Product Manager

Simpson Associates transforms raw data into actionable insights that drive positive change.

Our Microsoft data expertise, our specialist sector knowledge, plus our innovative and trusted advice and guidance are just some of the reasons clients choose to work with us.

Our mission is to help purpose-led organisations from within the public and private sectors to harness data as a lever for change and enable them to realise business value more quickly. We provide the full range of services to support organisations on their data transformation journey. From advisory support and data strategy, to developing Data & AI solutions, right through to providing a range of managed services.

We are a Microsoft Solutions Partner, holding Specialisations in AI Platform on Microsoft Azure, Build AI Apps on Microsoft Azure, Analytics on Microsoft Azure, Data Warehouse Migration to Microsoft Azure and Migrate Enterprise Applications to Microsoft Azure, as well as holding Solutions Partner designations in Data & AI (Azure); Digital & App Innovation (Azure); Infrastructure (Azure) and Security.

But it's not just about the badges. We are proud to be recognised as the winner of the 2024 Microsoft Community Response Partner of the Year award, reflecting our dedication to using technology for positive change. We are also a Databricks partner, and an IBM Gold Partner, specialising in Cognos Analytics and Planning Analytics.

With offices in York and Sheffield, and a team based throughout the UK – we champion creativity, innovation and collaboration in the workplace.

The Role

Our first Product Manager will be responsible for defining and leading the growth of our Product Development function, bringing together and formalising existing capabilities within the organisation. Working with relevant stakeholders across the business, the Product Manager will create and execute a product development roadmap, taking ideas from concept, through sign-off and development, to market. They will also establish and drive strong working practices which ensure that products are designed and maintained in line with commercial plans, and in compliance with defined software development and information security management practices.

This role requires a proven understanding of what it takes to confidently and consistently bring technical products to market, strong project/programme management, a balanced understanding of commercial and technical priorities and solving customer and ecosystem business challenges through productization. Note whilst not a hands-on technical role, you should be adept and comfortable interacting with development teams.

You must have a passion for data and innovation and how this can improve outcomes, the products that we bring to market will make a massive difference to both our clients and colleagues.

Key Responsibilities

• Overall ownership of the Product Development function, planning and executing to agreed priorities.
• Manage the Product Development team, adjusting your approach to effectively lead a blended team which may consist of a mix of UK and overseas team members.
• Develop and communicate a clear and compelling product vision and strategy in line with the company's overall objectives – for the overall Product Development function and each product we bring to market.
• Create and maintain a product roadmap that outlines key milestones and deliverables, prioritising features and enhancements based on client needs and market demand.
• Scope, agree and drive delivery of product development activity, working to agreed budget, milestones and timescales.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including Delivery, Operations, Marketing and Sales, to ensure successful product development and delivery.
• Drive the product discovery process, including market research, customer feedback, competitive analysis and technology trends to identify new opportunities and define product requirements which meet a market need.
• Act as the voice of the client within the development process, working with other teams to gather feedback and insights to drive product and user experience enhancements.
• Define and track key performance metrics to measure the success and impact of products as they come to market, making data-driven decisions to optimise performance and prioritise development requirements.
• Create clear, accessible processes to gain insights on potential product opportunities and technology changes from expert teams within the business.

Skills and Attributes Required

• Experience as a Product Owner / Product Manager, ideally in the tech services space.
• Demonstrable experience of building and leading a development team, with experience of working with offshore team members an advantage.
• You have worked in fast growing organisations. Fast growth is fun, but very different from steady-state businesses, so it's important you understand this concept.
• Strong commercial understanding, and the ability to balance technical and commercial drivers in product scoping and development.
• Experience in owning and/or developing software-as-a-service (SaaS) products.
• Exceptional project and programme management skills, with strong stakeholder and risk management to deliver commercially and operationally successful products to market.
• Whilst hands-on development expertise is not essential, this role requires sufficient technical understanding to assess product & commercial viability, to ensure project scopes are realistic and deliverable, and to meaningfully lead product development team activity.
• Curiosity and drive, bringing critical thinking to solve complex problems.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and persuade when working with a wide range of stakeholders to deliver collective goals.