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Job Title


Head of Product Owners and Product Managers, North America


Company : NAVBLUE, an Airbus Company


Location : Waterloo, Ontario


Created : 2025-03-22


Job Type : Full Time


Job Description

The Head of Product Owners and Managers is a leadership role responsible for guiding and overseeing the product ownership and management function in the North American region that follows the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe). This role is responsible for ensuring that the products and solutions are developed, maintained, and delivered in accordance with SAFe principles, fostering Agile practices, and achieving business objectives. On the team, one product Manager is in charge of a team with 7 testers to execute the non regression test of some specific products.The Product Management function relies on several key roles like Business Owners, EPIC owners, Lean UX Designers, Product Owners, and Product Managers. In NAVBLUE all Product Managers are grouped together in a team with a dedicated manager, the head of Product Managers. The Head of Product Managers is accountable for establishing the right staffing, managing competences, people development, as well as ensuring the right performance of the Product Managers by ensuring that all necessary means are properly in place. The head of Product Managers is also monitoring the performance of each Product Manager (both in terms of outputs and outcomes).Responsibilities:Main responsibilities of a Product Owner are described in the SAFe framework at of Product Management are described in the SAFe framework at of the Product Owners:Ensures that Product Owners staffing is adequate vs development capacityEnsures that product Owners have the right skills (flight ops domain, SAFe framework, software engineering)Supports product owners in their developmentestablishes and maintains processes and KPI to measure the performance of the Product Owners teamThe Management of the Product Managers:Ensures that Product managers staffing is adequate vs strategic directions and development capacityEnsures that product managers have the right skills (flight ops domain, SAFe framework)Supports product managers in their developmentestablishes and maintains processes and KPI to measure the performance of the Product management teamSupport the manager of the test team to execute the committed test activities done by the team.The Head of Product Owners and Managers follows the guidance of the Airbus leadership model.Dimensions: Subordinate employees: 7 including one Manager of 7 peopleTeam size: 14 people and the PM/PO responsibilities of half the NAVBLUE TrainsQualified Experience/Skills/Training:Education:Diploma or degree in software engineering, aeronautics or a related field.Experience:Experience in Software engineeringExperience in Aviation industry, noticeably Flight Operations good knowledge of EFB solutions including Charts, OCC environment, flight ops engineeringSome experience in SAFeLeadership, managementKnowledge, Skills, Demonstrated Capabilities & Competencies:Superior analytical and problem solving skillsHigh energy, driven to innovate, and a team playerStrongly focused and self-motivated to overachieve goalsStrong interpersonal skills and an ability to interact effectively with senior management, customers and partnersEnglish negotiation levelPerks:Located in the heart of University of Waterloos David Johnston Research + Technology Park, NAVBLUE is close to shops, restaurants, gyms, daycare, and many other amenities, and only 10 minutes away from Hwy 85. The modern design of our suite on the second floor of the Accelerator Centre draws its inspiration from airport terminals, and features bright, open workstations, rather than boxed-in cubicles. As part of our family, you will enjoy:Being part of Airbus NetworkFlexible hoursHybrid working environment (3 days in office)Free parking Vacation Days (15 - 25)Professional Development DayChristmas shut downSummer core hours Strong work-life balance Casual dress code Competitive group benefits plan Strong focus on mental health support benefits5 Sick Days2 Personal DaysRRSP matching programLife InsuranceEmployee stock ownership planMaternity & Paternity benefitsReferral programRewards and Recognition program Training and Development Support Monthly Lunch and Learns Fitness & Wellness reimbursementAn active social committee Organized Volunteer EventsGame room, including a flight simulator!Lunch hour sporting activities (hockey, soccer, volleyball etc.) with a shower on siteActive Inclusion & Diversity CommitteeAnd much more!Not to mention, the aviation industrys ongoing digital transformation means we must continually innovate and rise to the many challenges faced by our geographically diverse customers. We are always looking for creative ways to improve our processes and technologies to be a leader in the highly competitive aviation market.How to Apply:We thank all applicants for applying. Only selected applicants will be contacted.Navblue is committed to creating an environment and a culture where everyone feels like they belong no matter who they are or where they are from. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all individuals based on job-related qualifications and ability to perform a job. We do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, colour, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, family status, genetic characteristics, record of offences, and basis of disability or any protected class. Accommodations will be available on request for candidates throughout the entire recruitment and selection process.About Us:NAVBLUE, an Airbus Company, is a leading global provider of flight operations solutions, including aeronautical charts, navigation data solutions, flight planning, aircraft performance software (take-off/landing, weight and balance), and crew planning solutions. Youll be able to shape the future of the digital aviation industry by working on several of the best in the industry flagship products enabling pilots, dispatchers, flight engineers and other aviation personnel on a daily basis to deliver safe, efficient, and reliable flight operations all over the world. Youll have the opportunity to support millions of flights each year and help NAVBLUE customers maximize efficiency, reduce costs, ensure compliance with complex national and international safety regulations, and effectively deliver their services.Youll join a team with a focus on digital and collaborative innovation that is passionate and customer-focused. Over the last few years, Airbus has been supportive of various initiatives such as Going Digital, Performance Based Navigation Services, Air Traffic Management Modernization Programs, FlySmart on iOS and other digital projects related to new aircraft technologies; the launch of NAVBLUE was therefore a natural step to further develop its Flight Operations and Air Traffic Management Portfolio. NAVBLUE is also proud to have been recognized as one of Waterloo Areas Top Employers for 2024. Based on eight criteria: physical workplace, work atmosphere and social, health financial and family benefits, vacation and time off, employee communication, performance manager, training and skills development and community involvement. It was determined that we offer some of the most progressive and forward-thinking programs within the area. Plus, NAVBLUE was recognized as one of Canadas Best Employers for Recent Graduates in 2024. We are excited and grateful for both these recognitions. We realize that it is our employees that have allowed us to succeed and will allow us to continue succeeding. NAVBLUE is a fully owned subsidiary of Services by Airbus, fueled by the agility of Airbus ProSky and Navtech (acquired in 2016), and the pioneering spirit of Airbus, NAVBLUE was created in July 2016 with one mission: lead aviation into the digital age. NAVBLUE is based in Hersham (UK), Toulouse (France), Waterloo, ON (Canada), Bangkok (Thailand) and Malm (Sweden), Gdask (Poland) with other offices all around the world. The Future is Yours for the Taking: