Hardware Product Owner

My notes

• Help define the roadmap
• Testing/ validation/integrations
• Knows best practices
• How the enterprise uses MDM
• Team player, good listener, collaborative, someone capable of working with multiple teams
• Someone who can share with current team members new ideas and ways to do things better Project Scope

Job Description:

Workforce Productivity Services (WPS) is seeking a skilled and innovative Enterprise End User Computing Hardware Product Owner to lead the selection, assessment, testing, and support for our end-user computing hardware portfolio. This role is critical to ensure that our organization s hardware aligns with our enterprise standards, meets user needs across diverse people, and supports our commitment to a reliable, efficient, and high-performance IT environment. The Product Owner will be accountable for defining and executing the product strategy, overseeing the lifecycle management of computing hardware, and ensuring that hardware specifications meet the evolving needs of our business and workforce.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Hardware Product Selection and Assessment:
2. Lead the evaluation, selection, and management of end-user computing hardware, including laptops, desktops, peripherals, and accessories.
3. Conduct market research to identify new and emerging hardware solutions, ensuring alignment with enterprise IT requirements and business needs.
4. Develop and maintain a hardware roadmap that aligns with enterprise IT and user experience strategies.

Testing and Troubleshooting:

1. Manage and execute end-to-end testing processes for hardware devices, ensuring performance, reliability, and compatibility with enterprise applications and environments.
2. Identify and troubleshoot technical issues, collaborating with cross-functional teams to resolve and enhance product performance.
3. Ensure rigorous testing processes, including security compliance and durability testing, to guarantee that devices meet enterprise standards.

Use Case Development and Documentation:

1. Define and document hardware use cases and user personas to ensure that product selections align with various employee needs (e.g., Executives, Scientific Workers, Manufacturing Staff).
2. Develop detailed position statements for each device category, articulating the benefits, value, and ideal use scenarios for internal stakeholders.

Publishing Specifications and Communication:

1. Publish detailed hardware specifications, best practices, and support documentation in accessible and branded formats for end users and IT support teams.
2. Partner with internal teams to ensure specifications are effectively communicated across the organization, utilizing internal platforms such as SharePoint, IT portals, and employee support channels.

Lifecycle and Vendor Management:

1. Manage the lifecycle of each hardware product, including version updates, feature enhancements, and retirement strategies.
2. Collaborate closely with external vendors to understand product roadmaps, negotiate terms, and drive improvements in product quality and support.
3. Ensure hardware solutions align with budgetary requirements and strategic sourcing standards.
4. Stakeholder Engagement and Training:
5. Serve as the primary point of contact for all hardware product-related inquiries from IT support teams, procurement, and end users.
6. Facilitate training sessions and workshops to empower support teams and end-users on effective hardware usage and best practices.
7. Gather feedback from stakeholders to inform product improvements, user experience enhancements, and future hardware selection criteria.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Business, or related field; relevant certifications or equivalent experience.
• 5 years of experience in IT product management, hardware engineering, or a related role, preferably within an enterprise environment.
• Strong knowledge of end-user computing hardware technologies, trends, and best practices.
• Proven experience with hardware testing, troubleshooting, and lifecycle management.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to articulate technical specifications and business cases to diverse audiences.
• Experience working with internal stakeholders and vendor partners to align on requirements, negotiate terms, and drive innovation.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple projects, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with IT service management and ticketing systems, such as ServiceNow.
• Prior experience with creating and managing user personas for enterprise IT hardware.
• Experience with documentation and publishing platforms, such as SharePoint.
• Knowledge of enterprise IT procurement practices and vendor relationship management.