Product Management Director (Telework Eligible)

**PLEASE NOTE: The posted salary range is the full range for this position. Agency salary policy, budget and candidate’s qualifications will dictate final salary offer. Typically, salary offers are at or near the midpoint of the range, depending on qualifications or other factors.**
This position is eligible for telework. Work under the general direction of the DSHS Consumer Protection Division (CPD) Deputy Associate Commissioner. Serve as the CPD Director of Product Management and Product Owner for various division IT products and platforms (this is not a project manager position). Perform advanced (senior-level) managerial work leading the day-to-day operations of the CPD IT Product Management activities.
Work with HHSC Information Technology to oversee and direct the cradle-to-grave lifecycle of major CPD IT products. The Product Manager is responsible for forward-looking product strategies, product planning, product training and product advocacy. This includes managing products throughout the product lifecycle, gathering and prioritizing product, internal, and external customer requirements, defining the product vision, and working closely with IT to deliver stable and innovative products. Ensure customer satisfaction and business goals are met. Coordinate with and contribute to the work of program subject-matter experts, developers, third-party vendors, staff augmentation contractors, and project managers. Responsible for working with program managers, IT, and budget staff to coordinate and fulfill CPD and agency assignments on IT procurement, IT projects, DSHS Public Health Portfolio, and capital authority requests. Responsible for effective programmatic operations, policies and procedures related to IT products, and for developing, tracking and reporting metrics to analyze and evaluate IT product results. Represent the division at IT-related meetings and hearings. Serve as division IT Liaison on various committees and workgroups. Work under minimal supervision, with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Essential Job Functions:
Attend work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.
(40%) Provide leadership and management of CPD IT Product Management activities. Provide strategic vision and direction to implement multiple IT solutions to meet business objectives. Coordinate and collaborate with all areas of the HHSC/DSHS Information Technology Section (e.g., Governance Processes, Project Management, Management Services, Application Development, Operations) and with the Budget Section on IT procurement, capital authority issues, and project work plans. Ensure stakeholders (IT, Budget, Information Resources, division sections, agency leadership, and division stakeholders) are given information and opportunities to be engaged in priorities, design, implementation and evaluation of activities and/or overall technology direction. Lead the development of technology goals and strategic IT planning. Manage and contribute to developing and executing forward-looking IT product roadmaps, use cases and acceptance criteria; communicate these items to division leadership and programs to ensure goals and business needs align. Conduct requirements gathering sessions to identify and prioritize product needs; produce reports as needed. Ensure activities are carried out in accordance with federal and state statute and regulations, and in compliance with DSHS, Department of Information Resources, Health and Human Services Commission, and other relevant agencies’ policies and procedures.
(40%) Identify, define and analyze business and system requirements and ensure IT projects deliver products in scope and on budget. Coordinate and collaborate with program managers to improve technical operational efficiency. Direct IT product quality improvement efforts and special projects. Maintain an open issue/resolution list and ensure that program managers have access to IT project information as needed. Work with product technical lead(s) to prioritize and manage new feature/work requests, backlog and product releases; convene change control board as needed. Ensure backlog is aligned with respective product roadmaps. Negotiate with stakeholders to resolve issues to keep product development on track. Educate and train staff (or develop/coordinate training materials) on product features, benefits, enhancements; develop product launch and release materials for internal and external audiences. Work with operations teams, development teams, project managers, and QA staff throughout the product development, user acceptance testing, and implementation phases to ensure product and feature integrity. Conduct post-launch or post-release product assessment to evaluate whether product is meeting scoped business requirements.
(10%) Supervise direct reports or staff augmentation contractors. Conduct hiring processes in a timely manner. Provide new hires with orientation and training. Provide direct reports with work assignments, clear direction and information on responsibilities and performance expectations. Provide guidance on agency and division policy. Develop performance plans and conduct performance evaluations in a timely manner. Ensure direct reports are afforded appropriate decision-making authority. Review and approve leave and carry out other expected human resources activities with direct reports.
(5%) Represent division and/or agency in internal and external teams, workgroups, and meetings. Ensure subject matter experts are available as needed. Provide internal/external leadership in furthering division goals and represent needs of stakeholder populations. Develop and maintain effective working relationships with internal/external partners and stakeholders. Make presentations; actively participate in meetings and other forums as needed.
(5%) Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.

