Role Title : Director - HR IT Product Owner

Reports to : HR Technology Product VP / Tech Foundation Product Domain Owner

Scope : Global

Location : Bangalore, India

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE :

The HR IT Product Owner is a core role within the HR Technology Product Domain. This role is responsible for all digital products supporting HR processes and employee experience.

The HR IT Product Owner will work with HR, IT, and business teams to define continuous improvements and new requirements. This leader will drive digital transformation across HR as part of the product model.

Your key objectives are to :

- Define the product strategy and evolution.

- Ensure seamless design and delivery of HR IT products.

- Improve overall product quality.

- Improve reliability of service of HR IT products.

This means you will need to have strong HR business context, manage senior relationships with functional stakeholders, and bring internal/external IT, Process, and Data & Analytics knowledge to the table for product strategy and delivery.

WHAT WILL YOUR MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES BE :

This multifaceted role is the driving force behind unlocking net productivity and business value via HR digital products.

Key activities include :

Strategy :

- Develop and execute a comprehensive strategy for HR digital products that aligns with HR and business goals.

- Lead the assessment, selection, and implementation of new technology applications to support HR business processes and objectives.

- Stay ahead of emerging technology trends (e.g., cloud, AI/ML, automation) to identify opportunities for innovation and efficiency improvements.

Product Design & Delivery :

- Oversee the end-to-end design and delivery of digital HR solutions, ensuring a user-centric approach that meets functional requirements.

- Lead agile teams in iterative development, ensuring timely and high-quality product releases.

- Conduct continuous testing and feedback sessions with stakeholders to refine product features and improve overall usability.

- Oversee the full lifecycle of HR IT products from conception, implementation, run and decommission.

- Implement best practices for product and project management, including risk management, resource allocation, and stakeholder communication.

- Monitor product performance and drive initiatives to enhance reliability, scalability, and functionality post-launch.

- Implement feedback loops to ensure ongoing improvement based on user needs and market changes.

- Lead IT, Analytics and process teams to address technical issues and ensure high system uptime and performance.

Resource Management :

- Develop and manage the product budget, ensuring resource allocation aligns with project priorities and strategic goals.

- Track project spending and optimise resource utilisation to maximise return on investment.

- Identify and address any resource or skill gaps to ensure successful project completion.

Talent Development :

- Mentor and develop team members, fostering a collaborative, high-performance culture within the product team.

- Provide opportunities for professional growth, including training and skillbuilding relevant to HR IT and digital product management.

- Collaborate with HR to identify and onboard top talent to support product needs and team expansion.

Stakeholder Management :

- Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including HR, IT, and senior management teams.

- Act as the primary point of contact for stakeholders, clearly communicating product vision, priorities, and updates.

- Gather and incorporate stakeholder feedback to continuously refine product objectives and meet business needs.

Risk & Controls :

- Ensure all controls in HR IT products are monitored and executed.

- Collaborate with Risk and Corporate Audit to build remediation plans when a risk is identified.

Application Management & Support :

- Ensure the ongoing maintenance, support, and enhancement of existing HR applications.

- Develop and enforce application governance policies, standards, and procedures.

- Lead relationships with external vendors and service providers of HR products, ensuring service levels are met and value is delivered.

Hub Partnership and Optimisation :

- Work with partners to identify opportunities to digitise and improve efficiency through continuous improvements, new products, and AI.

Financial Oversight :

- Manage product budgets and resources effectively.

- Benchmark the Unit (TCO) cost of all products.

- Benchmark quality x development costs.

EXPERIENCES & QUALIFICATIONS :

- We are looking for a leader with proven experience in driving digital products/transformation, with great business acumen and networking.

Some key experience and skills required for you to be successful in this role :

- Proven track record of leading large-scale HR technology and transformation projects.

- Deep knowledge of application lifecycle management, software development methodologies, analytics, and IT service management.

- Knowledge of emerging HR technologies, including cloud, AI/ML, GenAI, and Data.

- HR Business Acumen : Understanding of various HR business and functional models, industry dynamics, and market trends in HR technology.

- Systemic and strategic thinking : Ability to consider longer term implications for the business, society and planet.

- Change Leadership and Communication skills : Leading and landing transformative change, crafting inspiring communication narratives.

- Analytical and problem-solving expertise : Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a proactive approach to identifying and addressing risks, issues, and dependencies.

LEADERSHIP SKILLS :

- PASSION FOR HIGH PERFORMANCE : Takes personal responsibility and accountability for execution and results. Generates intensity and focus to motivate people to deliver results at speed.

- PERSONAL MASTERY : Sets high standards for themselves. Actively builds own wellbeing and resilience.

- TALENT CATALYST : Invests in people coaches individuals and teams to realise their full potential. Creates an inclusive climate, empowering everyone to be at their best. Inspires powerful teamwork and collaboration, connecting people for better results.

- CONSUMER LOVE : Brings the voice of the employee into everything we do, always.