Interim Director, Products And Services

About the Role
We are seeking an experienced and collaborative leader to join H&R Block Canada as Interim Director, Products & Services for a 12-month term. The Interim Director will provide leadership and continuity for the Associate Products & Services portfolio, working with an established team of Product Management professionals to maintain focus, coordination, and delivery against established priorities.This role is well suited to a leader who can quickly build an understanding of the portfolio, work effectively through subject-matter experts, and provide clear direction and oversight. The Interim Director will support the team in advancing product and service priorities while engaging cross-functional partners and senior leaders as appropriate. This position is based in Calgary and offers a hybrid work schedule, with 3 days per week in-office.Reporting Structure and Team
Reporting to the Vice President, Products & Services, the Interim Director provides leadership to a team of Product Management professionals across senior product management, product management, associate product management, and digital product management roles. The Interim Director will work closely with these experienced team members, provide direction and support, remove barriers, and escalat matters as appropriate.Key Areas of Responsibility
Leadership and Team Support
Provide day-to-day leadership and continuity for the team throughout the 12-month term.Build an understanding of current priorities, products, stakeholders, and ways of working through a structured transition and ongoing partnership with the team.Set clear expectations, support decision-making, hold regular check-ins, and help team members remain aligned on priorities and commitments.Coach and support direct reports while drawing on their expertise in product management, UX, technology, and other relevant functional areas.Create an environment where issues are raised early and work with the team and senior leaders to resolve issues and identify practical solutions.Oversight of Products and Services
Oversee progress against established product and service plans, including priorities related to small business, specialty tax, Block Pro, Core/CIS, and digital products.Work with Product Managers to review roadmaps, milestones, risks, dependencies, and launch readiness while maintaining appropriate accountability for delivery.Support the team in maintaining oversight of product performance, budgets, client impacts, and field operational considerations.Help ensure recommendations and decisions are supported by available data, client feedback, and the expertise of responsible team members.Maintain awareness of financial services work within the portfolio and engage subject-matter experts and senior leaders when specialized guidance or approvals are required.Cross-Functional Coordination
Coordinate with internal partners to maintain momentum on agreed priorities and clarify roles, timelines, and decision points.Facilitate collaboration among Product Management, UX Design & Content Strategy, technology, operations, delivery services and PMG, marketing, finance, and other stakeholders as required.Provide clear updates to senior leadership on progress, risks, resource needs, and decisions requiring additional support.Maintain existing third-party and vendor relationships in partnership with the appropriate internal owners, escalating material issues as required.Support existing Tax Pro and franchisee focus groups and manage feedback and escalations relating to Associate products.Continuity and Transition
Maintain continuity of key processes, meetings, reporting, and stakeholder relationships throughout the 12-month term.Document significant decisions, open items, risks, and status updates to support an effective transition at the conclusion of the term.Exercise sound judgment by identifying situations that require specialized expertise or senior-level guidance and seeking appropriate support to mitigate risk and enable informed decision-making.Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree;
MBA would be an asset.Significant leadership experience in product management, financial services, eCommerce, retail, software, digital products, or a related environment.People-leadership experience, including the ability to set expectations, coach team members, address barriers, and support accountability.Experience leading cross-functional teams and coordinating work across multiple priorities and stakeholders.Ability to quickly learn new subject matter, ask appropriate questions, and engage technical and functional experts when making or escalating decisions.Preferred Qualifications
Comfort reviewing plans, status updates, risks, budgets, financial results, and performance information to support informed decisions.Strong communication, facilitation, organization, and relationship-management skills.Proven ability to establish priorities, meet deadlines, and make timely, data-informed decisions.Ability to lead effectively in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.Why work for us
For over 60 years, H&R Block has prepared taxes for millions of Canadians annually. Headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, we serve taxpayers in more than 1,000+ offices, through our upload from home service, and online with our DIY tax software. Our dedicated team of Tax Experts use the latest in electronic processing and filing technology to prepare all types of returns, including personal, small business, corporate, farm, trucker, fishing, U.S., rental, and estate.Becoming an H&R Block Associate is an opportunity to grow with the strongest brand in the tax preparation industry. We are looking for people who want to provide help and inspire confidence in our clients and communities. We know that the ability to deliver outstanding client service starts with having the best talent on our team, and if you want to be part of our success story then we want to hear from you!We offer competitive base wages and targeted incentive opportunities, a generous benefits package with options for health care spending or wellness resources, RRSP Matching, Employee Stock Programs, and Block "Wellness Days" to encourage rest outside of Tax Season.H&R Block fosters a workplace in which individual differences are recognized, appreciated, and respected. Accommodations are available upon request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the recruitment and selection process.
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