Product Owner (Process Automation)

We are currently seeking a Product Owner to join our Process Automation Squad.

As a Product Owner for the Process Automation squad, you orient around the squad's persistent purpose: evolve tools and services that automate, integrate and digitize processes and enable capability gains. You will design, build and integrate resilient and flexible technology and data platforms that drive and support transformational change. You are accountable for defining and prioritizing the product backlog based on the value and impact of each feature for the organization, employees and members. You are also accountable for the success of your product(s) and the business outcomes those products drive. You will researchautomation and digitization industry trends and capabilities to inform and inspire your backlog for innovative opportunities. You will collaborate with stakeholders and end users to understand their needs and translate them into actionable story maps and user stories for the Process Automation squad. You will align the product vision with the technology vision, strategies and OKRs (as applicable). You will be responsible to ensure enterprise practices such as development, data governance and change management part of the delivery based on prescribed frameworks. You will work with other squads and teams to ensure that the product is delivered on time and to the highest quality standards. Furthermore, you will monitor and evaluate product performance and use data to drive continuous improvement and innovation.

We are looking for an individual with a proven record of delivering business Process Automation solutions and digitization programs, with a focus on end-user experience, business value and transformational change. Experience in all aspects of the solution lifecycle, from ideation to launch, support and beyond is highly desirable. You are comfortable working in an agile environment, where you can adapt and respond to changing priorities and feedback. You are a highly effective people leader, strong communicator, facilitator and collaborator, who can build trust and rapport with diverse stakeholders and users. You are passionate about learning and growing your skills and knowledge and sharing them with others.

Here's what would be included as a part of your typical day

1. Establishing & Visualizing Vision: Defines the vision and goals for each iteration and works with the squad to refine user stories, features, and epics into a manageable and actionable backlog that is aligned to the highest value for end-users, contains three sprints/iterations of work that meets the squads definition of ready with clearly articulated acceptance criteria, and also contains an additional three sprints/iterations of work aligned to quarterly goals. Defines, aligns, and communicates a long-term view of the product/solution. Aligns product vision and roadmaps with organizational priorities and pod goals, ensuring connection to the squads persistent purpose. Regularly in contact with end users, supports squad engrained change management work to bring awareness of product changes to employees and members.
2. Prioritization of End User Value: Defines and prioritizes user stories to ensure high value generation towards member needs that align with the product experience, vision, and priorities. Effectively prioritizes new feature and product development based on competitive analysis, industry trends, member feedback, and organizational vision.
3. Stakeholder Engagement: Engages with potential vendors and partners to explore opportunities to add additional member value to the overall product experience. Collaborates with other internal departments and Centres of Expertise for the successful roll out of product features on an ongoing basis. Collaborates with Pod Lead and other Product Owners to ensure alignment across related products & features, validating plans, aligning to member, program, and business goals. Integrates strategic guidance from internal divisional advisors and factors this into backlog prioritization.
4. Road Mapping & Milestones: Creates roadmaps to support the vision and direction set out for the product and to provide clarity of the backlog to the squad and external stakeholders. Engages with end users both directly and indirectly to observe and understand end user needs. Scopes product milestones considering existing squad velocity and sustained development of the product.
5. Squad Support: Provides direct support to the squad to ensure end user needs are properly understood and translated into actionable user stories that accurately capture the user's voice, platform, and product requirements as well as organizational or external requirements such as privacy and security.

Required Skills, Experience & Qualifications

• 2 years College, Trade or Tech School Diploma required
• Bachelor's Degree, Certified Agile Product Owner or similar designation preferred
• 4+ years working in a digital retail and/or business product leadership capacity in an FI/Fintech experience required
• Experience in an omnichannel environment preferred
• Demonstrated ability to think both strategically and tactically, looking for innovation
• Brings a high-energy, "can-do" passionate outlook to the job and can influence those around them
• Strong self-starter who can work in a collaborative team environment but isn't afraid to tell it like it is
• Strong relationship building, negotiation and leadership skills, ability to persuade and lead a squad of diverse stakeholders
• Deep understanding of industry trends and client needs, ability to create a value proposition for the client and the product vision, and apply critical thinking to effectively assess risks and opportunities
• Excellent communication and presentation skills with a high degree of comfort in speaking with senior leaders
• Experience with a variety of customer insight tools including qualitative research techniques, digital analytics, user testing
• Experience working in a complex product development environment with Agile methodologies
• Experience as a Product Owner with large scale end user experiences, strong skills of maintaining and prioritizing a product backlog
• Displays an understanding of risk and risk ownership by being able to demonstrate adherence to policies and procedures.

Pay Transparency

Salary Range: $97,600 - $125,100

Please note, the salary range mentioned in this job posting should serve as a guide. The final compensation offered may vary based on a variety of factors including bonuses and/or incentives, or a candidate's skills and experience. First West is committed to providing a fair, equitable, and competitive rewards package that reflects the value an individual brings to our organization.