Job Description
Job Description
Chief Officer of Product
WHO WE ARE
VARGO® is the pioneer of waveless and continuous order processing that enables the future of fulfillment. At VARGO®, we don’t just offer software and automation technologies, we revolutionize fulfillment operations. As the creators of COFE®, the first and most advanced Warehouse Execution System (WES), we lead the industry with over 20 years of proven performance across diverse sectors. Our expertise goes beyond technology; it’s embedded in every solution we deliver.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Chief Product Office (CPO) is responsible for defining and executing VARGO’s enterprise product vision, strategy, and roadmap across its proprietary software platform and associated data‑ and web‑based products. The function ensures VARGO’s product portfolio delivers compelling client and partner value, aligns with evolving industry needs, and supports scalable, long‑term business growth.
Operating as a senior, externally facing enterprise function, the Chief Product Office partners closely with Sales, Marketing, Technology, Operations, and Executive Leadership to drive product‑led growth, support strategic sales efforts, and represent product strategy with clients, partners, and the Board. The CPO sets the direction for how Product enables Sales effectiveness, delivery excellence, and a differentiated end‑to‑end customer experience—ensuring product decisions are grounded in business impact, operational excellence, and VARGO’s strategic priorities.
The Chief Product Office operates at an enterprise level, balancing near‑term execution with long‑term innovation. It establishes product governance, develops product leadership, influences cross‑functional strategy, and translates business objectives into clear product direction, outcomes, and measurable value delivery.
As a steward of VARGO’s ESOP culture, the Chief Product Office reinforces ownership thinking by making thoughtful, accountable decisions that support sustainable value creation for Associates, customers, and the company.
Classification: Full Time Exempt
Reports To: Chief Operating Officer
Direct Reports:
Department: Executive Leadership
Location: Hybrid
Travel Required: As required
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBLITIES
Product Vision & Strategy
- Define, own, and evolve VARGO’s enterprise product vision, strategy, and long‑term roadmap. Ensure alignment with VARGO® goals, customer needs and capabilities.
- Define, own, and evolve VARGO’s enterprise product vision, strategy, and long‑term roadmap.
- Align product investments with company strategy, market opportunity, and prioritized customer outcomes.
- Balance near‑term clients’ needs with scalable, long‑term capabilities that support growth and innovation.
- Translate business strategy into a clear, prioritized product roadmap with explicit investment trade‑offs.
Product & Portfolio Leadership
- Lead, develop, and mentor high‑performing product leadership and management teams.
- Establish product governance, operating rhythms, and decision‑making frameworks to ensure clarity, accountability, and disciplined execution.
- Oversee delivery across software, data, AI‑enabled, and web‑based products.
- Partner with Technology leadership to ensure product quality, scalability, security, and architectural integrity.
- Evaluate build‑vs‑buy decisions, including third‑party integrations or acquisitions, to accelerate time‑to‑market.
Client & Market Engagement
- Own relationship and delivery of product development in scenario of co-development directly with customer.
- Serve as a senior, externally facing product spokesperson with key clients, partners, and industry stakeholders.
- Participate directly in executive‑level sales pursuits, proposals, renewals, and client reviews.
- Translate product capabilities into clear, client‑centric value propositions tied to outcomes and impact.
- Continuously assess market, competitive, and industry trends to inform product strategy and innovation.
Go‑To‑Market Enablement
- Partner closely with Sales, Marketing, and Solution Design on product positioning, packaging, and messaging.
- Support pricing strategy, solution design, and value articulation.
- Equip sales teams with product insights, enablement, and narratives aligned to industry demand and customer needs.
- Drive product‑led growth by enabling both net‑new customer acquisition and expansion within existing accounts.
Product Operations, Data & Insights
- Oversee full product lifecycle management—from discovery and launch through maturity, evolution, and sunsetting.
- Establish and monitor KPIs related to user engagement, adoption, churn, performance, and value realization.
- Use data, customer feedback, and insights to inform strategic decisions, prioritization, and investment trade‑offs.
- Build a disciplined, customer‑driven feedback loop that replaces “gut‑feel” product development with evidence‑based decision‑making.
Executive & Board Leadership
- Present product strategy, roadmap, performance, and market outlook to the Board and Executive Team.
