BC, under the Envision Financial, Valley First, Island Savings and Enderby & District Financial brands. Visit firstwestcu.ca for more information on First West Credit Union.


Please know we appreciate your interest in us but only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.