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 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 supporting a mission-driven team.
- Qualifications: Ideal candidates are former senior technical/product leaders with SaaS experience.
- Other info: This is a non-operational advisory role, potentially evolving into a formal board position.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ 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 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 that are relevant to the role, demonstrating your thought leadership.
✨Tip Number 3
Research the company thoroughly. Understand their product offerings, market position, and growth trajectory. This knowledge will help you tailor your conversations and demonstrate your genuine interest in contributing to their mission.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss specific examples from your past experiences that align with the responsibilities of the Non-Executive Director role. Highlight instances where you've successfully guided product evolution or supported strategic growth in a similar environment.
We think you need these skills to ace Non Executive Director (Product)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and expectations of a Non-Executive Director (Product). Familiarise yourself with the company's mission and how your experience aligns with their needs.
Tailor Your CV: Highlight your relevant experience in SaaS or marketplace environments. Focus on your previous roles as a CPO, CPTO, CTO, or VP Engineering, and emphasise your achievements in scaling products and driving commercial growth.
Craft a Compelling Introduction: When reaching out, write a concise introduction that captures your interest in the role. Summarise your relevant experience and explain why you are a good fit for the company’s vision and goals.
Showcase Your Strategic Thinking: In your application, demonstrate your ability to provide strategic guidance. Share examples of how you've successfully advised on product evolution and technical governance in previous roles.
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 SaaS platform and its position in the travel technology market. Familiarise yourself with their competitors and the unique challenges they face in emerging markets. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your strategic insight during the discussion.
✨Showcase Relevant Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous roles as a CPO, CPTO, or CTO, focusing on specific examples where you successfully guided product evolution or scaled a tech platform. Highlight your experience in lean startup environments and how it can benefit the company’s growth trajectory.
✨Emphasise Collaborative Leadership
As a Non-Executive Director, your role is advisory. Be ready to illustrate your collaborative approach and how you’ve effectively worked with technical teams in the past. Share examples of how you’ve acted as a sounding board for leadership and contributed to long-term planning.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Think of insightful questions to ask during the interview that reflect your understanding of the company's goals and challenges. Inquire about their vision for product development and how they plan to navigate the complexities of scaling their platform. This shows your genuine interest and strategic thinking.