Product Director

Black Swan Data is a leading provider of data, software and consulting services for the consumer goods industry. Our technology uses AI and social data to power the insight and innovation capabilities of brands like PepsiCo, Kraft Heinz and Heineken.

We are a values-driven company that is committed to our people’s wellbeing and growth. We believe that our people are our greatest asset, and we want to create an environment where they can thrive.

Technical Accountabilities:

• Own the product strategy and vision in line with the overall company vision and strategy
• Own the overall product backlog and work with stakeholders to define the strategic product roadmap
• Define and develop new products and market positioning based upon customer need and competitive environment
• Lead the team to prepare for successful launch of new or existing products to key markets while dealing with multiple priorities
• Manage and direct internal resources and external vendors for effective implementation of new products
• Deliver regular executive communication to key stakeholders on current and future products with associated metrics and milestone achievement
• Ensure effective communication of requirements and priorities with technical teams using in-depth knowledge and experience of technical delivery processes
• Act as subject matter expert when guiding cross-functional teams through definition, development, release and maintenance
• Foster effective team work by proactively sharing information and working collaboratively with internal stakeholders
• Accountable for reporting on KPI metrics
• Demonstrate understanding and usage of analytics and user behaviour to assess and action product improvement

Key Success Criteria:

• Strategy: Clearly understood and shared product vision and strategy in line with the overall company vision and strategy
• Delivery: Ensure clear, measurable success criteria are defined and tracked for every feature, initiative and release of your Product
• Communication: Monthly update to the company and user base on your roadmap
• Communication: Weekly triage of customer asks vs. roadmap
• Communication: Ongoing engagement with Product Marketing to articulate the value of your product roadmap
• Communication: Monthly cadence of briefings for Sales and Marketing
• Communication: Weekly reporting on key Product KPIs
• Engagement: Defined work plan per client or client/customer group to ensure client/customer needs and are met
• Budget: Work with Production to deliver roadmap against agreed budget
• Define Product scope for every project/feature/release
• Quality: variance in bug counts change over the period for each client on a monthly basis
• Segmentation: Map features and bugs against target users.
• Documentation: Support Product Marketing to deliver the right level of documentation for every project/feature/release
• People: Ensure senior and junior team members are progressing their skills

Technical Knowledge and Experience:

• BA/BS degree in Computer Science or related technical field, or equivalent practical experience.
• 5+ years of consumer technology product management experience or experience in a relevant field 
• 4+ years experience with Market Research tools and products
• Experience in multi-language and multi locale offices.
• Strong analytical and problem solving skills; detail-oriented with experience of  interpreting data to prove assumptions and concepts.
• Proven track record of successfully working with cross-functional teams through digital product/features releases
• Must have the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels 

We offer competitive compensation, a dynamic and collaborative work environment, and abundant opportunities for professional growth and advancement. 

What makes a Swan? 

We want people fanatical about creating innovative solutions inspired by data. We know Black Swan’s DNA is different, it’s what helps us find new perspectives on our clients’ problems. Working in a fast paced, energized environment, our bar is set high, and an ability to build long lasting partnerships both internally and externally is vital. 

We have made a difference at our core and that is embedded in our values. 

• We believe in long-term partnerships through transparency and honesty. 
• We believe in leaving the world in a better place than we found it. 
• We believe anyone can achieve great things. We do not put people in boxes. 
• We listen more than we talk. 
• We think 10% crazy is just about right! 
• Most importantly, and because you spend 60% of your waking time at work, we believe you should enjoy it. 

 What We Offer? 

Hybrid Working – 2 days in the office per week (Thursday being our whole company connection day in the office). Some roles will also be eligible to apply for 100% remote working. 

Career Development - At Black Swan, we prioritise your development. We break new ground daily - and that provides every Swan with the opportunity to build career-defining skills and experience.  

Working environment- Because you spend 60% of your time at work, we try to make it enjoyable! You will benefit from our global benefits: Share options, staff referral scheme, wellness day, development day, flexible working, internal and online training initiatives, volunteering opportunities at whiteswan.org.uk, birthday half day, social events, and a flexible leave policy. 

Exciting Clients and Projects- We work with some of the world’s most pioneering CPG brands, and operate at the cutting-edge of our industry, solving our clients' problems with technology. 

Talented Teams - We employ the best talent in the market – as a Swan you will be exposed to highly skilled and multi-disciplined teams across 3 continents.   

We want to positively change the future through technology and the power of prediction. How about you?