An organization’s product director oversees efforts to provide customers with products and services they want and at prices they are willing to pay. Ample job opportunities in fields ranging from high-tech to healthcare and finance to pharmaceuticals make pursuing a product director career a smart decision. This career journey can begin by earning a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree, like that offered in the online MBA program from Florida Institute of Technology.
Product Director Job Description
Leading the launch of new products and service offers is the primary role of a product director. Starting with market research and guided by organizational goals and directives, these professionals work to increase revenue and customer satisfaction by delivering a range of products that will be well-received in the marketplace.
The product director gathers data, analyzes competition and captures customer requirements to identify gaps in a company’s offerings. They interface with management, engineering, information technology and finance to develop probability studies, return on investment analyses and delivery timelines.
These highly skilled professionals address critical success factors, financial objectives and key issues in determining which products to bring to the market. Depending on the employer, a product director may lead a brand development team for one or more products, develop a life cycle management plan to extend the business potential, and conduct continuous research and analysis of product performance.
Building business models, validating findings through data analysis and making recommendations are additional job duties of a product director. They may also manage product strategy communications, such as updates and roadmap reviews, and present findings and recommendations in a formal setting.
A product director’s work environment usually consists of a comfortable office. A 40-hour week is standard, but product launches could require longer hours. Travel to outside vendors or satellite facilities may be necessary.
Product Director Potential Salary and Job Outlook
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment growth for the category that includes product directors will experience steady growth in coming years. Product expansion and increased competition will spur demand for skilled product directors. Those with advanced education and specialized knowledge — particularly in new media — will have the best job prospects.
Additionally, according to BLS, the median annual wage for product directors was $121,440 in May 2024. Salary depends on specific job title, experience and location.
Education and Training Requirements for Product Directors
Employers seeking to hire product directors typically require at least a bachelor’s degree and some work experience. Many top employers prefer for candidates with master’s degrees, including MBAs.
Landing a top product director position takes skills and knowledge that students can obtain or refine through an MBA program. Coursework typically includes strategic management, project tools and techniques, financial management policy, and consumer behavior strategies. Employers can be confident that professionals with an MBA degree are able to do the following:
- Strategically plan and successfully implement new product launches
- Integrate various business initiatives, including marketing, operations and finances
- Use theories of modern leadership and negotiation to advance organizational goals
- Build consensus through active case discussion
- Leverage advanced knowledge and skills to succeed as a product director
Is a Product Director a Career in Your Future?
A career as a product director is a good fit for creative, entrepreneurial individuals who are self-starters and able to work in fast-paced environments. It also requires strong relationship-building, problem-solving and analytical skills.
Develop these and other attributes with the online MBA program from Florida Tech. Students acquire solid business skills and prestige to land a product director’s job and launch a great new career.
Learn more about Florida Tech’s online MBA program.
