Head of Product Strategy

Description Welcome. We’re glad you’re here. And we’re not just saying that. We’re glad we’re here too. We are proud of this company and take great pleasure in introducing you to the Watson difference. We are builders. For more than 60 years we have designed and built revolutionary and award-winning workplace solutions for some of the most dynamic and innovative companies. Our designs are functional, refined, and manufactured with a high respect for our environment and our people. We are proud to source the best talent and materials at our manufacturing facility in Poulsbo, WA. This role helps shape where Watson goes next. We’re looking for a Head of Product Strategy who can help define the future of Watson products — balancing customer needs, market opportunities, design vision, and business strategy. This role leads Watson’s product strategy and discovery efforts. You’ll own the product roadmap and help define where Watson should go over the next 3–5 years by identifying opportunities in the market, opportunities in our portfolios, new customer needs, and translating insights into meaningful product direction. You’ll guide product strategy, research, concept development, and early-stage design exploration while managing both internal and external design resources. This role is equal parts strategic thinking, product management, and creative leadership. You don’t ask what we could build — you ask what we should build, why it matters, where it fits in the market, and how it strengthens Watson for the future. You understand that great products don’t happen by accident. They come from curiosity, discipline, thoughtful research, and a deep understanding of the people who use them. Welcome to The Orchard This role is based primarily on-site at The Orchard, our breathtaking Pacific Northwest workplace in Poulsbo, Washington, with the flexibility to work from home one day per week. The Orchard is where ideas take shape and become real. It’s where design, engineering, operations, and leadership come together to build something meaningful. The best product ideas don’t happen in isolation — they happen through observation, collaboration, curiosity, and a deep understanding of how people work. Being on-site matters in this role. Product discovery is strongest when it stays closely connected to the people, processes, and craftsmanship that bring ideas to life. What You’ll Do Product Strategy & Roadmap Ownership Own Watson’s product roadmap with a forward-looking 3–5 year vision Identify where the market is going and where Watson should go next Define strategic product opportunities aligned to customer needs, business goals, and market trends Help determine what new features, capabilities, and product categories are most critical for the future Evaluate where products should sit within the market from both feature and pricing perspectives Product Discovery & Research Lead product research efforts to identify market gaps, customer pain points, and emerging opportunities Analyze competitive products, workplace trends, and evolving customer expectations Define target positioning, feature sets, and value propositions for future products Support future expansion of research capabilities through AI tools, contractors, and external research resources Translate research and insights into actionable product direction Product Management & Concept Development Guide early-stage product definition and concept development Partner with Engineering, Operations, Sales, Development, and Leadership teams throughout the discovery process Ensure ideas align with Watson’s manufacturing capabilities, operational realities, and brand standards Coordinate concept prototyping and early design validation efforts Balance creativity, functionality, manufacturability, and business viability during product exploration Design Leadership & Resource Management Manage internal and external design resources and partnerships Provide leadership for Watson's industrial design function, ensuring strong utilization and development of internal design resources while coordinating external partners when additional capacity or expertise is required. Help establish structure, priorities, and direction for Watson’s discovery and concept development efforts Build scalable discovery processes as the team and function continue to grow Cross-Functional Collaboration Partner closely with the Product Delivery Manager and Engineering teams to transition products from discovery into execution Present roadmap recommendations, concepts, and strategic direction to leadership teams Build alignment across departments around future product priorities and investments Ensure product strategy stays grounded in operational feasibility and business goals Team Leadership & Growth Initially lead a lean discovery function beginning with one direct report/resource Help define the future structure and capabilities of Watson’s product strategy organization over time Create processes and systems that support scalable innovation and product discovery Qualifications What You’ll Need to Know 5–10+ years of experience in product strategy, product management, industrial design, or product development Experience building or managing product roadmaps Strong understanding of market positioning, customer needs, and product strategy Experience leading product discovery, research, or concept development efforts Ability to balance creative thinking with operational and business realities Experience managing cross-functional collaboration and influencing stakeholders Strong communication, presentation, and strategic thinking skills Preferred: Experience in commercial furniture, workplace products, or durable goods manufacturing Experience managing external design firms or contractors Experience supporting concept prototyping and early-stage product development workflows Who You Are Someone who is deeply curious about how people work and what they need next Someone who thinks strategically but stays grounded in reality Someone who asks thoughtful questions and challenges assumptions Someone who sees patterns, gaps, and opportunities others may miss Someone who can balance creativity, functionality, manufacturability, and business needs Someone who enjoys shaping ideas early and building clarity from ambiguity Someone who understands that great products don’t happen by accident Someone who is energized by the opportunity to help shape the future direction of a company and its products Wage and Compensation This role is expected to fall in the range of $110,000 – $135,000 annually depending on experience, leadership capability, and overall fit. This role can be eligible for specific product based incentives Essential Attributes of Watson Employees Insane curiosity Excited and enthusiastic about your work Embrace and exhibit our values Our Culture Monthly BBQ Espresso Bar Annual Bravo Night Onsite gym and showers Campus walking trail Fun, challenging, and engaging culture Pride and satisfaction of manufacturing tangible products Our Benefits Competitive wages 401(k) plan with matching contribution Profit sharing program Extensive healthcare plans A fun, challenging, and engaging culture Pride and satisfaction in manufacturing tangible, well-built products Why Watson? Everything we do is rooted in thoughtful design and a deep respect for how things are made. At Watson, product strategy isn’t about chasing trends. It’s about understanding how work is evolving, where opportunities exist, and how to create products that genuinely improve the workplace experience. This role plays a critical part in defining what Watson builds next. If you’re someone who loves connecting ideas, research, design, and strategy into a meaningful product vision, you’ll fit right in.