Innovative Interfaces Inc., Emeryville, California: Product Manager

For over 25 years, Innovative Interfaces has dedicated its energies to meeting the needs of libraries and the challenges of library automation. Core to this mission are trusted products including the Millennium integrated library management system, INN-Reach next-generation resource sharing, the Symposia digital repository, and Electronic Resource Management. Today, thousands of libraries of all types in over 40 countries rely on Innovative's products, services, and support. The company is located in Emeryville, California with offices around the world.

Primary Role

Responsible for product ownership, overall product definition, and identification of functional enhancements throughout product life cycle for multiple, related product lines. Responsible for developing and articulating a product vision and planning for development of products to meet needs of target markets. Provide input to inform decisions relative to product pricing, functionality, product maintenance, production, support, and packaging issues.

Job Specification

Reports To: Vice President, Product Management

Education Preferred: MLS or Equivalent

Experience Preferred: Minimum of three years of library-related product management experience. Technology background is highly desirable.

Supervision Received: Capable of independent work with minimal supervision. Demonstrated ability to implement tactical programs to achieve divisional goals.

Travel Required: As assigned

Principal Responsibilities

Manage multiple input streams to develop new and enhanced products. Implement tactical programs including product requirement documents, functional development, on-going enhancements, and end-of-life migration strategies. Develop 6 - 12 month product development schedule in conjunction with various departments and Software Development. Contribute actively to business planning process.

Critically review product feature set and pricing. Develop product-specific messaging and positioning. Using sound business practices, establish and continually monitor and report product costs and margin performance. Establish revenue goals for product(s) under management and monitor performance against plan.

Specify application level enhancements necessary to increase product sales and/or extend product life. Review product beta testing results and work with product development to determine appropriate actions. Compose and distribute ancillary product release notes.

Work with Marketing, Sales, and Operations to drive new revenue through continuing sales support, development of related sales and marketing materials that promotes product line features and benefits. Train sales force to ensure competency in product knowledge. Compose articles, product fact sheets and other informational materials. Contribute product specific information to RFP responses as appropriate.

Conduct business negotiations to support product development efforts including independent software vendors and other third party software providers. Prospect and negotiate strategic third-party relationships to support product plans.

Act as a central resource for expertise in assigned areas as well as function as "Product Champion" within company. Provide product and industry expertise of target market segments. Present product and market strategies and represent Innovative Interfaces at industry trade shows and forums.

Specific Responsibilities

MetaData Management

• Manage both XML- and MARC-based cataloging initiatives, Symposia, MetaData Builder, and Millennium Cataloging;
• Act as a resource on MARC and various XML formats such as Dublin Core, EAD and METS;
• Serve as a liaison to related industry groups such as OCLC and Library of Congress;
• Manage other, smaller initiatives related to cataloging and/or XML metadata such as Advanced Keyword Indexing (AVS) and data loading of all types

Skills And Abilities

• Strong working knowledge of product management techniques and issues. Candidate should be capable of demonstrating knowledge of product competitive analysis, the development of functional and feature set requirements and project management;
• Strong negotiation skills;
• Strong working knowledge of library marketplace. Quickly anticipates key market conditions and develops strategies that add value for customers;
• ossess solid self-management skills and be self-motivated;
• Strong verbal and written skills. Capable of interacting with all levels of the company, customer base, and potential partners;
• Actively negotiates with key stakeholders and functional counterparts to obtain required resources;
• Ability to handle multiple projects and priorities simultaneously;
• Possess professional and creative style to promote product line.

Please send letter of application and resume to:

MAIL: Innovative Interfaces Inc., ATTN: Job Code: PM
5850 Shellmound Way
Emeryville, CA 94608

FAX: 510-450-6396
E-MAIL: hrdept@iii.com
WEBSITE ADDRESS: http://www.iii.com

Innovative Interfaces is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer
EEO/AA/F/D/V