Director, Global Product Management (12-18 Month Contract)

Cpl Group; Galway; On-site; EUR 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Cpl Group is seeking a Director of Global Product Management to lead the team during a maternity cover period of 12-18 months in Galway, Ireland. The role focuses on governance, execution, and continuity of priorities, plans, and budgets across the global product portfolio.

The successful candidate will drive accountability, oversee commercialization activities, and ensure cross-functional alignment with regional teams while delivering structured handovers and evidence-based assessments.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in Product Management, Product Marketing, Portfolio Management, or related commercial leadership roles.
• Experience managing products through the full lifecycle, including launch, commercialization, governance, and portfolio management.
• Demonstrated people management and team leadership experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the Global Product Management team.
• Oversee product launches, market expansions, and existing product portfolios.
• Coordinate product management activities with NPD, Marketing, Sales, Regulatory, Legal, Quality, Operations, and regional teams.
• Ensure compliance with governance processes and product documentation.
• Oversee project plans, milestones, budgets, and dashboards.
• Provide visibility on risks, progress, and budgets.

Skills

People management

Stakeholder management

Cross-functional collaboration

Project management

Commercial leadership

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, or a related discipline

Tools

Smartsheet

Job description

Director, Global Product Management (12-18 Month Fixed-Term Maternity Cover)

Overview

We are seeking an experienced Director of Global Product Management to provide leadership and continuity for a high-performing Global Product Management function during a maternity leave cover period of 12-18 months.

This role is responsible for ensuring established priorities, plans, budgets, and operating procedures continue to be delivered effectively. The successful candidate will lead the Product Management team, drive accountability, oversee product commercialization activities, and ensure cross-functional alignment across global stakeholders.

The position focuses on operational excellence, project execution, governance, and team leadership rather than setting new strategic direction.

Key Responsibilities

Team Leadership

• Lead and support the Global Product Management team.
• Manage and develop a team of 2-4 direct reports.
• Drive accountability for deliverables, deadlines, and quality standards.
• Coach team members and share product management best practices.
• Monitor progress, identify risks, and escalat[e] issues where necessary.

Product Management & Commercialisation

• Oversee new product launches, market expansions, and existing product portfolios.
• Ensure effective ownership and management of products throughout the lifecycle.
• Support commercialization activities and go-to-market initiatives.
• Coordinate product management activities with NPD, Marketing, Sales, Regulatory, Legal, Quality, Operations, and regional teams.
• Ensure successful transition of products from development into commercial management.

Governance & Product Claims

• Act as the senior point of contact for approved product messaging and claims.
• Ensure compliance with approved product documentation and governance processes.
• Work closely with Regulatory and Legal teams on claims review and approvals.
• Maintain accurate product information, claims documentation, and supporting evidence.
• Ensure adherence to quality, regulatory, and legal requirements.

Project & Budget Management

• Oversee project plans, milestones, timelines, and dependencies.
• Maintain accurate dashboards and reporting processes.
• Monitor departmental budgets and identify potential variances.
• Provide clear reporting on risks, progress, budgets, and key decision points.
• Ensure approved changes to scope, timing, or spend follow governance procedures.

Stakeholder Management

• Serve as the senior Product Management representative across global functions and regions.
• Participate in leadership, governance, and cross-functional forums.
• Provide visibility on launch readiness, performance, risks, and project status.
• Build strong relationships with stakeholders across multiple time zones.

Process Improvement & Handover

• Maintain Product Management SOPs, processes, templates, and governance frameworks.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives.
• Deliver a structured handover at the end of the contract period.
• Provide an evidence-based SWOT assessment of team performance and capability.

Candidate Profile

Essential Experience

• Significant experience in Product Management, Product Marketing, Portfolio Management, or related commercial leadership roles.
• Strong experience managing products through the full lifecycle, including launch, commercialization, governance, and portfolio management.
• Demonstrated people management and team leadership experience.
• Strong project management and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience working cross-functionally in a global environment.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Strong commercial awareness and analytical capability.

Desirable Experience

• Experience within a regulated or compliance-driven industry.
• Knowledge of product development processes and stage-gate methodologies.
• Experience using project management and reporting tools such as Smartsheet.
• Postgraduate qualification or MBA.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, or a related discipline.
• Fluent English.
• Ability to travel up to 10% annually