At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide strategic guidance and support product evolution for a growing SaaS platform.
- Company: Join an ambitious early-stage SaaS business at the intersection of travel and technology.
- 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 collaborating with a mission-driven team.
- Qualifications: Ideal candidates are former senior technical/product leaders with SaaS or marketplace 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.
Non-Executive Director (Product) – Early-Stage SaaS Platform
About the Company
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.
The Opportunity
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.
Role Details
- Title: Non-Executive Director (Product)
- 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
Note
This is a non-operational advisory role. It may evolve into a formal board appointment subject to mutual interest and company needs.
Interested?
We welcome informal expressions of interest. Please reach out with a short introduction and summary of relevant experience. If you could also include what your day rate would be.
Non Executive Director (Product) employer: Haystack
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 decision-makers who might influence the hiring process.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise by engaging in discussions on platforms like LinkedIn. Share insights related to product development, scaling strategies, and technology trends in the SaaS space to position yourself as a thought leader.
✨Tip Number 3
Research the company’s current product offerings and market position. Understanding their unique challenges and opportunities will allow you to tailor your conversations and demonstrate how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your previous experiences in lean startup environments. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully navigated ambiguity and contributed to product evolution in similar roles.
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 SaaS or marketplace environments. Make sure to mention any previous roles as a CPO, CPTO, CTO, or VP Engineering to establish credibility.
Summarise Relevant Experience: In your summary, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to scale products from MVP to maturity. Highlight your experience in lean startup environments and any strategic input you've provided in past roles.
Discuss Your Day Rate: Clearly state your expected day rate in your application. This shows transparency and helps the company assess budget alignment right from the start.
Express Your Interest: Convey your enthusiasm for the role and the company's mission. Mention how you can contribute to their growth and technical governance, and express your willingness to engage in informal discussions.
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 SaaS market, especially in the travel sector. Familiarise yourself with their product offerings and how they differentiate themselves from competitors. This knowledge will help you provide relevant insights during the discussion.
✨Prepare Strategic Insights
As a Non-Executive Director (Product), your role is to offer strategic guidance. Think about how technology can drive commercial growth and be ready to discuss specific strategies or examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your ability to scale products effectively.
✨Showcase Your Collaborative Spirit
This role requires a collaborative approach. Be prepared to discuss how you've successfully worked with technical teams in the past, particularly in lean startup environments. Highlight your low-ego attitude and willingness to navigate ambiguity, as these traits are essential for this position.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
During the interview, ask insightful questions about the company's current challenges and future goals. This not only shows your interest but also allows you to demonstrate your strategic thinking. Consider asking about their product evolution plans and how they envision the role of technology in achieving their objectives.