Product Manager

About the role

As a , you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our innovative programs and services. You will be responsible for guiding the development and enhancement of products that bridge the gap between academia and industry, ultimately fostering research collaborations that drive economic growth. This position requires a strategic mindset, a passion for problem-solving, and the ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams to deliver impactful solutions. Your contributions will directly influence the success of our initiatives and the value we provide to our stakeholders.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Lead the product lifecycle from concept to launch, ensuring alignment with Mitacs' strategic objectives and stakeholder needs.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including engineering, design, and marketing, to define product vision and roadmap.
• Conduct market research and user interviews to gather insights that inform product development and enhancements.
• Develop detailed product specifications and requirements, translating user needs into actionable tasks for development teams.
• Monitor product performance metrics and user feedback to identify areas for improvement and drive iterative enhancements.
• Facilitate agile ceremonies, such as sprint planning and retrospectives, to ensure efficient product development processes.
• Create and maintain comprehensive documentation, including user stories, acceptance criteria, and release notes, to support transparency and knowledge sharing.
• Engage with external partners and stakeholders to gather feedback and foster collaboration that enhances product offerings.
• Present product updates and strategic initiatives to senior leadership, articulating the value and impact of product decisions.
• Stay abreast of industry trends and competitive landscape to identify opportunities for innovation and differentiation.
• Mentor and guide junior team members, fostering a culture of learning and continuous improvement within the product team.
• Champion user-centered design principles, advocating for the needs and experiences of end-users throughout the product development process.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as Business, Engineering, or Computer Science; a Master's degree is a plus.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in product management or a related role, preferably within the technology or research sectors.
• Proven track record of successfully launching and managing products from inception to market.
• Strong understanding of agile methodologies and experience working in agile environments.
• Excellent analytical skills, with the ability to interpret data and make data-driven decisions.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, capable of collaborating with diverse teams and stakeholders.
• Experience with product management tools such as JIRA, Trello, or Asana, and familiarity with user experience design principles.
• Ability to prioritize tasks effectively and manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong problem-solving skills, with a creative approach to overcoming challenges and driving product success.

Nice to have

• Experience in the research or academic sector, with an understanding of the challenges and opportunities in this space.
• Familiarity with data analytics tools and techniques, enabling you to derive insights from user data.
• Knowledge of software development processes and technical concepts, allowing for effective communication with engineering teams.
• Previous experience working with external partners or stakeholders in a collaborative capacity.
• Certification in product management or agile methodologies (e.g., Certified Scrum Product Owner) is a plus.

Skills & tools

• Proficient in product management software and tools (e.g., JIRA, Confluence, Aha!).
• Strong analytical skills with experience in data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Google Analytics).
• Excellent presentation skills, with the ability to convey complex information clearly and concisely.
• Familiarity with user research methodologies and usability testing techniques.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, ensuring high-quality deliverables.

Practical notes

• The specific location for this role is currently unknown; however, Mitacs is open to candidates from various regions.
• The salary for this position is competitive and will be determined based on the candidate's experience and qualifications.
• Candidates requiring visa sponsorship are encouraged to apply, as Mitacs is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace.

If you are passionate about driving innovation and making a meaningful impact through product management, we invite you to apply for the Product Manager position at Mitacs. Join us in our mission to connect academia and industry and contribute to the advancement of research and development in Canada.