Software Product Manager

ZS Associates is the world’s largest consulting firm focused exclusively on improving business performance through sales and marketing consulting solutions, from customer insights and strategy to analytics, operations and technology. Together, we design and implement strategies that lead to greater market share, more competitive operations and increased use of today’s latest technologies.

We are looking for an experienced Software Product Manager. Product Managers are responsible for driving the overall product strategy for one or more SaaS products and solutions, including market and competitive analysis, business case development, long-term product direction and roadmap, and go-to-market strategy. This person will also develop and grow more junior product managers and business analysts. The area of focus for this person will be for our sales planning & execution products and solutions portfolio. This job is located at our corporate headquarters in Evanston, IL.

* Analyze the marketplace, gather inputs from clients and assess competitors to determine the right new products or future direction of existing products * Develop an in-depth understanding of the needs and usage profiles of different target users for product and prioritize solutions to those needs * Develop and implement roadmap priorities, balancing between the needs of overall product and specific demands of key customers * Specify market requirements for current and future products by conducting market research supported by on-going visits to customers and prospects * Partner with Technical Architects on the evaluation and selection of technology solutions as part of ongoing strategy * Work with engineering to scope product delivery and understand development alternatives and support build/buy economics * Monitor progress of the product through the product development life cycle, identifying risks and opportunities, keeping senior management informed * Work with Solution Marketing to create the overall go-to-market (GTM) strategies and plans; develop clear product positioning * Evangelize products and company, driving a shared vision across the company * Support product sales by meeting with both prospective and existing clients, as well as via internal and external marketing campaigns * Represent ZS in user forums, conferences and other venues

* BA/BS degree required; MBA strongly preferred * Must be a self-starter who is comfortable working with a high degree of independence and accountability * 3+ years of Software Product Management experience * 3+ years’ experience with SaaS solutions is required * Prior experience with mobile workforce applications is preferred * Must have led at least one large-scale, new product development initiative from inception through launch * Experience with solutions targeted for sales and/or marketing organizations as well as an understanding of sales and marketing business processes and analytics is preferred * Demonstrated success in product definition, including target customer, core value proposition, core features and business model * Solid understanding and hands-on experience with Agile/SCRUM development practices * Must possess a combination of strong analytical skills and creative intuition enabling a blend of data-driven and insight-driven strategy development * Good presentation and communication skills (both verbal and written) including experience and level of comfort presenting concepts to senior executives * Demonstrated ability to be an effective change management leader *