Product Manager – Strategy and Innovation

Product Manager – Strategy and Innovation at Thales

As a Product Manager – Strategy and Innovation, you will play a key role in defining and driving the strategic direction of our cybersecurity product portfolio, with a focus on hardware authentication solutions (e.g., FIDO security keys, smartcards) and their associated management software. Leveraging your strong understanding of authentication technologies and cybersecurity fundamentals, you will help identify market opportunities, shape product roadmaps, and ensure alignment with emerging industry standards.

Working closely with cross-functional teams and industry bodies such as the FIDO Alliance, you will apply your excellent communication and collaboration skills to influence both internal and external stakeholders. Your role requires a sharp analytical mindset, a proactive and detail-oriented approach, and the ability to navigate complex technical and business environments. With a solid grasp of product development processes, you will support innovation initiatives and contribute to delivering impactful, secure, and user-centric solutions to the market.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Product Line Manager in defining and executing the product line strategy for both hardware and software cybersecurity solutions.
• Conduct market, customer, and competitive research focused on authentication trends, regulatory requirements, and industry standards (e.g., FIDO, PKI).
• Monitor developments in authentication standards — especially FIDO protocols — and assess their impact on current and future products.
• Actively follow and engage in FIDO Alliance activities: working groups, specifications, certification programs, and industry discussions.
• Advocate for the company’s interests within the FIDO Alliance by contributing to working groups, providing feedback on draft standards, and maintaining strong relationships with key stakeholders.
• Gather and analyze customer feedback to refine product requirements and identify opportunities for differentiation and innovation.
• Assist in drafting product specifications, business cases, roadmaps, and go-to-market plans.
• Support resolution of product-related issues and customer escalations.
• Represent the company at industry events, trade shows, and conferences; deliver presentations and participate in panels to promote and evangelize our products and vision.
• Serve as a point of contact for internal and external stakeholders when the Product Line Manager is unavailable.
• Prepare clear presentations and reports for internal meetings, partners, and key customers.
• Perform other related tasks to ensure the success and growth of the product line.

Key Skills & Competencies

• Solid understanding of cybersecurity fundamentals, especially authentication technologies (e.g., FIDO, PKI, smartcards).
• Good grasp of hardware and software product development processes.
• Strong organizational and multitasking skills.
• Analytical thinking and ability to synthesize technical and market information.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, in English.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Proactive and detail-oriented mindset.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, Engineering, or Business with relevant technical knowledge.
• Prior experience in product management, technical project management, or cybersecurity product support is a plus.
• Familiarity with standards like FIDO, PKI, smartcard technologies, or secure hardware design is highly desirable.

Why This Role Matters

In a fast-changing cybersecurity landscape, strong authentication is more critical than ever. By supporting both our hardware and software lines, the Product Line Manager Deputy helps ensure our solutions remain competitive, compliant, and ahead of industry trends. Through active involvement in the FIDO Alliance and industry events, this role directly contributes to shaping the future of secure authentication — and positions our company as a trusted leader in the market.

“Bij Thales krijg ik alle kansen en de ruimte om mijzelf verder te ontwikkelen, en dat als onderdeel van allerlei gave processen en projecten binnen de organisatie!”
Anoek Trainee

“Wat het voor mij aantrekkelijk maakt om hier te werken, is de diversiteit in opdrachten en het werken in verschillende teams met diverse disciplines. Zo blijf je jezelf ontwikkelen binnen het cyberdomein.”
Maurits Cyber Engineer

Over thales

We vinden dat je baan de juiste work/life balance moet ondersteunen en het platform is om jóuw ambities waar te maken. Dat betekent dat gelijke kansen, inclusiviteit en een informele cultuur een essentieel onderdeel uitmaken van ons succes. Maar ook dat jouw gezondheid en geluk voor ons erg belangrijk zijn! Daarom bieden we je de flexibiliteit om te doen wat voor jóu belangrijk is; of dat nu parttime werken is, of werken vanuit huis, of de mogelijkheid om flexibel te zijn in je start- en eindtijden, we denken met je mee.

Security Requirements

In lijn met de basisbeveiligingsvereisten van Thales vragen wij kandidaten mogelijk om bewijs omtrent identiteit, werkvergunning en arbeids- plus opleidingsgeschiedenis. Sommige vacatures vereisen ook een security clearance die verdere informatie vereist. Voor meer informatie over wat er nodig is voor bepaalde security clearance, raadpleeg dan de General Intelligence and Security Service.