Product Manager - ORCA (Term-Limited Appointment)

Description

• Identify, assess, and mitigate project risks and issues, proactively communicating potential impacts and developing solutions.
• Collaboration with multiple transit agencies across the region, specifically involving regular interaction and coordination with representatives from seven participating partner agencies.
• Ensures all projects are delivered on-time, within scope, and within budget while maintaining quality.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with other department staff, management, vendors, and outside agencies.
• Ensure compliance with relevant regulations and industry standards across all project activities.
• Actively identify market trends, assess peer products, and integrate user feedback to continuously improve product offerings. They will play a pivotal role in aligning product strategies with business objectives, translating complex technical information into clear and actionable strategies for stakeholders across the organization.
• Conduct market analyses, user research, and competitor evaluations to inform continuous improvement of product offerings.
• Evaluate and optimize operational processes to improve efficiency and effectiveness of fare collection systems.
• Manages ORCA related projects from scope development through project closeout and handover to operations. Develop and execute detailed project plans to be shared with stakeholders, vendors, and other ROOT staff members, defining clear milestones and deliverables.
• Manage vendor and consultant relationships, specifically overseeing the main fare collection system integrator.
• The role will also encompass traditional project management duties, including detailed project planning, scope management, resource allocation, schedule adherence, and risk management to successfully deliver projects within established timelines and budgets.
• Coordinate agile methodologies, including backlog prioritization, sprint planning, sprint reviews, and retrospectives using the Optimal Product Process as a framework.
• Collaborate with technical teams to translate business requirements into technical specifications clearly and effectively.
• Processes, procedures, and practices of product management, project management and business analysis.
• It is the responsibility of all employees to follow the Agency safety rules, regulations, and procedures pertaining to their assigned duties and responsibilities, which could include systems, operations, and/or other employees.
• Lead product initiatives for ORCA, the regional transit fare payment system, from inception through completion, ensuring timely, cost-effective delivery within defined scope and budget.
• Drive the product and business planning processes for cross-functional and intra-agency teams.
• The Agency promotes a safe and healthy work environment and provides appropriate safety and equipment training for all personnel as required.
• Provide comprehensive documentation, training, and ongoing support to stakeholders and operational teams.
• Develop and manage product roadmaps, clearly aligning product features with user needs, market trends, and strategic objectives.
• Oversight of vendor and consultant performance, ensuring effective implementation and delivery of payment solutions across diverse regional stakeholders.
• Prepare and deliver presentations, status updates, and reports to leadership, stakeholders, and partner agencies.
• Facilitate regular multi-agency meetings, workshops, and stakeholder engagements across seven Puget Sound transit agencies.

Requirements

• Knowledge of deployment processes to ensure smooth software release cycles.
• Ability to analyze data and trends to make informed decisions and optimize payment processes.
• MS Office including SharePoint and experience of two years which must have been acquired within the past five years.
• Proficiency in agile methodologies (Scrum, Kanban) and associated tools (Jira, Confluence).
• Experienced in tracking project deliverables, monitoring progress, and ensuring timely completion of project phases.
• Proficient in identifying project risks, developing mitigation strategies, and proactively resolving issues to ensure successful project delivery.
• Independent judgment, personal initiative, and resourcefulness.
• Expertise in data analysis, user experience (UX) principles, and using analytics to inform product strategy and improvements.
• Strong experience managing and leading change within an organization.
• Familiarity developing prototypes or mock-ups to visualize and validate solutions.
• Strong vendor management and negotiation skills, particularly involving technology vendors and system integrators.
• Sound judgment and the ability to escalate issues when necessary.
• Familiarity with payment processing technologies, APIs, encryption, and security protocols.
• Knowledge of testing methodologies, test planning, and quality assurance practices.
• Strong oral and written communication skills for various individuals ranging from Agency employees, consultants, contractors, the public, elected officials, community leaders, and local and state agencies.
• Experience in defining product requirements, conducting user research, and translating user needs into clear product features.
• Knowledge of various payment systems, methods (credit/debit cards, digital wallets, ACH, etc.), and industry standards
• Presentation development and public speaking skills.
• Familiarity in market and competitive analysis to identify opportunities and inform strategic product decisions.
• Strong knowledge of product lifecycle management, including roadmap creation, prioritization, and iterative enhancement.
• Working effectively under pressure, meeting deadlines, and adjusting to changing priorities.
• Proven ability to effectively manage stakeholder communications and build consensus across multiple agencies and teams.
• Familiarity with public transportation systems, ticketing solutions, fare collection methods, and transportation regulations.
• Champions and models Sound Transit's core values and demonstrates values-based behaviors in everyday interactions across the agency.
• Proficient in detailed project planning, including defining clear project scope, establishing timelines, and setting milestones.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations.
• Strong facilitation skills including conflict management, issue resolution, brokering agreements, and removing roadblocks.

Benefits

• Long-Term Disability and Life Insurance.
• Parental Leave: 12 weeks of parental leave for new parents.
• ORCA Card: All full-time employees will receive an ORCA card at no cost.
• Inclusive Reproductive Health Support Services.
• Work is performed in a standard hybrid office and field environment.
• Paid Time Off: Employees accrue 25 days of paid time off annually with increases at four, eight and twelve years of service. Employees at the director level and up accrue additional days. We also observe 12 paid holidays and provide up to 2 paid floating holidays and up to 2 paid volunteer days per year.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Pet Insurance.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Sound Transit will pay up to $5,000 annually for approved tuition expenses.
• Retirement Plans: 401a – 10% of employee contribution with a 12% match by Sound Transit; 457b – up to IRS maximum (employee only contribution).
• Health Benefits: We offer two choices of medical plans, a dental plan, and a vision plan all at no cost for employee coverage; comprehensive benefits for employees and eligible dependents, including a spouse or domestic partner.
• Compensation Practices: We offer competitive salaries based on market rates and internal equity. In addition to compensation and benefits, you’ll find that we provide work-life balance, opportunities for professional development and recognition from your colleagues.

Training + Development

Interview process

Visa Sponsorship

Security clearance