Job Description

The Product Management Associate Director – Finance will serve as the primary product management point of contact for Finance, one of Sidley's largest and most complex business units. This leader will bridge business strategy and technology execution, transforming how the firm manages financial operations, reporting, analytics, and decision-making through modern product thinking and AI-enabled solutions.

Reporting to the Product Management Director – Data Solutions, this role will lead a team and collaborate across Finance, Data & AI, Engineering, and other key stakeholders to deliver innovative products that drive measurable business impact. The incumbent combines deep product management expertise with business acumen, bringing a proven track record of transitioning organizations into disciplined product cultures and launching solutions from discovery through execution.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Define the product vision, strategy, and roadmap for Finance-focused solutions aligned with enterprise data strategy and firm objectives.
• Translate complex financial requirements into scalable, high-value products across planning, accounting, reporting, analytics, and operational workflows.
• Champion a product-first mindset within Finance, shifting from project-based delivery to sustainable, outcome-driven product development.
• Lead the end-to-end product lifecycle from discovery through execution using strong product management disciplines and iterative delivery.
• Partner directly with Finance stakeholders to identify pain points, uncover opportunities, and refine ambiguous requirements into solvable problems.
• Maintain and prioritize the Finance product backlog based on strategic value, user needs, and technical feasibility.
• Build, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of Product Managers, fostering collaboration, accountability, and continuous learning.
• Set clear expectations and provide ongoing coaching, feedback, and performance development for the product team.
• Partner with Engineering, Design, and Data & AI teams to deliver high-quality, data-driven solutions that meet business and technical standards.
• Coordinate with other product teams to ensure alignment, integration, and consistency across the organization.
• Apply strong finance, accounting, reporting, and analytics expertise to guide product decisions and measure business impact.
• Communicate effectively with senior leadership and cross-functional partners, translating between technical and business audiences and influencing decision-making.

Salaries vary by location and are based on numerous factors, including, but not limited to, the relevant market, skills, experience, and education of the selected candidate. If an estimated salary range for this role is available, it will be provided in our Target Salary Range section. Our compensation package also includes bonus eligibility and a comprehensive benefits program. Benefits information can be found at Sidley.com/Benefits.

Target Salary Range

$185,200 - $264,000 if located in Illinois

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the Duties and Responsibilities (Duties) above satisfactorily and meet the requirements below. The requirements listed below are representative of the minimum knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job. If you need such an accommodation, please email sidleytalentacquisition@sidley.com (current employees should contact Human Resources).

Education and/or Experience:

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Computer Science, Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field.
• A minimum of 10 years of professional experience.
• A minimum of 5 years in product management roles.
• A minimum of 5 years leading teams.
• Proven track record of driving products from discovery to execution, delivering measurable business outcomes in complex, matrixed environments.
• Deep expertise in product management disciplines, including user research, roadmap development, backlog management, prioritization, and iterative delivery methodologies.
• Strong experience collaborating with Engineering and Design teams to build scalable, high-quality products.
• Acumen for financial operations and terminology.
• Exceptional stakeholder management and influencing skills, with the ability to build trust, manage expectations, and drive alignment across senior leaders and cross-functional teams.
• Strong executive presence with polished communication and presentation skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with comfort navigating ambiguity and making data-informed decisions.
• Results-driven with the demonstrated ability to navigate complexity and deliver outcomes in fast-paced / evolving environments.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with comfort navigating ambiguity and making data-informed decisions.

Preferred:

• Master's degree in Business, Finance, Computer Science, or a related field.
• Experience coming from or building a strong product culture within an organization.
• Demonstrated ability to transition organizations into product-oriented cultures, shifting mindsets from project delivery to sustainable product thinking.
• AI literacy and direct experience launching AI-enabled products or features.
• Familiarity with modern data platforms, data-as-a-product principles, and enterprise data ecosystems.
• Knowledge of the legal or professional services industry.
• Experience working with geographically dispersed teams and agile delivery methodologies.

Other Skills and Abilities:

The following will also be required of the successful candidate:

• Strong organizational skills
• Strong attention to detail
• Good judgment
• Strong interpersonal communication skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Able to work harmoniously and effectively with others
• Able to preserve confidentiality and exercise discretion
• Able to work under pressure
• Able to manage multiple projects with competing deadlines and priorities

Sidley Austin LLP is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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