Role Summary:The interim leader is expected to maintain strategic direction, coach the product management team, drive cross-functional alignment, and actively support the CEO's top priorities.
Key Outcomes: 1.
CEO Goal Alignment & Strategic Execution - Contribute to CEO's business priorities for the interim period.
Meet with CEO and senior leadership within the first week to clarify and document key objectives + definition of success.Regularly report progress and adapt execution as priorities evolve.Proactively identify risks or opportunities related to CEO goals, ensuring at least 90% of interim objectives are on track by the end of the assignment.2.
Partner Alignment & 2026 Service Agreements - Drive the alignment and closure of 2026 service agreements with key business partners.Lead the process of aligning on 2026 goals, scope, and budget with business partners following Daimler Truck financial process.Coordinate and facilitate negotiations, ensuring all internal stakeholders are informed and aligned.
• Ensure timely drafting, negotiation, and signing of service agreements to secure 2026 budgets by year-end.Provide regular updates to the CEO and leadership team on progress, risks, and next steps.
3.
Continuity & Product Delivery - Maintain momentum on all critical product initiatives and ensure delivery milestones are met together with Engineering Managers.Ensure Product Managers keep their roadmap on track.Resolve blockers quickly and ensure no critical delays or missed launches.Monitor and report on key delivery metrics with Engineering Managers.
4.
Team Leadership & Stability - Support, mentor, and empower the Product Management team to sustain high performance and engagement.Conduct regular 1:1s and feedback sessions with all direct reports.Foster psychological safety, clarity, and motivation within the team.Proactively address any issues affecting morale or productivity.Define strong role expectations with Principal Product Manager to divide and conquer in the best way.
5.
Staffing & Resource Planning - Partner with Engineering Managers and People team to ensure optimal staffing across all product teams.Proactively identify and address key staffing needs based on product roadmaps, delivery risks, shifting priorities, and available budget.Lead regular staffing reviews with Engineering Managers to balance workloads, support internal mobility, and fill critical gaps on a timely basis.Ensure all staffing decisions are data-driven, transparent, and aligned with both short-term delivery and long-term organizational goals.
6.
Objective Assessment & Handover - Bring a fresh, unbiased perspective and ensure a seamless transition back to permanent leadership.Assess and document the health of product strategy, team dynamics, and key processes.Deliver actionable recommendations for improvement and highlight any critical risks or opportunities identified during the interim period.Prepare comprehensive handover documentation and conduct transition meetings with returning leaders.
Interim-Specific Success Factors:Rapid Onboarding: Achieve full context and operational effectiveness within the first two weeks.No Disruption: Ensure business and team continuity with minimal disruption from the leadership transition.Positive Legacy: Leave the product organization stable and improved, with clear documentation, actionable recommendations, and all 2026 service agreements signed.
Regular feedback loops: weekly CEO 1-1, monthly stakeholder pulses, and end-of-assignment reviews.