Product Manager (Contract)

At our company, the Product Manager is essential for collaborating with client stakeholders to turn business needs into actionable solutions. Key responsibilities include writing user stories and acceptance criteria, documenting project strategies, and ensuring smooth implementation across departments. You will actively drive the product roadmap and contribute to defining the project vision for both large and complex projects, while also mentoring fellow team members as needed.

To be a strong candidate for the Product Manager position, we prefer a BS/BA in a relevant field or equivalent practical experience, coupled with at least 5 years of experience managing products in strategic roles, especially in eCommerce, marketing, or consulting. Familiarity with tools like JIRA, Azure DevOps, and a solid foundation in various SDLC methodologies like Agile and Scrum are pivotal to your success.

Success as a Product Manager in our organization is defined by your ability to understand client needs deeply, deliver solutions that align with their goals, and maintain effective communications across all teams involved. Building strong relationships both internally and externally, fostering a collaborative spirit, and navigating challenges with resourcefulness play a crucial role in achieving success in this position.

Our Product Managers utilize various tools that are crucial for tracking and managing projects effectively. Familiarity with JIRA, Azure DevOps, and project management software is invaluable. Additionally, having a strong command of MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint will aid in clear communication and documentation, ensuring everyone is on the same page.

As a Product Manager, you will be working on a diverse range of projects across various platforms, including Adobe, Drupal, Magento, and Shopify. Your role will involve overseeing the entire product lifecycle—from conception to deployment—allowing you to impact various client solutions and improve their user experiences.

When writing user stories, it’s crucial to capture the ‘who’, ‘what’, and ‘why’ by identifying the user, the action they want to take, and the value or benefit it brings. I ensure to make stories clear and manageable, breaking down larger tasks into smaller, actionable pieces that can be easily prioritized and worked on by the team.

I prioritize tasks in the product backlog by assessing them based on their value to the users, the impact on business outcomes, and available resources. This often involves collaborating with stakeholders to ensure alignment with company goals and customer needs while continually reevaluating priorities as new information comes in.

I have extensive experience working in Agile environments, where I actively participate in sprints, prioritize backlogs, and facilitate regular stand-ups. Embracing an Agile mindset allows me to adapt quickly to changes and focus on delivering incremental value to clients while also gathering feedback for continuous improvement.

In cases of disagreement, I facilitate open discussions to understand different perspectives. By promoting a culture of respect and collaboration, I encourage team members to express their viewpoints while guiding us toward a consensus that focuses on client goals and project success.

Absolutely! One notable project involved launching a new eCommerce platform for a major client. I collaborated with cross-functional teams, gathered requirements, and facilitated iterations, ensuring we met client expectations. The launch was successful, leading to a significant increase in user engagement and sales, which was incredibly rewarding.

I prioritize clear and consistent communication with stakeholders, ensuring they are involved at every stage of the project. Regular updates and feedback sessions help to manage expectations and foster trust, while also allowing us to address any concerns early in the process.

I stay current with trends in product management by engaging with industry blogs, attending webinars, and participating in relevant networking events. Continuous learning is vital, so I actively seek out training opportunities and connect with other professionals to share insights and best practices.

When defining project milestones, I consider key deliverables that align with client objectives and overall project timelines. Milestones should be clear, measurable, and significant to the project’s success, ensuring they help track progress and motivate the team.

I emphasize planning and communication to keep everyone on track. I set realistic deadlines based on the team’s capacity and provide support in overcoming any obstacles. Regular check-ins are also essential to ensure we stay aligned with project timelines.

When facing unexpected challenges, I assess the situation quickly to understand the root cause. I then facilitate discussions with the team to brainstorm potential solutions. By approaching these challenges collaboratively, we can often pivot our strategy while keeping the project aligned with its goals.