Product Manager - ORCA (Term-Limited Appointment)

Overview

Lead product and project initiatives for ORCA fare payment system

Key Responsibilities

• process optimization
• project planning
• vendor management
• stakeholder engagement
• agile coordination
• product roadmap

Tasks

-Evaluate and optimize operational processes to improve efficiency and effectiveness of fare collection systems. -Ensure compliance with relevant regulations and industry standards across all project activities. -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. -Oversight of vendor and consultant performance, ensuring effective implementation and delivery of payment solutions across diverse regional stakeholders. -Ensures all projects are delivered on-time, within scope, and within budget while maintaining quality. -Prepare and deliver presentations, status updates, and reports to leadership, stakeholders, and partner agencies. -Manage vendor and consultant relationships, specifically overseeing the main fare collection system integrator. -Identify, assess, and mitigate project risks and issues, proactively communicating potential impacts and developing solutions. -Facilitate regular multi-agency meetings, workshops, and stakeholder engagements across seven Puget Sound transit agencies. -Collaborate with technical teams to translate business requirements into technical specifications clearly and effectively. -Drive the product and business planning processes for cross-functional and intra-agency teams. -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. -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. -Coordinate agile methodologies, including backlog prioritization, sprint planning, sprint reviews, and retrospectives using the Optimal Product Process as a framework. -Develop and manage product roadmaps, clearly aligning product features with user needs, market trends, and strategic objectives. -Provide comprehensive documentation, training, and ongoing support to stakeholders and operational teams. -Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with other department staff, management, vendors, and outside agencies. -Processes, procedures, and practices of product management, project management and business analysis. -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. -Conduct market analyses, user research, and competitor evaluations to inform continuous improvement of product offerings. -Collaboration with multiple transit agencies across the region, specifically involving regular interaction and coordination with representatives from seven participating partner agencies. -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. -The Agency promotes a safe and healthy work environment and provides appropriate safety and equipment training for all personnel as required.

Requirements

• payments
• analytics
• agile
• jira
• vendor management
• testing

What You Bring

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

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Benefits

-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. -Retirement Plans: 401a – 10% of employee contribution with a 12% match by Sound Transit; 457b – up to IRS maximum (employee only contribution). -Long-Term Disability and Life Insurance. -Employee Assistance Program. -Tuition Reimbursement: Sound Transit will pay up to $5,000 annually for approved tuition expenses. -Pet Insurance. -Inclusive Reproductive Health Support Services. -ORCA Card: All full-time employees will receive an ORCA card at no cost. -Parental Leave: 12 weeks of parental leave for new parents. -Work is performed in a standard hybrid office and field environment. -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.

About Sound Transit

-Operates an extensive network of light rail, commuter rail, and bus services across the Seattle metro area. -Known for its forward-thinking approach to public transit, focusing on connecting communities and reducing traffic congestion. -Projects include large-scale infrastructure developments, such as the Link light rail extension and Sounder commuter rail improvements. -Funded by a combination of federal, state, and local funding sources, alongside passenger fares. -Recognized for its innovative use of technology to enhance ridership experiences and operational efficiency. -Typical projects include construction of new transit lines, station development, and improving regional transportation networks. -Expanded its reach in recent years, growing services and infrastructure to meet the needs of a rapidly growing population.

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