Product Owner - Defender Tools

Job#: 3018632

Job Description:

Apex Systems, a World-Class Technology Solutions Provider, is seeking applicants for the below position on behalf of our client. Please apply if interested and qualified. Please note that only qualified candidates will be contacted.

Position: Product Owner (Defender Tools)

Location: Hybrid On-Site Chicago or Denver

Duration: 12-18 Month Contract

Type: W2 contract, paid hourly

Pay Rate Range: W2 $60-64/hr

Responsibilities:

Collaborate with cross-functional teams including software developers, designers, quality assurance, and stakeholders to define, prioritize, and communicate product vision, strategy, and roadmap.

Own and maintain the product backlog, ensuring that it is well-organized, up-to-date, and aligned with the overall product vision and business goals.

Translate high-level business requirements into clear and actionable user stories, ensuring that they contain well-defined acceptance criteria and align with technical capabilities.

Act as the primary point of contact between business stakeholders and the development team, ensuring that communication flows seamlessly and that stakeholder needs are effectively addressed.

Regularly engage with stakeholders to gather feedback, capture user insights, and validate that the product is meeting their expectations.

Make informed decisions on scope, priorities, and trade-offs while considering factors such as project timelines, technical constraints, and market trends.

Conduct sprint planning, backlog refinement, and sprint review sessions, collaborating with the development team to ensure a clear understanding of the work to be done.

Provide guidance and support to the development team, clarifying requirements, resolving queries, and ensuring a shared understanding of the user stories.

Continuously monitor project progress, track key performance indicators (KPIs), and ensure that the product is delivering the intended value to customers.

Actively participate in retrospectives to identify areas for improvement within the development process and take actions to enhance team efficiency and effectiveness.

Stay current with industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices, leveraging this knowledge to identify opportunities for product enhancement and innovation.

Manage stakeholder expectations, anticipating and addressing concerns, and ensuring a positive collaborative working environment.

Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Business, or related field (or equivalent experience).

Experience using the SAFe framework or having a PO/PM SAFe certification

Experience writing clear and detailed product requirements

Proven track record as a Software Product Owner or in a similar product management role in a software development environment.

In-depth understanding of Agile methodologies, particularly Scrum, and a strong track record of successful collaboration in Agile teams.

Exceptional note taking, communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to convey complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders effectively.

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to make informed decisions, prioritize effectively, and drive continuous improvement.

Detail-oriented mindset with a focus on delivering high-quality software products and exceptional user experiences.

Proficiency in using project management and collaboration tools, such as JIRA, Confluence, or similar.

Preferred Qualifications:

8+ years of experience

Certification(s) related to Agile methodologies (e.g., Certified Scrum Product Owner) is a plus.

Previous experience in cyber security, specifically vulnerability management or application security testing is advantageous.

Experience with Jira, .NET or Java development is a strong asset.

Experience writing clear and detailed technical requirements

Apex Benefits Overview

Apex offers a range of supplemental benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and other insurance plans that offer an optional layer of financial protection. We offer an ESPP (employee stock purchase program) and a retirement plan (401k or local country equivalent) program. Apex also offers a HSA (Health Savings Account on the HDHP plan), a SupportLinc Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with up to 8 free counseling sessions, a corporate discount savings program and other discounts. In terms of professional development, Apex hosts an on-demand training program, provides access to certification prep and a library of technical and leadership courses/books/seminars once you have 6+ months of tenure, and certification discounts and other perks to associations that include CompTIA and IIBA. Apex has a dedicated customer service team for our Consultants that can address questions around benefits and other resources, as well as a certified Career Coach. You can access a full list of our benefits, programs, support teams and resources within our 'Welcome Packet' as well, which an Apex team member can provide.

EEO Employer

Apex Systems is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate or allow discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, genetic information, registered domestic partner status, marital status, disability, status as a crime victim, protected veteran status, political affiliation, union membership, or any other characteristic protected by law. Apex will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable law. If you have visited our website in search of information on employment opportunities or to apply for a position, and you require an accommodation in using our website for a search or application, please contact our Employee Services Department at or .

Apex Systems is a world-class IT services company that serves thousands of clients across the globe. When you join Apex, you become part of a team that values innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning. We offer quality career resources, training, certifications, development opportunities, and a comprehensive benefits package. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in many awards, including ClearlyRated's Best of Staffing in Talent Satisfaction in the United States and Great Place to Work in the United Kingdom and Mexico.

Apex Systems is a world-class IT services company that serves thousands of clients across the globe. When you join Apex, you become part of a team that values innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning. We offer quality career resources, training, certifications, development opportunities, and a comprehensive benefits package. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in many awards, including ClearlyRated's Best of Staffing in Talent Satisfaction in the United States and Great Place to Work in the United Kingdom and Mexico. Apex uses a virtual recruiter as part of the application process. Click for more details.

Apex Benefits Overview: Apex offers a range of supplemental benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and other insurance plans that offer an optional layer of financial protection. We offer an ESPP (employee stock purchase program) and a 401K program which allows you to contribute typically within 30 days of starting, with a company match after 12 months of tenure. Apex also offers a HSA (Health Savings Account on the HDHP plan), a SupportLinc Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with up to 8 free counseling sessions, a corporate discount savings program and other discounts. In terms of professional development, Apex hosts an on-demand training program, provides access to certification prep and a library of technical and leadership courses/books/seminars once you have 6+ months of tenure, and certification discounts and other perks to associations that include CompTIA and IIBA. Apex has a dedicated customer service team for our Consultants that can address questions around benefits and other resources, as well as a certified Career Coach. You can access a full list of our benefits, programs, support teams and resources within our 'Welcome Packet' as well, which an Apex team member can provide.