Product Owners are responsible for defining requirements, assisting with the overall product roadmap/vision, and driving value at the scrum team level. Product Owners work closely with teams and are the “voice of the customer”, ensuring the needs of the end-user are incorporated into the product from design to deployment. Product owners are responsible for the authoring of functional user stories which are used to support the day to day development of new features and capabilities.
The IT Product Owner (IT PO) on the Merchandising Platform team will partner with other IT PO’s and stakeholders to translate product strategy and problem-solving into a detailed, prioritized backlog of user stories. The Platform Operations team is responsible for design, development, and deployment of Cloud and On-Prem system enhancements for our Merchandising development teams. The Product Owner will collaborate with internal business product teams to implement, measure, and learn from the improvements they have made. The Product Owner manages execution of the product features and delivery roadmap for the Platform teams’ projects that are aligned to KPI's that measure the objectives of both Costco’s IT Division and line of business stakeholders.
Job Duties/Essential Functions
Defines and communicates the minimum viable product (MVP) for a given application/product and the supporting release plans.
Collaborates with Product Managers, Merch Product Owners, and technology stakeholders (e.g., Systems Architects) to define new and or enhanced product requirements and functionality.
Collaborates with Product Managers and Merch Product Owners to support the prioritization of feature enablers defined by Architects within the product roadmap.
Works continuously/daily with teams to provide answers, feedback and direction on work items, enablers, user stories, etc.
Consults with Product Managers other Merch Product Owners for guidance and clarity on the product vision, roadmap, requirements, etc.
Collaborates with Merch Product Owners to ensure the work managed by teams achieves the highest value relative to needs/priority of the business.
Collaborates with Merch Product Owners and teams to define the sprint plan based on the priority outlined within the overall product vision and roadmap.
Prioritizes the sprint backlog (as part of the sprint planning ceremony) based on the sequencing/ranking of features defined in the product roadmap.
Refines product requirements based on the input obtained through sprint showcases/demos.
Creates and authors user stories with detailed acceptance criteria written in the customers’ voice.
Collaborates with the team to prepare the estimates for the user stories within the product backlog.
Conducts the formal review and acceptance of user stories implemented by a team within a sprint.
Drives the execution of user acceptance testing (UAT) activities with support from business and technology team members.
Supports and participates in program level ceremonies including product increment (PI) planning sessions with input and consultation from the Product Manager.
Performs functional reviews as part of sprint demos and showcases along with the Product Manager and Delivery Manager.
Communicates with team members, stakeholders, and all levels of Management.
Works with stakeholders to identify solutions that support their business requirements.
Facilitates the rollout of technology solutions to the business areas.
Facilitates resolutions to system issues.
Assists in business data query and analysis.
Provides leadership for small initiatives.
Works with other Product Owners in the manufacturing space to ensure consistent delivery across all plants in the vertical.
Assists with demand planning and project financial management as needed.
Regular and reliable workplace attendance at your assigned location.
Ability to operate vehicles, equipment or machinery
Computer, phone, printer, copier, fax.
Non-Essential Functions
Ability to operate vehicles, equipment or machinery
Experience, Skills, Education & Licenses/Certifications
Required:
3+ years’ experience as a Scrum Master or Product Owner.
3+ years’ experience with Agile and associated Ceremonies.
Previous experience in the IT Merchandising Department.
Proven experience with creating documentation for communication with varied audiences.
Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to negotiate and effectively engage with individuals at all levels of the organization; ability to demonstrate strong communication skills, both verbal and written.
Ability to work independently and manage multiple parallel work assignments.
Ability to demonstrate a strong work ethic, attention to detail, and excellent time-management skills.
Excellent analytical skills and ability to effectively troubleshoot and provide solutions.
Scheduling flexibility to meet the needs of the business, including evening, weekend, and holiday work, as well as 24/7, on call support; ability to travel as needed.
Recommended:
Agile Certified Product Owner.
Experience with Microsoft Azure or cloud-based solutions.
Experience with facilitating multiple teams at one time.
Deadline oriented and capable of self-management.
Data query and analysis experience.
Understanding of financial planning, vendor management, and negotiations.
Proficient in Google Workspace applications, including Sheets, Docs, Slides, and Gmail.
Successful internal candidates will have spent one year or more on their current team.
Other Conditions
Required Documents
● Cover Letter
● Resume
● Last two performance reviews
● Attendance records for current year (Do not include absences covered by paid sick/personal time,
FMLA or other protected absences.)
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