Associate Director, Technical Product Management

Job Description Summary

Accountable for the performance and results of multiple related departments or areas. Provides leadership and guidance to managers, supervisors, and/or high-level professionals based on organizational goals, company direction, general policies and management guidance within technology product management. Assists in the direction of overall product management, strategic vision and focus, and execution of growth plans for a technology product, product family or segment. Manages and improves technology products through compiling and evaluates research on online/digital product requirements and identifies enhancements to current features and functionality based on expertise in both marketing/product management and online/digital media. Interfaces with engineers, designers, suppliers, and customers to develop online/digital media product requirements and specifications. Effectively manages various aspects of the line of business in support of the organization’s goals and market needs which may include marketing strategies, marketing programs and tools, competitive analyses, market assessment, and product planning. Develops departmental plans, including business, production, operational and/or organizational priorities. Controls resources and contributes to policy formation. Develops and subsequently implements new projects, policies and procedures to meet goals. Contributes to the development of functional strategy. Has a team of at least three WK employees.

Job Description

Associate Director, Technology Product Management

The Associate Director, Technology Product Management is responsible for setting and executing the overall strategic plan from innovation to product. The Associate Director and team will deliver those outcomes by setting a compelling product vision and strategy and influencing the cross-functional teams to contribute effectively towards the execution of that strategy. While each of the other functions in the business is individually accountable for delivering respective outcomes towards the overall success, this role will be ultimately accountable for delivering the business and customer outcomes for the Canadian CCH iFirm and legacy on premise products.

Essential Duties and responsibilities

Leads the delivery of all customer and shareholder outcomes, near-term and long-term, for tax solution set, including revenues, sales, retention and net promoter score.Leads the definition and delivery of a strategically aligned, compelling customer experience.  Works cross-functionally to ensure alignment and delivery of requirements.Leads the development and alignment to a multi-year roadmap for the entire solution set, including addition of new solutions as well as harvesting and rationalizing the portfolio.Leads the development of business cases to help prioritize investments in product-related initiatives.Leads the identification and delivery of new product innovation concepts to maintain a healthy solution pipeline.Leads build/buy/partner assessments and make recommendations.Spends time in field with customers and prospects to understand current and future needs.Gathers and communicates market, competitor and customer insights, including via direct observation. Leads competitive responses, when appropriate.Lead strategic business relationships with strategic business partners.Establishes themselves as the company’s spokesperson for the CCH iFirm product set to the customers, influencers, associations, industry groups, and the market overall.Ensures alignment of all functions in the business on key product/portfolio prioritiesEnsures alignment across the organization to ensure product, operational, customer and sales readiness prior to any release or change.Ensures outputs of cross-functional teams meet the product/portfolio needs, including development, marketing, sales, implementation, training, support, etc.Deeply understands, challenges, and is prepared to defend the tracked and reported performance for tax solution set.Mentor, coaches and develops a diverse team of Technology Product Manager and fosters an inclusive work environment.Leads management of budget in collaboration with Finance and solve issues to deliver revenue commitments.

Job Qualifications

Education: 

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university, or equivalent experience

Graduate degree in a business-related field preferred, especially MBA

Experience: 

·       Minimum 8 years in product management for software products, preferably in the tax / accounting industry

·       Experience leading product management of a complex product portfolio in B2B enterprise software products

·       Preferred experience with working with accounting / tax professionals

Other Knowledge, Skills, Abilities or Certifications: 

·       Commercial orientation and proven track record

·       Business and financial acumen

·       Effective communication – verbal and written; Bilingual (French / English) is an asset

·       Influencing and collaboration

·       Planning, prioritization, and solution orientation

·       Analyzing and synthesizing information

·       Track record of launching innovative solution through deep customer empathy

·       Commitment to continuous improvement and challenging status quo

·       Ability to effectively pivot between strategic and tactical activities

·       Deliver results in times of opportunities and adversities

·       Nimble, quick to respond and adjust

·       Focus on customer satisfaction and continuous improvement

·       Disciplined leader who holds themselves and others accountable

·       Ability to interact, communicate with and influence c-level executives

Travel requirements:

Up to 25%