At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide strategic guidance and advice on product evolution for a growing SaaS platform.
- Company: Join an ambitious early-stage SaaS business transforming travel technology in emerging markets.
- Benefits: Flexible commitment of 1-2 days/month with remote work options and competitive day rate.
- Why this job: Shape the future of a tech-enabled marketplace while supporting a mission-driven team.
- Qualifications: Ideal candidates are former senior leaders in SaaS or marketplace environments with scaling experience.
- Other info: This is a non-operational advisory role with potential for formal board appointment.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 84000 £ per year.
An ambitious, early-stage SaaS business operating at the intersection of travel and technology in emerging markets. The platform supports a fast-growing network of specialist travel operators, offering real-time quoting, booking tools, and evolving into a curated, tech-enabled marketplace. Backed by deep domain expertise and a clear growth trajectory.
We are seeking a Non-Executive Director (Product) to provide strategic guidance during a pivotal phase of scaling. This is an opportunity to shape technical governance, advise on product evolution, and support a mission-led team in building a resilient, scalable platform.
- Commitment: 1–2 days/month
- Location: London/remote
- Compensation: Day rate (with scope for review after 12 months)
What You’ll Do
- Offer strategic input on how technology can accelerate commercial growth
- Advise on product and infrastructure decisions impacting user experience and scale
- Support knowledge-sharing to reduce key-person risk
- Act as a sounding board to the technical leadership and contribute to long-term tech planning
- Join quarterly board meetings and strategic sessions as needed
Who You Are
- A former CPO, CPTO, CTO, VP Engineering, or other senior technical/product leader from a SaaS or marketplace environment
- Experienced in lean startup environments and scaling from MVP to mature product
- Skilled in balancing technical excellence with commercial outcomes
- Ideally familiar with platform security, compliance, and B2B integrations
- Collaborative, low-ego, and comfortable navigating ambiguity
This is a non-operational advisory role. It may evolve into a formal board appointment subject to mutual interest and company needs.
We welcome informal expressions of interest. Please reach out with a short introduction and summary of relevant experience.
Contact Detail:
Haystack Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Non Executive Director (Product)
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the SaaS and travel technology sectors. Attend industry events, webinars, or meetups to connect with potential colleagues and learn about the latest trends. This can help you gain insights into what companies like ours are looking for in a Non-Executive Director.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with our platform and its unique offerings. Understanding our product and the challenges we face will allow you to provide more relevant strategic input during discussions. This knowledge can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience in scaling products from MVP to mature stages. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully navigated similar challenges in the past, as this will demonstrate your capability to contribute effectively in this role.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your collaborative approach by reaching out to current or former colleagues who can vouch for your low-ego leadership style. Testimonials or references that highlight your ability to work well with technical teams can strengthen your candidacy.
We think you need these skills to ace Non Executive Director (Product)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Introduction: Craft a concise introduction that highlights your relevant experience in product leadership, particularly in SaaS or marketplace environments. Make sure to mention any specific achievements that align with the company's mission.
Highlight Strategic Input: In your application, emphasise your ability to provide strategic guidance. Discuss past experiences where you successfully advised on product evolution or technology decisions that led to commercial growth.
Showcase Collaborative Skills: Demonstrate your collaborative approach by providing examples of how you've worked with technical teams and contributed to long-term planning. Mention any experience in reducing key-person risk through knowledge-sharing.
Express Interest in the Role: Conclude your application with a clear expression of interest in the Non-Executive Director position. Mention your enthusiasm for supporting a mission-led team and your willingness to engage in quarterly board meetings and strategic sessions.
How to prepare for a job interview at Haystack
✨Understand the Company and Its Market
Before the interview, take time to research the company’s position in the travel and technology sectors. Familiarise yourself with their product offerings and how they differentiate themselves in emerging markets. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your genuine interest and strategic thinking.
✨Prepare Your Strategic Insights
As a Non-Executive Director (Product), your role will involve providing strategic guidance. Be ready to discuss your thoughts on how technology can drive commercial growth and improve user experience. Prepare examples from your past experiences that showcase your ability to balance technical excellence with commercial outcomes.
✨Showcase Your Collaborative Spirit
This role requires a collaborative approach, so be prepared to discuss how you've successfully worked with technical teams in the past. Highlight instances where you acted as a sounding board for leadership and contributed to long-term planning, demonstrating your low-ego and supportive nature.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street. Prepare thoughtful questions that reflect your understanding of the company's challenges and opportunities. Inquire about their vision for product evolution and how they plan to scale their platform, showing that you are not only interested in the role but also invested in the company's future.