Director of Strategy

Protecht is reinventing refunds, striving to make every experience refundable. Our strength lies in our proprietary Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) embedded refund protection platform, allowing us to aggregate significant distribution while providing a top-tier digital purchasing experience for event organizers, booking platforms, ticketing systems, and end consumers. Our e-commerce solution is embedded in millions of carts monthly and backed by AM-best-rated insurers. 

We seek a visionary Director of Strategy to lead our strategic initiatives and drive our growth trajectory. The Director of Strategy will play a pivotal role in shaping the company’s long-term direction and ensuring the successful execution of strategic initiatives. This role requires a forward-thinking leader with deep knowledge of relevant industry areas, strong business acumen, and the ability to translate complex data into actionable insights. 

The Director of Strategy will focus on key areas of accountability, including Strategy, Vertical Research and analysis, Distribution Partner Analysis and solutions, Distribution Partner Consumer Research, Financial Toolbox and Relationships, and Insurance Partner Ownership.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategy Development and Execution:

• Collaborate with executive leadership to formulate the company’s long-term strategic plan.
• Work with the broader leadership team to align business objectives and quarterly goals with that strategy. 
• Observe and influence to ensure the integration of this strategy across all business units and functions.

Vertical Research & Analysis:

• Conduct in-depth research and analysis of key industry verticals (amusement parks, road races/marathons, or hotel online travel agents) to understand partner and end consumer requirements.
• Crystalize these requirements in a repeatable framework that can be shared internally and with select partners. 
• Monitor market trends, regulatory changes, and emerging technologies within these verticals to stay alert to changing requirements. 
• Provide insights and recommendations to guide vertical-specific strategies and initiatives to multiple internal stakeholders, most critically product leadership. 

Distribution Partner Analysis & Solutions:

• Within each vertical area, analyze and evaluate existing and potential distribution partners to establish leadership and take a leading position.
• Consider unique features and functionality required by affiliates and/or their end consumers that differentiate the offering from one-size-fits-all insurance. 
• Combine approaches from e-commerce, payments, insurance, warranty, and other relevant offerings to create a winning formula for Protecht’s offering in each vertical. 
• Develop and implement solutions that enhance distribution partner performance in a way that aligns with the company’s strategy and goals. 
• Help to foster strong relationships with distribution partners to ensure mutual success.

Distribution Partner Consumer Research:

• Lead consumer research initiatives focused on understanding the needs and behaviors of end-users within distribution partner channels.
• Utilize insights from consumer research to inform and refine distributor and product strategies.
• Collaborate with marketing and product teams to ensure consumer insights are integrated into product development and marketing strategies.

Financial Toolbox & Relationships:

• Develop and maintain financial models and tools to support strategic decision-making and partner negotiations.
• Align with the broader team to help establish and manage relationships with insurers, payment providers and other key suppliers, filling in where required, with a focus on driving growth and innovation and leading initiatives to expand partnerships and develop new opportunities,
• Provide financial analysis and insights to support budgeting, forecasting, and strategic planning processes.

Product and Innovation Strategy:

• Work closely with product management and development teams to align product strategy and market needs.
• Drive innovation by identifying new product opportunities and improvements to existing offerings.
• Evaluate the impact of new technologies on the company’s product portfolio and overall business strategy.

Communication and Reporting:

• Communicate strategic plans and initiatives to internal and external stakeholders.
• Prepare and deliver presentations to the executive team, board of directors, and investors.
• Ensure transparency and accountability in the execution of strategic plans.

Qualifications:

• A bachelor’s degree in business, economics, finance, or a related field, as well as an MBA or other advanced degree, is a bonus. 
• 8+ years of experience in strategy development, business planning, or management consulting, focusing on the insurance, payments, e-commerce, or other technology sectors.
• High and proven learning agility. 
• Proven track record of leading successful strategic initiatives in a high-growth environment.
• Excellent analytical skills with the ability to synthesize complex data into actionable insights.
• Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to influence and inspire teams.
• Experience with financial modeling, forecasting, and budgeting.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with a strong emphasis on collaboration and innovation.
• This is a remote position. Travel to Protecht Hubs in Phoenix, San Francisco, Denver, Los Angeles, Austin, or Chicago may be required as necessary.

What We Offer:

• Fully remote working environment
• Competitive salary and equity opportunities
• Unlimited paid time off
• Generous medical, dental, and vision benefits
• A reliable annual bonus program
• A generous 401-K Match