VP of Digital Product Development

Job Description: Merkle is looking for a VP of Digital Product Development to establish and lead our product practice, building value-driven solutions for enterprise clients through modern product management, custom engineering, and cloud-native development. You'll lead the strategic direction for our product development practice, oversee custom engineering and cloud engineering teams, and champion product ownership approaches that bridge business value and technical execution. This hands-on leadership role balances product strategy with delivery execution. You'll guide product managers and engineers while working directly with clients to define product visions, validate value propositions, and establish measurable success criteria. You'll lead KPI framework development, build repeatable delivery patterns for cloud-native custom solutions and AI/ML-enabled products, and partner closely with creative and strategy teams throughout the delivery lifecycle to ensure integrated, holistic solutions. You will report to SVP, Commerce and Digital Engineering. Employees within 90 min of our NY, MI, CA, or IL offices may expect 3 days a week onsite. This is a remote role for non-commutable candidates within the US. ~25% travel to client sites and conferences. Responsibilities: Practice & Delivery Leadership Establish Merkle's product development practice, including methodologies, frameworks, and best practices for value-driven product ownership Lead custom engineering, cloud engineering, and DevOps teams to deliver scalable, cloud-native solutions Define approaches for modern product development including agile methodologies, continuous delivery, and product-led growth strategies Maintain expertise in cloud engineering patterns, DevOps practices, AI/ML integration, and contemporary product management approaches Build and mentor a team of product managers, engineers, and technical leaders Create thought leadership content and points of view on product development trends Client & Value Delivery Serve as a trusted product advisor throughout delivery lifecycles, translating complex technical concepts into clear business value Lead value discovery sessions and product strategy definition with client product leadership teams Define product roadmaps and KPI frameworks that demonstrate measurable outcomes Collaborate across creative, strategy, and technology disciplines to ensure seamless client experiences Champion a culture of value identification, experimentation, and outcome-based delivery Support presales engagements with business cases, product demonstrations, and executive-level product strategy discussions What Success Looks Like: Establish repeatable frameworks, tools, and delivery patterns that improve delivery outcomes and accelerate time-to-value Build a high-performing team with strong product ownership capabilities and engineering excellence Lead engagements that deliver measurable business value and client success stories Recognized by clients and internal teams as a trusted expert for custom product development and value definition Expand Merkle's reputation as a leader in custom product development and cloud-native solutions Qualifications: 12 years in product management, product development, or technical consulting roles with increasing leadership responsibility Deep expertise in modern product management practices including discovery, roadmapping, KPI definition, and outcome-based delivery Experience leading custom engineering teams building cloud-native solutions on AWS, Azure, or GCP Strong understanding of cloud engineering and DevOps practices, with ability to guide technical strategy Background in discovery workshops, value definition, business case development, and stakeholder presentations Familiarity with AI/ML product capabilities and integration into custom solutions Proven ability to collaborate across creative, strategy, and technology disciplines in consulting environments Track record of building and scaling product practices or delivery teams Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Business, or related field; MBA preferred Willingness to travel up to 25% for client meetings and workshops The annual base salary range for this position is $163,000 - $263,350. Placement within the salary range is based on a variety of factors, including relevant experience, knowledge, skills, and other factors permitted by law. Additionally, this position is eligible for discretionary incentive compensation. Benefits available with this position include: • Medical, vision, and dental insurance, • Life insurance, • Short-term and long-term disability insurance, • 401k, • Flexible paid time off, • At least 15 paid holidays per year, • Paid sick and safe leave, and • Paid parental leave. Dentsu also complies with applicable state and local laws regarding employee leave benefits, including, but not limited to providing time off pursuant to the Colorado Healthy Families and Workplaces Act, in accordance with its plans and policies. For further details regarding Dentsu benefits, please visit www.dentsubenefitsplus.com. To begin the application process, please click on the “Apply” button at the top of this job posting. Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis, and qualified candidates will be contacted for next steps. #LI-RL1 #LI-hybrid Location: USA - Remote - New York Brand: Merkle Time Type: Full time Contract Type: Permanent Dentsu is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees. We do this without regard to race, color, national origin, sex , sexual orientation, gender identity, age, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, ancestry, physical or mental disability, marital status, political affiliation, religious practices and observances, citizenship status, genetic information, veteran status, or any other basis protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.   Dentsu is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to, among others, individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans. If you need an accommodation because of a disability to search and apply for a career opportunity with us, please send an e-mail to ApplicantAccommodations@dentsu.com by clicking on the link to let us  know the nature of your accommodation request and your contact information. We are here to support you.  Can’t find a suitable job? Sign up for job alerts tailored to your interests and be first in line for new opportunities. About dentsu For over 120 years, innovation has been a core tenet of our offering – exploring new ways to reach, engage and nurture relationships with audiences. Together we drive a multiplier effect for clients at a global scale, through the development of Integrated Growth Solutions that are underpinned by our promise to clients: innovating to impact. Be a force for good. Sustainability is a vital part of our business and an important area of focus for our clients. We’re leading the way – helping to build a more sustainable planet. Dream loud. In this moment of transformation, we need our people to be fearless, embracing change and ambiguity, driven by the love for their work and excitement for the future. Team without limits. We create opportunities for connection and collaboration between our colleagues and clients, building a sense of belonging and having some fun along the way. Find out more about us Who we are Our Social Impact Our work

Salary : $163,000 - $263,350