Product Manager IV

Job Description

Rackspace is the leader in helping customers accelerate the benefits of cloud! The Product Manager -- Storage for Rackspace is responsible for the overall storage portfolio across our private and hybrid cloud offers, including strategic planning, roadmap and prioritization, launching products, managing lifecycle events and reporting out on the health of the business. This role requires cross functional engagements across the company including Executives, Sales, Operations, Partners, Finance, and Supply Chain. Driving key business results for the storage portfolio is critical. The ideal candidate will leverage their deep industry knowledge of storage technologies and ecosystem, and align to the overall Rackspace strategy and drive the storage business forward. This is in a fast paced work environment, ideal for candidates with entrepreneurial spirit and a ‘get it done’ attitude.PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITY: Ensures achievement of strategic revenue objectives for a specific product or product family. Researches market trends and needs. Articulates results in the form of product requirements. Plays a proactive role in product planning and design to ensure the product is differentiated from competitors in the marketplace. Develops content for marketing collateral and sales training to ensure successful product launches. Involved throughout the entire lifecycle of the product, working closely with development teams from product initiation to delivery to eventual product retirement.

• KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITY: Expert knowledge of the following domains: IT industry and product domain. Advanced understanding of business as it relates to the hosting industry. Excellent knowledge of product development life cycle with relevant experience in 2 or more phases. Proven ability to manage portfolio of projects. Ability to balance team resource loads to meet commitments and optimize output.
• JOB COMPLEXITY: Strategic - high level contributor to overall strategy. Tactical - lower contribution (if PA available). Manages the success of assigned products and develops requirements for future product releases. Creates Product Line Strategies with a focus on cross functional and/or cross domain product lines. Addresses the lifecycle interaction between multiple products through strategic planning. Develops business cases for new offerings. Researches and creates product requirements docs. Facilitates build vs. buy analysis. Works with Product Marketing Manager regarding company wide communications. Researches competitors’ products, assesses competitive advantages and determines what product features and functionality will be built. Mentors or coaches other PM’s.
• SUPERVISION: Moderate to low level of supervision required.
• EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degree required, plus seven (7) years related experience (technology and/or product management). BS in Technology or Business preferred. MBA preferred.
• PHYSICAL DEMANDS: General office environment. May require long periods sitting and viewing a computer monitor. Moderate levels of stress may occur at times. No special physical demands required.