Knowledge Skills Abilities:
Knowledge of Product Management principles, including market & user research, idea management, technical specifications, roadmapping, requirements gathering, prioritization, product development and release management.
Knowledge of computer systems and applications
Knowledge of IT-related state and federal laws, regulations, policies, rules and requirements.
Knowledge of the principles of leadership and how to effectively interact with various leadership styles.
Knowledge of strategic planning, budget management, human resource management, project management and conflict resolution.
Knowledge of Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) methodologies.
Skill in business, program and system analysis.
Skill in supervising staff.
Skill in identifying problems, evaluating alternatives, and negotiating and implementing solutions.
Skill in working collaboratively and cooperatively with diverse groups.
Skill in managing multiple and competing priorities.
Skill in writing analyses, documentation, and reports.
Skill in translating complex technical information verbally and in writing for non-technical audiences.
Ability to create use cases in order to define new features and measure outcomes
Ability to communicate clearly, concisely and effectively.
Ability to plan, assign, and evaluate the work of others.
Ability to establish goals and objectives.
Ability to assess and manage priorities.
Ability to make timely and effective decisions regarding support operations.
Ability to think creatively and support creative thinking in others.
Ability to effectively manage and motivate staff.
Ability to establish effective working relationships with staff at all levels of an organization, agencies, providers, stakeholders and elected officials.
Ability to understand and align operations and support strategies according to business needs.
Ability to interpret data and develop effective operating procedures.
Ability to plan, organize, schedule and monitor completion of assigned projects.
Ability to apply a critical and analytical approach to problem solving.
Ability to comprehensively and accurately evaluate reports.

Registration or Licensure Requirements:
Product management certification, such as Association of International Product Marketing and Management (AIPMM) Certified Product Manager, Pragmatic Institute’s Product Management Certification, or equivalent certification preferred.
Agile Certification or equivalent preferred.

Initial Selection Criteria:
A clear, well-written/well-organized and complete application (showing job fit and application completeness, including lack of typos and blank fields) must be submitted. The following must clearly be identified in the state application:

Bachelor’s degree.

5+ years of experience working in an Agile (or similar) methodology environment developing products, capabilities, or processes.

Minimum of three years’ recent experience as a product manager (NOT project manager), including full product lifecycle ownership, including requirements gathering, launch, updates and end-of-life (as appropriate). Previous job title(s) and experience must reflect Product Management duties.

Minimum of three years’ experience partnering with product or third-party vendor product engineering/development to define, build, and maintain products.

Minimum of three years’ experience managing complex initiatives across multiple teams

PREFERRED CRITERIA:

Advanced degree in technical field (e.g., information technology, computer science, programming, etc.)

Experience with a Health and Human Service agency

Experience in a regulatory environment

Additional Information:
1. Applicants who fail to follow the written instructions in completing the State of Texas Employment Application may be disqualified.
2. PLEASE NOTE: Your application must be complete. It MUST contain dates of employment, job titles, name of employer, name of supervisor, current/final salary, specific reason for leaving, and a summary of experience that demonstrates you meet the initial selection criteria at minimum. Missing information may lead to disqualification.
3. RESUMES DO NOT TAKE THE PLACE OF THE REQUIREMENT TO ENTER ALL REQUIRED INFORMATION IN THE APPLICATION (“See Resume” is not acceptable on the application). Resumes attached and/or pasted into the resume field may not be considered equivalent to the State Application. Information on application must clearly state how applicant meets initial selection criteria in the summary of experience section of the application.
4. This position is eligible for telework, which will be determined by agency and division telework policies. The employee will be required to come into the office, as directed, to fulfill essential job functions. DSHS will provide computer, related equipment, and basic office supplies. Selected applicants must have a home office location free from distraction, the ability to provide personal home internet service, and the ability to ensure confidentiality in the workplace.
5. Flexibility in work hours may be required for this position. The position may be required to work extended hours.
6. Note: Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship.
7. Any employment offer is contingent upon available budgeted funds. The offered salary will be determined in accordance with budgetary limits and the requirements of HHS Human Resources Manual. Internal applicants are encouraged to check the HR manual for any potential changes to their current salary.
8. Consideration will also be given to known past job performance, if applicable, and prior work history.

MOS Code:
There may be no military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position. All active duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information see the Texas State Auditor’s Military Crosswalk at http://www.hr.sao.state.tx.us/Compensation/JobDescriptions.aspx