Product Manager - Senior
Description
Job Overview
The Ontario Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP), Species at Risk Branch (SARB), is responsible for administering and issuing registrations under the new Species Conservation Act (SCA), 2025.
The objective of this project is to develop a modern online Registration System for both external and internal users.
The Senior Product Manager will be responsible for product planning and execution throughout the product lifecycle. This individual will act as the primary connection between business stakeholders, end users, technology teams, vendors, and senior management.
The successful candidate will translate business needs into product priorities, define product strategy, manage roadmaps and backlogs, and ensure technology investments deliver the intended business outcomes.
The candidate must also have experience or knowledge of the Ontario Service Design Playbook.
Technology Stack
Microsoft Dynamics 365 CRM – Back-office system
MuleSoft – Middleware and system integration
Java / React – Public-facing portal
Key Responsibilities
Product Strategy and Vision
Define and communicate product vision, strategy, and objectives.
Conduct product discovery to understand business needs and user requirements.
Align product direction with organizational goals and business outcomes.
Product Roadmap and Prioritization
Develop and maintain product roadmaps aligned with business priorities.
Prioritize features, enhancements, and deliverables based on business value.
Manage competing stakeholder priorities and product dependencies.
Product Lifecycle Management
Oversee the complete product lifecycle, from discovery and planning through development, launch, and continuous improvement.
Ensure products meet user needs and organizational objectives.
Business and Stakeholder Management
Act as the primary liaison between business stakeholders, users, technical teams, vendors, and senior management.
Facilitate stakeholder discussions and decision-making sessions.
Communicate product progress, priorities, risks, and outcomes.
Product Development and Delivery
Lead Agile product delivery using Scrum and Lean methodologies.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure successful product development.
Conduct product demonstrations and roadmap review sessions.
Product Backlog Management
Translate business requirements into actionable user stories.
Manage and prioritize product backlogs.
Support sprint planning, release planning, and delivery activities.
Governance, Risk and Compliance
Ensure alignment with organizational governance and compliance requirements.
Consider accessibility, cybersecurity, and OPS digital standards.
Identify and manage product delivery risks and dependencies.
Mandatory Skills and Experience
Core Product Management Experience
Minimum 5 years of product management experience in IT or digital services.
Proven experience leading large-scale digital or IT transformation projects.
Experience delivering user-centric products in complex environments.
Hands-on experience with Agile delivery, Scrum, and Lean product development.
Experience working with cross-functional teams.
Strong experience developing and maintaining product roadmaps.
Experience defining and tracking product KPIs.
Technical and Product Delivery Skills
Ability to translate business needs into clear, actionable requirements and user stories.
Ability to define and communicate product vision and strategy.
Experience conducting product discovery.
Strong experience in product backlog management and prioritization techniques.
Experience with release planning and product delivery.
Communication and Documentation Skills
Excellent communication, presentation, and facilitation skills.
Ability to engage stakeholders at all levels, including executive sponsors and technical teams.
Experience leading product demonstrations.
Experience facilitating product roadmapping sessions and stakeholder updates.
Public Sector Experience
Knowledge of OPS IT project and architectural governance.
Understanding of OPS Digital standards.
Knowledge of accessibility and cybersecurity standards.
Requirements
Nice-to-Have Qualifications
Previous Ontario Public Service (OPS) experience.
Experience working on public sector IT or digital transformation projects.
Knowledge of OPS IT governance and architectural standards.
Familiarity with the Ontario Service Design Playbook.
Mandatory Requirements – Quick Screening Checklist
Minimum 5+ years of IT or digital product management experience.
Experience leading large-scale digital transformation initiatives.
Strong Agile, Scrum, and Lean product development experience.
Experience working with cross-functional teams.
Proven ability to translate business requirements into user stories.
Experience defining product vision and strategy.
Experience conducting product discovery.
Ability to work onsite five days per week in Toronto.
Additional Assignment Information
Work Location: 40 St. Clair Avenue, Toronto.
Working Hours: Between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM, excluding lunch breaks.
Work Arrangement: Mandatory onsite attendance, Monday to Friday.
Closing Date: November 4, 2026, at 12:00 PM EST.