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Who We AreJoin a team that puts its People First! As member of First American's family of companies, Mortgage Solutions provides lenders with solutions to originate, close and service quality loans. Since 1889, First American (NYSE: FAF) has held an unwavering belief in its people. They are passionate about what they do, and we are equally passionate about fostering an environment where all feel welcome, supported, and empowered to be innovative and reach their full potential. Our inclusive, people-first culture has earned our company numerous accolades, including being named to the Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For list for eleven consecutive years. We have also earned awards as a best place to work for women, diversity and LGBTQ+ employees, and have been included on more than 50 regional best places to work lists. First American will always strive to be a great place to work, for all. For more information, please visit www.careers.firstam.com.What We DoThe Product Strategy Director will lead the identification, development, and execution of operational AI initiatives and emerging external product opportunities across the Lender Division. This role is responsible for driving strategic innovation that improves operational efficiency, enhances customer experiences, and creates scalable revenue-generating solutions.
This leader will work closely with sales, operations, legal, marketing, compliance, and executive leadership to evaluate market opportunities, define business requirements, and oversee the implementation of AI-enabled operational solutions and external-facing products. The ideal candidate combines strong operational strategy expertise with a practical understanding of generative AI capabilities, workflow automation, and go-to-market coordination.
This is a highly collaborative, non-technical leadership role focused on business strategy, operational transformation, new product development, and cross-functional execution.What You'll DoOperational AI Strategy & Execution

• Identify, prioritize, and lead operational AI initiatives that improve efficiency, scalability, productivity, and customer experience across the Lender Division.
• Partner with operational leadership to evaluate workflows and identify opportunities for AI-enabled automation and optimization.
• Support the implementation and operationalization of AI tools, including custom GPTs, workflow automation solutions, and AI-assisted business processes.
• Develop business cases, operational frameworks, project roadmaps, success metrics, and implementation plans for AI initiatives.
• Coordinate cross-functional execution of operational AI projects from concept through deployment and adoption.
• Help establish governance standards, approval processes, and operational best practices related to AI usage and implementation.

External Product Opportunity Development

• Identify and evaluate new external product opportunities aligned with customer needs, operational capabilities, and market demand.
• Collaborate with sales and leadership teams to define product concepts, strategic positioning, and go-to-market priorities.
• Lead discovery efforts to assess operational feasibility, customer value, revenue potential, and competitive differentiation.
• Develop business requirements and strategic recommendations for new product initiatives and enhancements.
• Partner with marketing, legal, and operational stakeholders to support launch readiness and product enablement activities.
• Drive alignment between operational capabilities and external product strategy.

Business Requirements & Strategic Collaboration

• Gather, document, and refine business requirements from sales, operations, executive leadership, and cross-functional stakeholders.
• Translate strategic goals into actionable operational and product initiatives.
• Facilitate strategic planning sessions, operational workshops, and executive stakeholder meetings.
• Prepare executive-level presentations, recommendations, status updates, and strategic proposals.
• Serve as a liaison across business, operational, legal, compliance, and vendor teams to ensure alignment and execution.

Legal, Compliance & Brand Coordination

• Coordinate legal and compliance approvals related to operational AI initiatives and external product opportunities.
• Manage trademark submission processes and support intellectual property coordination for new products, tools, and branded initiatives.
• Ensure operational and product initiatives align with regulatory requirements, corporate governance standards, and risk management practices.
• Maintain documentation, approvals, and governance workflows associated with strategic initiatives.

Leadership & Innovation

• Champion a culture of innovation, operational excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Influence cross-functional teams and drive organizational alignment without direct authority.
• Stay informed on industry trends, AI advancements, operational best practices, and emerging product opportunities within mortgage and lending services.
• Support change management efforts related to operational transformation and AI adoption.

What You'll Bring

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Operations, Marketing, Communications, or related field.
• 7-10+ years of experience leading operational strategy, product strategy, business transformation, or innovation initiatives.
• Experience managing cross-functional operational or product initiatives involving executive leadership, sales, operations, legal, and compliance teams.
• Strong business process improvement, strategic planning, and organizational management skills.
• Experience defining and documenting business requirements and operational workflows.
• Excellent communication, presentation, facilitation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple high-priority initiatives simultaneously.
• Experience working in highly collaborative, fast-paced environments.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with generative AI concepts, custom GPT development, workflow automation, or AI-enabled business solutions.
• Experience supporting operational AI adoption, AI governance, or strategic AI initiatives.
• Experience evaluating or launching external products, services, or strategic business offerings.
• Mortgage, lending, financial services, or regulated industry experience preferred.
• Experience coordinating trademark submissions, legal approvals, or product governance processes.
• PMP, Lean Six Sigma, Agile, or related certifications are a plus.

Core Competencies

• Operational AI Strategy
• Product Innovation & Opportunity Development
• Cross-Functional Leadership
• Business Process Improvement
• Strategic Planning
• AI & Automation Awareness
• Executive Communication
• Project & Program Management
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Change Management
• Problem Solving & Decision Making

Success Measures

• Successful delivery and adoption of operational AI initiatives.
• Identification and advancement of new external product opportunities.
• Improved operational efficiency, scalability, and cross-functional alignment.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and executive satisfaction.
• Clear, actionable business requirements and governance processes.
• Operational and strategic initiatives delivered on time and aligned to business objectives.

Pay Range: $170,900.00 - $227,900.00 AnnuallyThis hiring range is a reasonable estimate of the base pay range for this position at the time of posting. Pay is based on a number of factors which may include job-related knowledge, skills, experience, business requirements and geographic location.

First American will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with arrest or conviction records, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws (e.g., the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act).

First American intends to conduct a review of an applicant's criminal history in connection with a conditional offer. First American reasonably believes that a criminal history may have a direct, adverse and negative relationship with the following material job duties for this position potentially resulting in the withdrawal of the conditional offer of employment: handling of confidential, proprietary or trade secret information belonging to First American or its customers, administrating or facilitating financial transactions, and the ability to meet customer-imposed criminal history requirements.

What We OfferBy choice, we don't simply accept individuality - we embrace it, we support it, and we thrive on it! Our People First culture is inclusive for all employees - not just because it's the right thing to do, but because it's the key to our success. We are proud to foster an authentic and inclusive workplace For All. You are free and encouraged to bring your entire, unique self to work. First American is an equal opportunity employer in every sense of the term.Based on eligibility, First American offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401k, PTO/paid sick leave and other great benefits like an employee stock purchase plan.