Freelance Senior Product Manager
At AKQA (part of WPP) we believe in the imaginative application of art and science to create beautiful ideas, products and services. With an entrepreneurial and collaborative approach, we design adaptive digital services and applications that capture the imagination, delivering impressive returns for our clients.
Product Managers at AKQA provide cross functional leadership to ensure delivered work meets the needs of the client and their customers. This involves not only consuming the information and direction we receive, but looking beyond and demonstrating thought leadership and critical analysis to guide the team towards creating the best possible solution. AKQA offers teams the opportunity to produce innovative work that moves companies, and their communities forward. All disciplines collaborate to find the best solution while delivering each aspect to the highest standard. From products and services to imaginative storytelling, our shared vision is to create experiences that drive progress and results. We are fortunate to partner with forward-thinking clients, including Verizon, IBM, Mayo Clinic, HSS, Volvo, and Campari.
ROLE REQUIREMENTS
Lead process of identifying and clarifying product requirements for clients using interviews, workshops, and surveys across stakeholders
Collaborate with UX and Strategy leads to discern customer problems and pain points for a workflow, individual existing product, new product concept, or ecosystem or products
Create and maintain the following deliverables:
Use Cases
Business Requirements
Functional Requirements
Product Backlog
Liaison between the business, creative and technology teams to ensure a common understanding of business requirements and solutions
Catalogue background knowledge and develop subject matter expertise to share with the internal team, resolve questions the team may have that impacts the direction of the work
Work side-by-side with our creative team to refine/clarify requirements as well as provide guidance on proposed solutions
Understand how proposed solutions may impact technical implementation and highlight potential challenges early so that dependencies may be resolved
Interface with internal and external development teams to ensure product vision is carried through to the final product
Ensure the accuracy of all project deliverables against approved requirements
Help establish scope of work and prioritize high-level requirements, working with Client, Project Manager, and Technical Architect
Develop a tactical product roadmap by conducting prioritization exercises
Provide recommendations on product direction based on expertise and analysis
Outline delivery needs based on requirements, product knowledge, and approved creative concepts
Assist in writing functional specifications defining the proposed creative solution
Participate in the communication of solutions to clients and third-party partners
Generate and maintain a backlog of epics and user stories to support a development lifecycle
QUALITIES AND CHARACTERISTICS
5+ years of experience preferably within a consulting or agency environment, implementing innovative, interactive and consumer-focused solutions
End to end project lifecycle experience across multiple digital platforms
Adaptable to a variety of workflows based on client and project needs, including waterfall and agile approaches
Effective communication skills at all levels, (presentation, written, verbal)
Ability to build strong, collaborative relationships with peers and external client staff, and the ability to achieve results under potentially difficult circumstances
Strong organization skills; responsive to colleagues for overall clarity and understanding
Passion for creating innovative solutions that help companies connect and engage with customers is essential
Ability to work well under pressure and to have an objective focused and positive approach and be comfortable working independently. Is self-motivated and self-driven
Strong customer service ethos, a commitment to quality and the will to constantly drive improvements
OTHER DETAILS
Hybrid role, must be located in the US
Freelance temp W2 only, not 1099 or corp-to-corp
Full-time schedule, 40-hours per week
Pay rate expected to range from $3,000-$3,800 per week
We believe great work happens when we're together, fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection. That's why we’ve adopted a hybrid approach including required in-office days. If you require accommodations or flexibility, please discuss this with the hiring team during the interview process.
AKQA is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without discrimination or regard to particular characteristics. We are committed to fostering a culture of respect in which everyone feels they belong and has the same opportunities to progress in their careers.
About WPP
WPP is the trusted growth partner for the world’s leading brands. We unite cutting-edge media intelligence and data solutions, world-class creativity, next-generation production, transformative enterprise solutions and expert strategic counsel in a single company – powered by exceptional talent and our agentic marketing platform, WPP Open, to help our clients navigate change, capture opportunity and deliver transformational growth. For more information, visit WPP.com .