Manager, Product Ownership

Become a part of our caring community   The Manager, Product Ownership is responsible for conveying product vision and roadmap to an Agile delivery team by defining user stories and prioritizing product backlog. The Manager, Product Ownership works within specific guidelines and procedures; applies advanced technical knowledge to solve moderately complex problems; receives assignments in the form of objectives and determines approach, resources, schedules and goals. The Manager, Product Ownership maximizes the value delivered by Agile teams by leading a group of Product Owners responsible for defining user stories, prioritizing backlogs, and making sure business needs are met. This role reports to the Associate Director, Product Management, and is part of a product team modernizing associate- and provider-facing capabilities and platforms through a prioritized portfolio of strategic initiatives. The Manager will lead up to eight Product Owners. On the people side, that means coaching, development, performance, and team health. On the practice side, it means consistent product ownership standards, backlog quality, and Agile ways of working. The Manager is a key partner to business stakeholders, technology teams, and operations leaders, and helps make sure the right work is built, in the right order, within budget and on schedule.   The ideal candidate is an experienced Agile practitioner and people leader. They're comfortable with ambiguity, enjoy developing others, and can move easily between shaping strategy and driving execution.   Key Responsibilities • Lead, coach, and develop a team of up to eight Product Owners, including goal setting, performance management, and career growth. • Establish and reinforce product ownership best practices, including backlog management, story writing, acceptance criteria, prioritization, and value-based decision making. • Act as the escalation point for prioritization, scope, and tactical decisions within the team's area. • Take part in Agile and SAFe events such as PI Planning and help make sure Product Owners are prepared and effective. • Communicate progress, risks, and outcomes to stakeholders and leadership to drive alignment and decisions. • Find opportunities to improve team processes, tools, and delivery effectiveness. Use your skills to make an impact   Required Qualifications • Must be willing and able to support Eastern Standard Time (EST) business hours • Minimum 5 years of professional experience in product ownership, product management, or a related role in an Agile environment • Minimum 2 years of people leadership experience, including direct management of individual contributors • Proven ability to coach others on Agile and product ownership practices • Experience in healthcare, managed care, or similar enterprise environment • Experience managing priorities across several teams or initiatives with competing demands • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work through ambiguity and find paths forward • Effective written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels       Work-At-Home Requirements • At minimum, a download speed of 25 mbps and an upload speed of 10 mbps is recommended; wireless, wired cable or DSL connection is suggested • Satellite, cellular and microwave connection can be used only if approved by leadership • Associates who live and work from Home in the state of California, Illinois, Montana, or South Dakota will be provided a bi-weekly payment for their internet expense. • Humana will provide Home or Hybrid Home/Office associates with telephone equipment appropriate to meet the business requirements for their position/job. • Work from a dedicated space lacking ongoi