Product Owner jobs

The role of the product owner is primarily that of a project manager, with an emphasis on technology. While the role can vary depending on the nature of a project, a product owner’s responsibilities generally follow the same pattern. The product owner's main duty is to lead a Scrum team in order to deliver a product. The role is usually entirely digital, while the final ‘product’ is software-related. Working in an Agile capacity, it is the product owner’s responsibility to set, manage and monitor the output of their Scrum team, ensuring that the product delivers on the requirements of the business. As the title suggests, the product owner ultimately “owns” responsibility for the product, and must ensure that all aspects of its design and delivery meet the end user’s needs. In smaller organisations, such as start-ups or SMEs, freelance product owners may be brought on board to work on one-off projects.

Typical tasks of a product owner

A product owner can work across multiple sectors, such as technology, healthcare, retail, or finance. However, people within such roles are generally expected to deliver on similar tasks, whichever field they work in. They must define a vision and delivery roadmap for each project, which involves strategic planning and technical understanding. The product owner manages the Scrum team’s day-to-day activities, prioritising workflow based on business objectives. Leading daily scrums, to ensure each member of the team has enough work, is a major part of this role, as is assessment of work delivered. The product owner will act as the main contact point between key stakeholders (such as users or external customers) and their team. Therefore, it is the product owner’s job to constantly assess the project from an external, ‘human’ point of view. Product owners may be expected to conduct regular research and analysis into a product’s roadmap and impact on intended users. Staying abreast of competitors and Agile-working best practice may feature in the job description.

Qualifications required for a product owner

Given the leadership qualities needed, previous experience in a similar position is usually required for a product owner role. A degree in marketing, business or computer science may be beneficial. While not a requirement, employers often look favourably upon candidates with a Scrum product owner certification. If the product is related to a specific sector (such as healthcare or finance), experience with working in a similar environment may be required. 

Hard/soft skills needed for a product owner

A product owner must possess a wide range of technical skills. These include understanding and ability in development, design, Agile ways of working, the Scrum approach and IT infrastructure. Must-have soft skills include impeccable communication, logical problem-solving and a flair for leadership. The best product owners are often brilliant team players and collaborators, as well as self-starters. Strong IT skills, solid time management and excellent business acumen are helpful.