Manager, Product Operations
(Ref #D2LMPO)
General Description:
The Manager, Product Operations oversees wide sweeping initiatives, objectives and processes that impact the Product Development group and its ability to successfully and efficiently roll out quality products.
They will be tasked with developing and implementing strategies to help manage the growth in product development as we create new teams, introduce new process, or develop new interlocks with other internal or external groups. Their focus will be on ensuring consistent and repeatable processes for management reporting, budgeting, project planning, compliance and other facets of the day to day operations of product development. They will also play a key role in ensuring effective execution of divisional or corporate initiatives - acting as product development's liaison to the corporate operations and planning group.
The ideal candidate will have strong experience in product development and operational management, including release management, team performance and reporting, program management, financial analysis, and meeting planning, as well as demonstrated ability to influence other leaders to achieve goals.
Division/Department: Product Development
Type of Position: Full-time
Location: Kitchener, Ontario
Main Duties:
The Manager, Product Operations will oversee/perform the following tasks:
- Own and drive the overall coordination of the product release and launch process
- Act as the program manager to drive product development initiatives (e.g. Efficiency projects, internal coordination and planning of Beta programs, etc..)
- Create and drive documentation of development specific policies and procedures
- Develop operational policies and processes and oversee adherence to these
- Drive IP mining and review sessions in individual technical teams in advance of releases and public disclosures
- Coordination and publication of roadmaps from across our product teams to key internal stakeholders
- Coordinate RFP responses for larger proposals across product development
- Meet routinely with Program Managers to collaboratively monitor and evaluate recent performance, plan, prioritize, and schedule upcoming tasks/initiatives, both strategic and tactical
Analysis and reporting:
- Work with management to define, track and report on KPIs as well as divisional objectives
- Work with Product and Program Management to obtain the necessary data to support KPI analysis
- Work with management to develop, deliver and enhance routine management and operational reporting, as well as necessary ad hoc reporting
- Provide and maintain tools for tracking key product metrics, trending, and forecasting, including dashboards
Product team support:
- Work with the Talent Development group, for the facilitation creation and maintenance of onboarding and training programs for product development roles
- Streamline and improve hiring and talent acquisition practices
- Assist in coordinating new Solutions offerings with product components to enable successful solution launches
- Facilitate management of holistic professional development plans across the product group to ensure alignment and efficiency
- Coordinate divisional meetings, Town Halls, and participate in broad-based divisional communication initiatives
Essential Skills and Qualifications
Required professional skills:
- Business Skills (planning & organizing, analysis, decision-making, process orientation, and quality focus)
- Management Skills (prioritization, team relationships, time management, project management, self-discipline, budget management, and delegation skills)
- Leadership Skills (strategic thinking, creativity, integrity, trust, accountability, credibility, judgment, persuasion/influence, fairness, high ethical standards).
- Communication Skills (well-developed verbal, written, listening, and presentation skills, high computer and internet literacy)
- Personal Characteristics (positive attitude, energy, enthusiasm, strong work ethic, common sense, teamwork, flexibility, initiative, maturity, proactive, solution-oriented, collaborative, flexible and creative
Other Requirements:
- Minimum of 5 years' experience managing product development, business and/or professional services groups
- Experience managing complicated product release and coordination processes
- Strong management and communication skills
- Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously and work effectively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment with rapidly changing priorities
- Strong analytical and research skills
- Attention to detail
- Understanding of business operations and processes
- Advanced level usage of Microsoft Office and Sharepoint
We thank all applicants in advance for their interest. To make the best use of your time and ours, only those applicants whose profiles closely match our requirements will be contacted directly.
