Principal Product Manager, Utility Products & Grid Services

As a Principal Product Manager at SPAN, your key responsibilities will include developing and refining the product vision and strategy, creating and managing the product roadmap, overseeing the entire product lifecycle from requirements to launch, and ensuring seamless collaboration across the organization and with utility partners. You will also be expected to drive innovation in our utility and grid services product offerings through a deep understanding of distribution systems while effectively navigating ambiguity.

To qualify for the Principal Product Manager position at SPAN, you should have at least 10 years of product management experience, with a minimum of 5 years in technical product management related to utilities or relevant adjacent domains. A solid background in developing and launching machine learning, AI-driven, and cloud-based products, as well as familiarity with distributed energy resource control standards, is essential. A BA/BS degree in Computer Science, Business, Engineering, or a related field is also required.

SPAN is dedicated to fostering a culture of learning and innovation for its Principal Product Manager. This includes mentorship opportunities, access to ongoing training in the latest technologies and industry trends, and a collaborative environment where ideas can be freely exchanged. By being part of a team that embraces rapid experimentation and a focus on product best practices, you will have numerous chances to refine your skills and contribute to important projects.

The Principal Product Manager role at SPAN is unique because you will be joining a crucial initiative that aims to transform the energy landscape. You will work at the intersection of technology and sustainability, helping to electrify and decarbonize the grid while directly impacting utility partners and end customers. Additionally, as a vital leader in a rapidly evolving sector, you will have the chance to shape the direction of utility products and drive meaningful change.

At SPAN, you can expect a work culture that values innovation, collaboration, and empowerment. The organization encourages a proactive approach to problem-solving and prioritizes open communication. As a Principal Product Manager, you will work alongside passionate individuals committed to making a difference in the energy sector, creating an inspiring environment where everyone contributes to shared goals.

When answering this question, provide specific examples of products you have managed within the utility sector, highlighting your understanding of the market dynamics and regulatory landscape. Discuss how you engaged with partners and drove innovative solutions tailored to their needs.

A successful product launch involves careful planning and execution across multiple phases, rooted in clear objectives and collaboration. Highlight the importance of thorough market research, setting measurable goals, and aligning teams to ensure the product meets market needs and creates genuine value.

Explain your methodology for creating a product roadmap by mentioning the importance of customer feedback, market trends, and strategic business goals. Emphasize involving cross-functional teams to gather insights that inform prioritization and timelines, ensuring alignment with overall business objectives.

When addressing this question, stress the importance of fostering a collaborative environment where all team members can voice their opinions. Emphasize your ability to listen actively, mediate discussions, and find common ground, ultimately steering the team towards a decision aligned with the product vision.

Share a specific project that showcases your leadership skills, detailing how you set goals, coordinated stakeholders, addressed obstacles, and ensured timely delivery. Highlight the outcomes and any lessons learned that could be applied to future projects.

Discuss key performance indicators (KPIs) that are relevant to the role, such as customer satisfaction, market share growth, and revenue impact. Explain how you use data analytics to track these metrics, assess product performance, and make informed decisions for future developments.

Be prepared to discuss potential challenges such as regulatory compliance, the integration of new technologies, and evolving customer needs. Demonstrate your analytical thinking and problem-solving strategies by offering insights into how you would address these challenges to drive product success.

Highlight your commitment to customer-centric product development by outlining strategies for gathering feedback through surveys, interviews, and usability testing. Discuss how you synthesize this feedback into actionable insights that inform product enhancements and drive user satisfaction.

Articulate the pivotal role of product managers in bridging the gap between cross-functional teams, understanding market needs, and defining product vision. Emphasize their responsibility to drive innovation and align products with overall business goals, ultimately leading to company growth.

Use this opportunity to express your passion for clean energy and how SPAN’s mission aligns with your personal and professional values. Highlight specific aspects of the company's culture, goals, or products that resonate with you and showcase your commitment to contributing positively to the team.