3. Getting Ready for Your Interviews

Preparation at Aviva should be structured around demonstrating both your tactical product skills and your ability to thrive in a large, matrixed organization.

Strategic Thinking – You must demonstrate that you understand the broader market context of insurance and financial services. Interviewers look for your ability to connect product features to company-wide business goals.

Collaborative Leadership – Aviva values team players who can work across silos. You should be prepared to discuss how you influence teams you do not directly manage, such as engineering, legal, and compliance.

Communication and Clarity – Given that you will likely present to diverse audiences, your ability to explain complex problems in simple terms is critical. Practice articulating your thought process clearly, especially during case studies.

4. Interview Process Overview

The interview process for a Product Manager at Aviva is designed to test your depth of experience and your fit within a collaborative, professional culture. You can typically expect a screening call followed by several rounds that may include a mix of competency-based interviews and a formal presentation or case study. The pace can vary, and it is common to meet with a range of stakeholders, from hiring managers to senior leadership.

This timeline provides a high-level view of the stages you will encounter, from initial contact to the final decision. Use this to pace your study efforts and ensure you are prepared for both the conversational aspects of the early rounds and the more rigorous, technical evaluations in the final stages.

5. Deep Dive into Evaluation Areas

Product Lifecycle Management

You will be evaluated on your ability to see a product through from discovery to post-launch optimization. Focus on how you use data to inform your decisions at every stage.

Be ready to go over:

• User Discovery – Techniques for identifying pain points.
• Roadmap Prioritization – Frameworks like RICE or MoSCoW.
• KPI Tracking – How you measure success beyond just vanity metrics.

Stakeholder Management and Communication

In a large organization like Aviva, the ability to gain buy-in is a primary skill. You will be tested on how you handle resistance and maintain project momentum.

Example scenarios:

• "Explain a technical product concept to a non-technical stakeholder."
• "How do you handle a project that is falling behind schedule?"

6. Key Responsibilities

As a Product Manager, your primary responsibility is to deliver value through digital products that align with Aviva's strategic goals. You will work closely with engineering squads to turn high-level requirements into actionable user stories.

You are expected to:

• Manage the product backlog and ensure it is groomed for maximum business impact.
• Partner with UX/UI designers to conduct user research and iterate on prototypes.
• Collaborate with compliance and legal teams to ensure all products meet strict financial regulations.
• Report on product performance and present insights to senior stakeholders.

7. Role Requirements & Qualifications

Candidates who succeed at Aviva typically possess a blend of digital product experience and a strong grasp of business operations.

• Must-have skills: Proven experience in an Agile environment, strong analytical skills, and the ability to articulate clear product strategies.
• Nice-to-have skills: Experience in financial services, insurance, or highly regulated sectors; familiarity with data analytics tools like SQL or Tableau.
• Soft skills: High emotional intelligence, resilience, and the ability to navigate complex organizational structures.

8. Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long does the process take? A: While we aim for a quick turnaround, the process can take anywhere from three weeks to two months depending on the team and seniority level.

Q: What is the best way to stand out? A: Demonstrate a deep understanding of Aviva's current market challenges and show that you can balance innovation with the realities of a regulated industry.

Q: Are there remote work options? A: Aviva generally supports hybrid working models, but specific requirements are often dependent on the team and the nature of the product you are managing.

9. Other General Tips

• Prepare for the "Why Aviva" question: Research our recent sustainability initiatives and our digital transformation strategy.
• Structure your answers: Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to keep your behavioral answers concise and impactful.
• Follow up professionally: If you are promised an update by a certain date, feel free to send a polite follow-up if that date passes without communication.

10. Summary & Next Steps

The Product Manager role at Aviva is a significant opportunity to influence the future of financial services. By focusing on clear communication, strategic problem-solving, and a deep understanding of our user-centric mission, you will be well-positioned to succeed.

Use the insights provided here to refine your preparation and ensure you can articulate your past successes in a way that resonates with our team. We encourage you to continue exploring your professional development, and we wish you the best of luck in your interview process.