Product Owner I

About the position

The Product Owner serves as the primary representative of the customer and stakeholders for an assigned product or set of products. They ensure the product delivers value to the customer while aligning with business strategy. The Product Owner defines the product vision and roadmap, prioritizes the product backlog, anticipates client needs, and acts as the primary liaison between stakeholders and teams. They also evaluate product progress at each iteration and contribute to strategic direction by identifying and articulating new opportunities.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain the product vision and roadmap, ensuring alignment with overall strategic intent.
• Communicate these effectively with the team and all stakeholders.
• Prioritize the backlog based on the product vision and strategy.
• Represent the voice of the customer within the team and provide detailed story information.
• Make quick, thoughtful decisions to advance product delivery.
• Write user stories and refine the backlog in collaboration with the team.
• Define acceptance criteria for each user story to support Acceptance Test-Driven Development (ATDD).
• Work closely with the delivery team to create communication tools such as information radiators for internal and stakeholder use.
• Actively participate in all team activities and ceremonies.
• Utilize a matrixed influencing approach to engage key business partners across the organization, advocating for customer benefits.
• Maintain a strong understanding of customer needs and preferences.
• Prioritize outcomes over outputs, incorporating design thinking methodologies and analytics into product design.
• Work collaboratively with other Product Owners to align customer journeys and dependent backlogs.
• Ensure compliance with the company's risk and regulatory standards, policies, and controls in accordance with the company's risk appetite.
• Escalate risk-related issues as needed.
• Promote a diverse and inclusive work environment that reflects the M&T Bank brand.
• Maintain internal control standards, including timely resolution of audit points and regulatory issues.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree and a minimum of 4 years of experience in business, analytics, technology, and/or product roles.
• In lieu of a degree: a combined minimum of 8 years of higher education and/or work experience, including at least 4 years in business, analytics, technology, and/or product-related fields.
• Oracle - EPBCS, EDMCS, PCMCS
• Core FP&A Expertise - Planning and Forecasting
• Agile Methodology

Nice-to-haves

• Experience prioritizing competing priorities in a fast-changing environment.
• Ability to seek multiple viewpoints, make independent decisions, and influence positive outcomes.
• Familiarity with Design Thinking principles.
• Knowledge of fundamental product design and development best practices.
• Understanding of Agile and Lean principles and methodologies.
• Experience collaborating with user experience teams on product design.
• Background in developing/managing digital capabilities.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Relevant subject matter expertise for the assigned product.