- Provide clear narratives on investment decisions, trade‑offs, risks, and growth implications.
- Advise the CEO and Executive Leadership on industry shifts, emerging opportunities, and long‑term product strategy.
- Act as an enterprise thought partner to Sales, Delivery, Operations, and Technology leaders.
Culture, Leadership & Outcomes
- Attract, retain, and develop high‑performing product talent with clear accountability, outcomes, and succession planning.
- Ensure product strategy supports scalable delivery models, operational excellence, and continuous improvement.
- Deliver differentiated, AI‑enabled capabilities across the product portfolio.
- Strengthen executive‑level product storytelling, market positioning, and thought leadership.
- Act as a steward of VARGO’s ESOP culture, making thoughtful, accountable decisions that support sustainable growth and shared success for Associates and customers.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in business, Engineering, Technology, or a related field required; advanced degree (MBA or equivalent) preferred.
- Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in product management, product strategy, or related leadership roles, with at least 5 years at the executive or senior leadership level (VP or equivalent).
- Senior leadership experience in B2B software, data‑driven platforms, and/or enterprise solutions.
- Proven experience leading enterprise‑level product strategy, including roadmap development, prioritization, governance, and investment decision‑making across complex organizations.
- Demonstrated success partnering cross‑functionally with Sales, Delivery, Technology, Operations, and Executive Leadership to drive business outcomes and scalable solutions.
- Experience operating in a growth‑oriented, solutions‑based, or services‑driven organization preferred.
- Proven ownership and accountability for product strategy, execution, and measurable outcomes.
Capabilities
- Strong executive presence and credibility with experience supporting enterprise and software‑enabled sales motions.
- Comfortable operating at the executive and board levels, including presenting product strategy, market outlook, and investment trade‑offs.
- Commercially minded, with strong market, industry, and competitive awareness.
- Demonstrated ability to translate business strategy into measurable product outcomes that support growth, customer experience, and operational excellence.
- Strong ability to partner as an enterprise thought leader with Sales, Delivery, Technology, and Operations.
- Experience building, leading, and developing senior leaders and high‑performing teams, with a focus on accountability, outcomes, and succession planning.
- Domain curiosity and learning orientation related to automation, logistics, and technology‑enabled services.
- Proven ability to articulate client‑centric, outcome‑driven value propositions from product capabilities.
- Strong influence skills and the ability to drive alignment across the organization without reliance on direct authority.
Physical & Mental Requirements
While performing the duties of this job, the employee requires the ability to:
- Hear, read and comprehend, write, and communicate effectively.
- Continuously sit, type, and perform repetitive wrist motion.
- Occasionally stand, walk, bend, squat/kneel, twist/turn, or reach.
- Focus (with or without corrective lenses) to see close and distant, along with depth perception capabilities.
Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions
OUR VISION
Empowering fulfillment to achieve record-breaking results today and into the future.
OUR MISSION
Outperform the industry through creative expertise, leading software, smart technology, and automated solutions.
OUR VALUES
Our values are the foundation of everything we do. They guide our actions, decisions, and the way we collaborate with one another. We prioritize integrity, respect, and accountability, believing that these principles create an environment where everyone can thrive. Innovation, teamwork, and continuous growth are at the heart of our culture, inspiring us to push boundaries and reach new heights together. Through these values, we are dedicated to building a supportive, dynamic workplace that encourages both personal and collective success.
SOLVE
- Solve what’s possible
- Challenge the status quo
EXECUTE
- Execute professionally
- Do what’s right
DELIVER
- Deliver as promised
- Stand by our word
IMPRESS
- Leave them impressed
- Results that matter
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
VARGO is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. All employment decisions at VARGO are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status. VARGO will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.
DISCLAIMER: The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, success profile characteristics or qualifications required of employees assigned to this job. Management retains the discretion to add to or change the duties of the position at any time.
EXPERIENCE FULFILLMENT AT VARGO
BENEFITS
- Competitive benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability and Life Insurance
- Paid vacation and holidays
- Career advancement opportunities
- Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
- Tuition Reimbursement/Assistance
- Company Matching 401(k)
- Dublin Gym Reimbursement