Jobs

Posted 1 October 2011

Product Manager
OCLC

Deadline: 'open until filled'

OCLC is looking for a Product Manager, Digital Collection Services to make an impact on libraries around the world from our Seattle, Washington, office.

Consistently named one of IDG's Computerworld 100 Best Places to Work in IT, OCLC is a nonprofit library service and research organization that has provided computer-based cataloging, reference, resource sharing, eContent, preservation, library management and Web services to 72,000 libraries in 170 countries and territories. OCLC and its member libraries worldwide have created and maintain WorldCat, the world's richest online resource for finding library materials.

The Product Manager is responsible for all aspects of product planning and development of software for the development of digital collections and digital content delivery used by libraries and museums around the world. This role also provides input to the product marketing team in product release and promotional efforts.

The Product Manager is responsible for the following deliverables:

Produces: Product strategy, roadmaps, annual product plans, business cases, launch plans, user requirements, functional specifications, product presentations, market messaging, event support, and competitive write-ups.

Contributes to the production of: Portfolio business plans, strategies, roadmaps, metrics, and operational plans; portfolio progress plans and reviews; user personas and interaction maps; marketing materials; and product documentation and support

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Product Strategy and Planning:

* Oversees market analysis and develops product strategy and business case. Defines strategic product goals.
* Produces product roadmap.
* Collaborates with finance in the production of product budgets and forecasts.
* Develops pricing strategies and product positioning plans that contribute to maximizing product profitability.

Product Development and Release:

* Creates user requirements and functional specifications.
* Collaborates with product team to ensure requirements are met.
* Develops and executes release plans.

Leadership and Management:

* Provides leadership to cross-functional product workgroups. Leads product management meetings. Resolves conflicts and drives consensus.
* Facilitates collaboration and communication and secures commitment among Development, Product Management, and other divisional workgroups toward achievement of common goals.
* Develops and monitors progress on product roadmap.

Product Marketing and User Support Oversight and Consultation:

* Assists in the development of strategies for customer acquisition and retention, and assists sales team in generation of marketing and awareness plans.
* Interacts and develops relationships with user groups; gathers input from user community to inform product direction and requirements.
* Provides training and support to the sales and support team; may assist in significant sales calls.
* Analyzes product wins and losses against alternate service providers, and provides meaningful information to aid product planning.

QUALIFICATIONS:
*Five or more years of experience in product, project or program management with demonstrated ability to deliver high-quality products and services.
*Bachelor's degree in a related field.
*Two or more years of experience in supporting online/database products and services preferably in the library, education, or information fields.
*Important traits include entrepreneurial attitude, team player, leadership skills, and self-confidence.
*Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional team environment and manage multiple priorities.
*Strong understanding of a Product Management Lifecycle model.
*Extensive understanding of technical capabilities and market requirements needed to develop innovative market plans.
*Well-developed communication and presentation skills, and demonstrated experience in presenting information at a senior-management level.
*Strong customer relationship skills.
*Experience in library services, digital libraries, and/or content management a plus.
*Knowledge of library markets, information professionals and relevant technologies desired but not required.

TO APPLY: Please visit our website at www.oclc.org and locate Job #2013. Build a personal profile by uploading your Word-formatted resume.