Product Strategy Director (Remote Opportunity)

Who We Are

Join a team that puts its People First! As member of First American's family of companies, Mortgage Solutions provides lenders with solutions to originate, close and service quality loans. Since 1889, First American (NYSE: FAF) has held an unwavering belief in its people. They are passionate about what they do, and we are equally passionate about fostering an environment where all feel welcome, supported, and empowered to be innovative and reach their full potential. Our inclusive, people-first culture has earned our company numerous accolades, including being named to the Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For list for eleven consecutive years. We have also earned awards as a best place to work for women, diversity and LGBTQ+ employees, and have been included on more than 50 regional best places to work lists. First American will always strive to be a great place to work, for all. For more information, please visit www.careers.firstam.com.

What We Do

The Product Strategy Director will lead the identification, development, and execution of operational AI initiatives and emerging external product opportunities across the Lender Division. This role is responsible for driving strategic innovation that improves operational efficiency, enhances customer experiences, and creates scalable revenue-generating solutions.

This leader will work closely with sales, operations, legal, marketing, compliance, and executive leadership to evaluate market opportunities, define business requirements, and oversee the implementation of AI-enabled operational solutions and external-facing products. The ideal candidate combines strong operational strategy expertise with a practical understanding of generative AI capabilities, workflow automation, and go-to-market coordination.

This is a highly collaborative, non-technical leadership role focused on business strategy, operational transformation, new product development, and cross-functional execution.

What You'll Do

Operational AI Strategy & Execution

• Identify, prioritize, and lead operational AI initiatives that improve efficiency, scalability, productivity, and customer experience across the Lender Division.
• Partner with operational leadership to evaluate workflows and identify opportunities for AI-enabled automation and optimization.
• Support the implementation and operationalization of AI tools, including custom GPTs, workflow automation solutions, and AI-assisted business processes.
• Develop business cases, operational frameworks, project roadmaps, success metrics, and implementation plans for AI initiatives.
• Coordinate cross-functional execution of operational AI projects from concept through deployment and adoption.
• Help establish governance standards, approval processes, and operational best practices related to AI usage and implementation.

External Product Opportunity Development

• Identify and evaluate new external product opportunities aligned with customer needs, operational capabilities, and market demand.
• Collaborate with sales and leadership teams to define product concepts, strategic positioning, and go-to-market priorities.
• Lead discovery efforts to assess operational feasibility, customer value, revenue potential, and competitive differentiation.
• Develop business requirements and strategic recommendations for new product initiatives and enhancements.
• Partner with marketing, legal, and operational stakeholders to support launch readiness and product enablement activities.
• Drive alignment between operational capabilities and external product strategy.

Business Requirements & Strategic Collaboration

• Gather, document, and refine business requirements from sales, operations, executive leadership, and cross-functional stakeholders.
• Translate strategic goals into actionable operational and product initiatives.
• Facilitate strategic planning sessions, operational workshops, and executive stakeholder meetings.
• Prepare executive-level presentations, recommendations, status updates, and strategic proposals.
• Serve as a liaison across business, operational, legal, compliance, and vendor teams to ensure alignment and execution.

Legal, Compliance & Brand Coordination

• Coordinate legal and compliance approvals related to operational AI initiatives and external product opportunities.
• Manage trademark submission processes and support intellectual property coordination for new products, tools, and branded initiatives.
• Ensure operational and product initiatives align with regulatory requirements, corporate governance standards, and risk management practices.
• Maintain documentation, approvals, and governance workflows associated with strategic initiatives.

Leadership & Innovation

• Champion a culture of innovation, operational excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Influence cross-functional teams and drive organizational alignment without direct authority.
• Stay informed on industry trends, AI advancements, operational best practices, and emerging product opportunities within mortgage and lending services.
• Support change management efforts related to operational transformation and AI adoption.

What You'll Bring

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Operations, Marketing, Communications, or related field.
• 7-10+ years of experience leading operational strategy, product strategy, business transformation, or innovation initiatives.
• Experience managing cross-functional operational or product initiatives involving executive leadership, sales, operations, legal, and compliance teams.
• Strong business process improvement, strategic planning, and organizational management skills.
• Experience defining and documenting business requirements and operational workflows.
• Excellent communication, presentation, facilitation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple high-priority initiatives simultaneously.
• Experience working in highly collaborative, fast-paced environments.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with generative AI concepts, custom GPT development, workflow automation, or AI-enabled business solutions.
• Experience supporting operational AI adoption, AI governance, or strategic AI initiatives.
• Experience evaluating or launching external products, services, or strategic business offerings.
• Mortgage, lending, financial services, or regulated industry experience preferred.
• Experience coordinating trademark submissions, legal approvals, or product governance processes.
• PMP, Lean Six Sigma, Agile, or related certifications are a plus.

Core Competencies

• Operational AI Strategy
• Product Innovation & Opportunity Development
• Cross-Functional Leadership
• Business Process Improvement
• Strategic Planning
• AI & Automation Awareness
• Executive Communication
• Project & Program Management
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Change Management
• Problem Solving & Decision Making

Success Measures