Date: 23 Apr 2025
Location: Auckland Wide, NZ, 1010
Company: Auckland Council

Role Overview
We are seeking an experienced Technical Product Owner for our Networks Team who will work with Product Management and key stakeholders to drive executing the strategic roadmap for our network services. This role is highly focused on stakeholder management, requiring close collaboration with multiple council-controlled organisations (CCOs) and key partners. Additionally, because our network is fully outsourced, you will oversee vendor relationships to ensure optimal performance, cost-effectiveness, and alignment with business objectives.

Key Responsibilities
1. Roadmap and Backlog Management

• Develop, maintain, and communicate the product roadmap for network services aligned with the council’s strategic objectives.
• Translate high-level goals into actionable product increments, ensuring timely delivery and clear prioritisation of features and capabilities.
• Collaborate with technical and non-technical teams to refine requirements, define user stories, and manage backlog items.

2. Stakeholder Engagement

• Serve as the primary point of contact for internal teams and external customers
• Establish strong relationships and manage expectations by understanding each stakeholder’s needs, concerns, and success metrics.
• Ensure transparent communication, providing regular updates on product vision, progress, and challenges.

3. Vendor Management

• Oversee partnerships with the outsourced network service provider
• Proactively identify and mitigate risks related to vendor delivery, escalating issues where necessary to protect business interests.

4. Technical Leadership

• Collaborate with architecture, engineers, Technical Services and our partner teams to ensure solutions align with technical standards, security requirements, and best practices.
• Maintain a solid understanding of emerging network technologies, leveraging expertise to make informed product decisions.
• Act as an evangelist for network infrastructure initiatives, sharing insights and driving adoption of new tools and processes.
• Own and drive technical trouble shooting when there is a significant issue that is impacting the network

5. Continuous Improvement & Innovation

• Analyse performance metrics and feedback from various sources (stakeholders, customers, vendors) to identify improvement opportunities.
• Champion a culture of continuous improvement, encouraging teams to adopt Agile methodologies and iterative delivery for faster outcomes.
• Continually explore emerging trends in networking (e.g., SD-WAN, 5G, cloud-based networking) and evaluate potential benefits for our organization.

6. Risk & Compliance Management

• Identify, track, and manage risks associated with network services, ensuring contingency plans are in place.
• Work with relevant teams to ensure compliance with organisational policies, data privacy regulations, and other legal requirements.
• Provide guidance and coordination during audits and assessments, ensuring a secure and compliant network environment.

7. Business Case Development

Qualifications & Experience
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience).

Work Experience:

• 5+ years in a Product Owner, Product Management, or similar role with a focus on networking or infrastructure.
• Proven success in managing outsourced vendors and complex stakeholder ecosystems.

Technical Skills:

• Familiarity with network infrastructure (LAN, WAN, SD-WAN, wireless, network security, etc.).
• Understanding of Agile or Scrum methodologies and associated tools (e.g., Jira, Confluence).

Soft Skills:

• Stakeholder Management: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to drive alignment and foster strong partnerships.
• Leadership: Ability to influence cross-functional teams and vendors without direct authority.
• Analytical Thinking: Capable of translating complex technical requirements into meaningful business outcomes and vice versa.
• Adaptability: Comfortable navigating ambiguity and shifting priorities in a fast-paced environment.