DataOps Product Owner - Cape Town (In office)

OfferZen is seeking a DataOps Product Owner to join their team in a full-time, in-office capacity in Cape Town City Centre. This role is pivotal in shaping and guiding the development of their product offerings, ensuring that innovative and high-quality software solutions are consistently delivered. The company prides itself on a culture that champions innovation and a commitment to ongoing improvement within its dynamic team.

About the Role

As the DataOps Product Owner, you will be at the forefront of defining the strategic direction and roadmap for data-related products and initiatives. You will act as the primary liaison between the business stakeholders and the development teams, translating high-level business objectives into actionable product requirements. Your insights and guidance will directly influence the development of software applications and solutions designed to enhance OfferZen's product ecosystem and client offerings. This position requires a deep understanding of the software development lifecycle and a passion for leveraging data to drive product innovation.

The DataOps Product Owner will be instrumental in various stages of product development and strategic planning. Your responsibilities will encompass:

• **Defining Product Vision and Strategy:** Collaborating closely with senior management and stakeholders to establish a clear vision and strategic roadmap for data operations and related product features.
• **Requirement Gathering and Prioritisation:** Engaging with diverse teams, including engineering, marketing, and sales, to meticulously gather, document, and prioritise product requirements, ensuring alignment with business goals.
• **Backlog Management:** Creating, maintaining, and refining the product backlog, ensuring that user stories and epics are well-defined, estimable, and ready for development. This includes clearly articulating acceptance criteria.
• **Stakeholder Communication:** Serving as the main point of contact for all product-related inquiries, providing regular updates on development progress, and managing expectations across all levels of the organisation.
• **Facilitating Agile Ceremonies:** Actively participating in and, where appropriate, leading agile ceremonies such as sprint planning, daily stand-ups, sprint reviews, and retrospectives.
• **Ensuring Product Quality:** Working alongside development and quality assurance teams to ensure that the delivered solutions meet the defined requirements and adhere to high standards of quality and performance.
• **Market and User Research:** Conducting research to understand market trends, user needs, and competitive landscapes to inform product decisions and identify new opportunities.
• **Translating Technical Concepts:** Effectively communicating technical complexities and trade-offs to non-technical stakeholders in a clear and understandable manner.

What They're Looking For

To excel in this role, candidates should possess a strong combination of technical understanding, product management acumen, and exceptional communication skills. The ideal candidate will have:

• A Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
• A minimum of three years of experience in software development or a closely related technical role.
• Proven experience in a Product Owner or similar product management capacity, with a solid understanding of agile methodologies.
• Proficiency in one or more programming languages commonly used in data-intensive applications, such as Java, Python, or SQL. While not expected to be coding, this understanding is crucial for effective communication with development teams.
• Demonstrable experience with data platforms, data pipelines, or DataOps principles and practices.
• Exceptional problem-solving abilities with a keen eye for detail, ensuring accuracy and thoroughness in all aspects of work.
• Strong leadership qualities and the ability to influence and motivate cross-functional teams.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex ideas clearly and concisely.
• A proactive and results-oriented mindset, with a passion for delivering impactful products.

This role at OfferZen presents a compelling opportunity for a seasoned professional to shape the future of data-driven products within a forward-thinking tech company. The Cape Town tech landscape is vibrant, with many companies, from established players to exciting startups, seeking skilled individuals in product ownership and data-related fields. While specific salaries are not disclosed, Product Owner roles in Cape Town typically command competitive remuneration packages, reflecting the in-demand nature of these skills. There are often clear paths for career progression, moving into more senior product leadership or strategic roles.

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field.
• 3+ years of experience in software development.
• Proficient in Java, Python, and SQL.
• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.