Head of Product

Role Summary:

• The interim leader is expected to maintain strategic direction, coach the product management team, drive cross-functional alignment, and actively support the CEO’s top priorities.

Key Outcomes:

1. CEO Goal Alignment & Strategic Execution - Contribute to CEO’s business priorities for the interim period.

• Meet with CEO and senior leadership within the first week to clarify and document key objectives + definition of success.
• Regularly report progress and adapt execution as priorities evolve.
• Proactively identify risks or opportunities related to CEO goals, ensuring at least 90% of interim objectives are on track by the end of the assignment.

2. Partner Alignment & 2026 Service Agreements - Drive the alignment and closure of 2026 service agreements with key business partners.

• Lead the process of aligning on 2026 goals, scope, and budget with business partners following Daimler Truck financial process.
• Coordinate and facilitate negotiations, ensuring all internal stakeholders are informed and aligned. • Ensure timely drafting, negotiation, and signing of service agreements to secure 2026 budgets by year-end.
• Provide regular updates to the CEO and leadership team on progress, risks, and next steps.

3. Continuity & Product Delivery - Maintain momentum on all critical product initiatives and ensure delivery milestones are met together with Engineering Managers.

• Ensure Product Managers keep their roadmap on track.
• Resolve blockers quickly and ensure no critical delays or missed launches.
• Monitor and report on key delivery metrics with Engineering Managers.

4. Team Leadership & Stability - Support, mentor, and empower the Product Management team to sustain high performance and engagement.

• Conduct regular 1:1s and feedback sessions with all direct reports.
• Foster psychological safety, clarity, and motivation within the team.
• Proactively address any issues affecting morale or productivity.
• Define strong role expectations with Principal Product Manager to divide and conquer in the best way.

5. Staffing & Resource Planning - Partner with Engineering Managers and People team to ensure optimal staffing across all product teams.

• Proactively identify and address key staffing needs based on product roadmaps, delivery risks, shifting priorities, and available budget.
• Lead regular staffing reviews with Engineering Managers to balance workloads, support internal mobility, and fill critical gaps on a timely basis.
• Ensure all staffing decisions are data-driven, transparent, and aligned with both short-term delivery and long-term organizational goals.

6. Objective Assessment & Handover - Bring a fresh, unbiased perspective and ensure a seamless transition back to permanent leadership.

• Assess and document the health of product strategy, team dynamics, and key processes.
• Deliver actionable recommendations for improvement and highlight any critical risks or opportunities identified during the interim period.
• Prepare comprehensive handover documentation and conduct transition meetings with returning leaders.

Interim-Specific Success Factors:

• Rapid Onboarding: Achieve full context and operational effectiveness within the first two weeks.
• No Disruption: Ensure business and team continuity with minimal disruption from the leadership transition.
• Positive Legacy: Leave the product organization stable and improved, with clear documentation, actionable recommendations, and all 2026 service agreements signed.
• Regular feedback loops: weekly CEO 1-1, monthly stakeholder pulses, and end-of-assignment reviews.