Position Title: Director - Product Operations & Strategy Department: Product
Reports To: Chief Commercial Officer Supervisory: Contractors & Vendors
Employment Type: Full-Time Classification: Salary + Bonus
Date: ASAP Location: Remote/Travel
Position Purpose:
Lead the execution, development, launch, and continuous improvement of USI's workforce development products, certifications, curriculum, and training solutions.
This role is responsible for translating business priorities, customer feedback, market opportunities, and regulatory developments into high-quality products that are delivered on time and aligned with organizational objectives. Success in this position is measured by execution, operational discipline, and the ability to consistently move initiatives from concept to market.
Working in a lean, entrepreneurial environment, the Director of Product Operations & Strategy coordinates a distributed network of subject matter experts, instructional designers, contractors, and internal stakeholders to ensure products are delivered efficiently and effectively. While strategic planning is an important component of the role, the primary expectation is operational leadership and successful product execution.
The position will work remotely with regional and national travel required.
Success Profile
Success in this role will be measured by the ability to:
• Deliver committed product initiatives on schedule.
• Maintain an accurate and actively managed product roadmap.
• Improve cross-functional communication and project visibility.
• Successfully launch and enhance products that support organizational growth.
• Develop repeatable processes that improve product development efficiency and accountability.
• Effectively coordinate internal and external resources to achieve business objectives.
Product Execution & Delivery (Primary Focus – 60%)
• Own and manage the execution of USI's product roadmap across curriculum, certifications, workforce pathways, and training solutions.
• Lead product initiatives from concept through launch, ensuring projects remain on scope, on schedule, and aligned with business objectives.
• Coordinate and manage external Subject Matter Experts (SMEs), instructional designers, contractors, and internal stakeholders.
• Establish project timelines, milestones, deliverables, and accountability measures for all active product initiatives.
• Drive continuous improvement efforts across existing products based on customer feedback, operational data, and market needs.
• Identify and remove bottlenecks that impact product development and delivery.
• Maintain product documentation, version control, and lifecycle management processes.
Product Operations & Cross-Functional Leadership (Secondary Focus – 25%)
• Serve as the operational bridge between Sales, Marketing, Customer Success, Operations, and Executive Leadership.
• Facilitate regular product planning and status meetings to ensure organizational alignment.
• Support go-to-market activities for new products, certifications, and program launches.
• Develop and maintain standardized product development processes, templates, and reporting mechanisms.
• Track key product metrics and provide regular updates on project status, risks, and priorities.
• Assist in evaluating and prioritizing new product requests and enhancement opportunities.
Product Strategy & Market Intelligence (15%)
• Monitor workforce trends, customer feedback, industry developments, and regulatory changes impacting USI's product portfolio.
• Support executive leadership with market research and recommendations for future product investments.
• Help maintain a practical, achievable product roadmap that aligns with organizational growth objectives.
• Identify opportunities to strengthen USI's position as a leader in workforce development and UAS education.
Minimum Qualifications:
• Bachelor's degree required (Business, Product Management, Education, Aviation, Engineering, or related field preferred).
• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate (or ability to obtain within 120 days).
• Completion of USI training & certifications (provided upon hire).
• Minimum 5-8 years of experience in Product Management, Program Management, Product Operations Leadership, or related roles.
• Demonstrated success leading complex, cross-functional projects from concept through implementation.
• Experience managing external vendors, contractors, consultants, or distributed teams.
• Strong organizational, project management, and prioritization skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously in a fast-paced entrepreneurial environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to work effectively across all levels of the organization.
• Proficiency with modern project management and collaboration tools (Monday.com, HubSpot, Microsoft Office Suite, or similar platforms).
• Self-starter with the ability to work independently in a remote environment.
• Team player who contributes positively to the culture, mission, and vision of USI.
• Ability to travel approximately 20-30% of the time.
Physical Requirements/Work Environment:
•The employee will work remotely.
• Travel to partner locations, customer sites, conferences, and internal planning meetings will be required (all travel costs reimbursed).
• Position requires work in both office and classroom environments.
• Occasional work in outdoor environments to participate in flight training or other UAS-related activities may be required.
• Must be able to hear well and speak clearly.
• Must be able to conduct virtual and in-person presentations and facilitate collaborative working sessions.
If interested, please apply by submitting the application form below.