Product Owner Level 2

Overview

Responsible for managing the product backlog and execution on behalf of business units in coordination with IT and other Shared Services departments. Contributes to developing the product capabilities roadmap supporting the Enterprise strategy. Serves on the Product Team in the Product Owner role as the business subject matter expert for the product. Partners with product team associates and business units on the prioritization and execution of initiatives ensuring business goals are realized through features and functionality of the product. Supports other related digital product activity. Collaborates with internal teams, clients and developers throughout the development lifecycle and drives initiatives from concept to launch and beyond. Communicates with all levels of associates in a manner that breaks down complex challenges into actionable steps that drive results.

Responsibilities

What you will do:

• Develops and delivers digital products with industry leading user experiences through research, strategy and implementation tactics in alignment with Enterprise strategy and long-term objectives/goals.
• Acts as the Product Owner providing vision and direction to the cross-collaboration development team and stakeholders. Owns and approves release of all development work.
• Creates, manages and refines requirements for execution and delivery of the product in partnership with stakeholders and associates leveraging a Minimum Viable Product approach.
• Defines product vision, roadmap and growth opportunities ensuring that the team always has an adequate amount of prepared user stories. Leveraging storyboarding techniques and input from stakeholders, SME’s and the agile team, maps, plans and prioritizes the product backlog and development of the product.
• Assesses business value, develops use cases, and prioritizes stories, features, and epics to ensure work focuses on those with maximum value that are aligned with the roadmap and strategy.
• Provides backlog management, iteration planning, refinement and elaboration of quality user stories leveraging INVEST criteria.
• Works closely with stakeholders to create and maintain a product backlog according to business value and Return on Investment (ROI).
• Sets expectations with stakeholders for delivery of new features and capabilities.
• Provides an active role in mitigating impediments impacting successful team completion of Release/Sprint goals.
• Provides reporting and presentations to teams, management and stakeholders.
• Researches and analyzes the market, user audiences and the roadmap for the product.
• Maintains a strong understanding of competitors, associates, partners, prospects and best practices. Keeps abreast with Agile/Scrum best practices and new trends.
• Collaborates with internal teams, clients and third-party developers on innovative digital projects throughout the entire development lifecycle and drives initiatives from concept to launch to check and adjust.
• Leverages a dynamic and proactive consultative approach, partnering with business stakeholders and technology partners to research, design, develop and implement solutions that deliver exceptional customer experiences.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Complies with all policies and standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science preferable or equivalent career experience. - Preferred
• Financial services/insurance experience preferred but not required. - Preferred
• A minimum of three years preferred of delivery experience managing or implementing digital technology products (i.e., web, mobile app, cloud software, etc.) delivery, best practices, tools and technologies. In-depth knowledge of Agile, Scrum, and Kanban methodologies, processes and principles. - Required
• Proven strategic thinker with a track record for accomplishing goals and achieving results leveraging analytical and problem-solving skills. -
• Demonstrated passion and empathy for customers combined with a strong understanding of user experience, technical and business issues. -
• Proven track record of leading and delivering successful digital initiatives that address the needs of customers and clients. Creative thinker with a vision balanced with a strong attention to detail. -
• Demonstrated excellent verbal and written communication skills, interpersonal and collaborative skills with the ability to convey complex concepts and information on both the technical and business facets of the job to internal and external customers (technical and non-technical) at all levels in a clear, accurate, focused and concise manner and presentation style. -
• Proven ability to quickly understand, simplify, internalize and communicate complex concepts with a high sense of intellectual curiosity. -
• Demonstrated understanding of key disciplines critical to successful execution; user experience (UX), usability, information architecture, digital marketing, process and resource management, product development, product management, software development, web development, web architecture, industry trends. -
• Proven excellent organizational and time management skills with a proven ability to thrive under pressure. -
• Demonstrated bias toward action, breaking down complex problems into steps that drive actionable plans. -
• Demonstrated up-to-date understanding of market trends and keen interest in following emerging technologies. -
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite with emphasis on Word, Excel and PowerPoint. -
• Demonstrated knowledge of measurement tools and Sprint Delivery software (i.e., Team Foundation Server, Jira or similar). -
• Product owner certifications preferred but not required with demonstrated knowledge. Upon Hire - Preferred

Work Setting/Position Demands:

• Works in an office setting and remains in a stationary position for long periods of time while working at a desk, on a computer or with other standard office equipment, or while in meetings.
• Requires the ability to verbally communicate and exchange accurate information to customers and associates on a regular basis.
• Requires visual acuity to read and interpret a variety of correspondence, procedures, reports and forms via paper and electronic documents, visual inspection involving small defects; small parts, and/or operation of machinery (including inspection); using measurement devices continuously. Visual acuity is required to determine accuracy, neatness, and thoroughness of work assigned.
• Requires the ability to prepare written correspondence, reports and forms using prescribed formats and conforming to rules of punctuation, grammar, diction, and style on a regular basis.
• Requires the ability to apply principles of logical thinking to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions
• Performs substantial movement of wrists, hands, and fingers for continuous computer work.
• Extended hours required during peak workloads or special projects/events.
• Valid Driver's License with a safe driving record

Travel Requirements:

• Occasional travel may be required by car and/or plane.