Vice President, Product

freelance.ca; Vancouver; On-site; CAD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the insurance sector is seeking a Vice President, Product to drive product innovation and strategy. The role involves overseeing the product lifecycle, collaborating with various teams, and ensuring market competitiveness. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in product management within the insurance industry, strong leadership skills, and a strategic mindset. This pivotal position requires a visionary leader who can foster a culture of innovation and excellence, ensuring the successful launch of competitive products.

Qualifications

• 10+ years’ experience in product development, risk, and underwriting.
• 5+ years as a senior leader.

Responsibilities

• Lead and define the product strategy for warranty and insurance products.
• Oversee the entire product lifecycle from ideation to execution.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure rapid product releases.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Project Management

Innovation

Education

University degree (preferably MBA, Marketing, Commerce, or Design)

Job description

The Vice President, Product (VP, Product) is a product visionary responsible for overseeing the entire product lifecycle—from ideation to execution—driving product growth, customer satisfaction, and market competitiveness. Your strategic insights will shape data-driven decision-making and leverage our cutting-edge technical capabilities to enhance our product offerings.

This role requires a deep understanding of the warranty / insurance industry , including underwriting, claims, distribution, and regulatory compliance . The VP, Product will collaborate with cross-functional teams, including sales, legal, finance, actuarial, marketing, technology, and our insurance partners , to develop highly competitive products that meet the evolving needs of our customers ( OEMs, Dealers, and Consumers ) while positively contributing to LGM’s strategic growth goals.

The VP, Product leads a team of product managers , fostering a culture of innovation, service excellence, and rigorous execution to deliver successful product releases. This is a pivotal role in driving LGM’s strategic vision.

The VP, Product provides profitable product innovation and market strategies essential for advancing LGM’s strategic goals. In response to the company’s continued growth, transformation, and success, the VP will engage in multi-directional dialogue with OEMs, insurance partners, and the market to lead the management, development, and enhancement of existing and new product lines . The role ensures that product managers / specialists effectively collaborate across functions (marketing, sales, operations, external stakeholders) to achieve rapid product releases .

The Work :

• Lead and define the product strategy for warranty and insurance products ( 60+ product variations ), ensuring alignment with business objectives, regulatory compliance, and market demands .
• Oversee the entire product lifecycle , from ideation and development to execution, delivering innovative products that drive business growth and meet customer needs.
• Spearhead new product development and optimize existing offerings.
• Establish and communicate product strategies throughout the organization and with key partners.
• Support pricing strategies and competitive positioning for products.
• Lead product development and go-to-market initiatives to drive revenue growth, market competitiveness, and customer satisfaction.
• Foster a culture of innovation and excellence , managing and mentoring a high-performing team of 5-10 product managers .

Cross-functional Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement

• Collaborate with sales performance, legal, finance, actuarial, marketing, technology, and CX / Claims to ensure seamless product development and rapid releases .
• Maintain strong relationships with external stakeholders , such as insurance partners, OEMs, dealers, and industry experts , to gather insights and guide product development.
• Engage with internal and external stakeholders to align products with market trends, customer expectations, and regulatory compliance .
• Work closely with the project management office to coordinate and prioritize product releases .
• Analyze market trends, customer insights, and competitive intelligence to inform product decisions.
• Gather and analyze data on industry trends, OEMs, Dealers, and consumers to ensure sales enablement and product-market fit .
• Continuously evaluate the market, consumer needs, and emerging trends .

Product Lifecycle Management & Process Improvement

• Manage the product lifecycle from concept to phase-out.
• Implement processes, policies, and standards for product lifecycle management .
• Ensure regulatory compliance and risk management across all products.
• Utilize project management practices to ensure successful launches of new products .

Team Development & Performance Metrics

• Develop key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure product success.
• Lead, mentor, and build a high-engagement team , fostering a culture of innovation, excellence, and customer satisfaction .

Financial & Budget Management

• Develop and manage operating budgets related to product management , ensuring alignment with strategic goals .
• Obtain “Voice of the Consumer” insights and provide executive leadership with updates on emerging trends.
• Meet regularly with OEMs, dealers, and insurance providers to understand market needs and drive product innovation.
• Self-Management : Politically astute and capable of navigating diverse emotional and social environments.
• Results Focused : Uses industry insights and past performance to drive business objectives.
• Effective Communicator : Expert facilitator of group discussions, building consensus to drive action.
• Empowers and Coaches Others : Adjusts leadership approach as needed, coaching other leaders.
• Collaboration and Influence : Works effectively with and influences key stakeholders.
• Builds Teams : Develops high-performing teams and future leaders.
• Innovation and Change Leadership : Champions innovation and leads change across the organization.
• Strategic Orientation : Uses planning methods to assess opportunities and execute strategies.

Required Skills & Experience :

• Proven track record of success in product management and strategy within the insurance and financial services industry .
• Expertise in underwriting, claims, distribution, regulatory compliance, and digital transformation within insurance.
• A strategic leader with a background in launching and scaling successful insurance products .
• Experienced in managing multiple high-priority projects with a strong background in project management .
• Strong leadership, coaching, and team-building abilities.
• Proficiency in using technology to innovate products .
• Excellent communication skills , both written and verbal.

Education & Experience :

• University degree (preferably MBA, Marketing, Commerce, or Design).
• 10+ years’ experience in product development, risk, and underwriting.
• 5+ years as a senior leader .
• 5+ years’ experience in insurance and / or financial industry (automotive industry is an asset).
• Chartered Insurance Professional (CIP) designation or comparable insurance licensing.