Product Manager - Vietnam

As a Product Manager at what3words in Vietnam, you will be responsible for managing the product development process, which includes working with cross-functional teams to define user stories, managing the backlog, and leading sprint meetings. Additionally, you would coordinate with business and tech teams to ensure timely feature releases that meet our users' needs. Your role will require you to engage in constant communication and collaboration to develop innovative solutions for our products.

To become a Product Manager at what3words in Ho Chi Minh City, you should have a strong technical background, especially with APIs, along with proven experience in leading product development for complex applications. Excellent communication skills in English, a keen understanding of agile methodologies, and prior experience with product roadmapping and feature prioritization are essential. Familiarity with project management tools like Jira is a bonus!

The work culture at what3words supports Product Managers in Vietnam through a flexible and collaborative environment. You can work from our office or choose to work remotely for up to two days a week, plus a six-week annual remote work policy. We prioritize equality, diversity, and inclusion, encouraging a variety of perspectives that enhance our products and company culture, thereby fostering a better workplace for everyone.

Product Managers at what3words in Vietnam can enjoy a range of benefits, including a competitive salary, flexible working arrangements, and 25 days of holiday with the option to buy more. Employees also benefit from a six-week remote working policy, share options, private health insurance, and wellbeing days, alongside support from the Employee Assistance Programme (EAP). We also host lunch and learn sessions and provide a team social budget for team-building activities.

A passion for maps is vital for a Product Manager at what3words because our core products revolve around location technology. Understanding geographical concepts and the nuances of navigation can significantly enhance your ability to empathize with users and make informed decisions about product development. Your enthusiasm for maps will drive innovative features that enable users to better communicate their locations, fulfilling our mission of helping everyone talk about everywhere.

In my experience with product roadmapping, I have worked closely with stakeholders to align product features with business objectives and user needs. Roadmaps are crucial as they provide a strategic vision for the product's future and guide decision-making processes. I believe in creating roadmaps that are adaptable while still providing a clear path for the development team to follow. In interviews, it’s beneficial to highlight specific examples where your roadmap led to successful product releases.

When prioritizing features in a product backlog, I focus on several factors: user impact, alignment with business goals, and development resource availability. I utilize methods such as the MoSCoW prioritization (Must have, Should have, Could have, Won't have) to evaluate each feature's importance. During interviews, you can strengthen your response by referencing tools you use, such as Jira, or specific frameworks that help organize and prioritize tasks effectively.

To facilitate communication between development teams and stakeholders, I advocate for regular sync-ups, agile ceremonies, and transparency in project management tools. Ensuring that all parties have access to project updates and feedback ensures that everyone is on the same page. During an interview, you can discuss specific tools you employ for effective communication, such as Slack or Asana, and emphasize the importance of fostering an open dialogue within the team.

User stories are defined as concise, clear descriptions of features from an end-user's perspective, typically following the format: 'As a [user type], I want [goal/desire] so that [benefit].' They are essential because they provide a focused approach for development teams, ensuring features are built with user needs in mind. In an interview, you can exemplify your usual process of gathering requirements and translating them into actionable user stories that drive development.

I once led a product feature launch where we had to meet an unexpected deadline due to market changes. By prioritizing key functionalities and coordinating closely with cross-functional teams, we were able to streamline our process. This experience taught me the importance of adaptability and clear communication. In an interview, it’s effective to communicate not just the outcome but the specific strategies you applied to meet the deadline while ensuring quality.

I stay informed about technological advancements by regularly reading industry publications, attending webinars, and participating in professional networks. This continuous learning helps me identify trends that could enhance our product management strategies. In interviews, you could mention a recent trend you've followed and how you believe it can be applied within the context of what3words.

Feedback is a cornerstone of my product development process as it provides insights directly from users and stakeholders. I ensure to gather feedback through user testing, surveys, and post-launch interviews, which informs future enhancements. In an interview setting, sharing concrete examples of how user feedback shaped a feature or product can showcase your commitment to a user-centered approach.

In instances of disagreement regarding product priorities, I prefer to facilitate an open discussion that addresses each party's concerns. Active listening and encouraging a collaborative approach often lead to a consensus where everyone feels heard. Sharing an example in an interview where you successfully navigated such a situation can illustrate your leadership and conflict resolution skills.

To manage remote teams effectively, I leverage tools for communication and project management while emphasizing regular check-ins. Promoting a culture of transparency is crucial, and I make sure everyone is aligned on goals and tasks. In interviews, discussing specific tools like Zoom for meetings or Trello for task tracking can provide tangible examples of how you've successfully managed remote teams.

I am particularly drawn to the role of Product Manager at what3words because of my passion for innovative location technology and its potential to solve real-world challenges. The company’s mission resonates with me, and I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to products that enhance user experiences across diverse sectors. In an interview, emphasizing your alignment with the company’s values and your enthusiasm for their mission will help convey your genuine interest in the position.