Product Owner
The Product Owner (PO) is responsible for maximising the value of the product developed by the Scrum team, while defining priorities and clarifying project requirements in the product backlog.
The Product Owner (PO), or digital project manager, implements digital projects using Agile methodology. They ensure that the final product meets user expectations by working with the development teams, UX designers and other technical experts to transform customer needs into practical functionalities.
The PO manages the development process iteratively, creating the backlog, writing user stories, and prioritising tasks to maximise customer value. He or she acts as the interface between the teams and the customers, coordinating development, testing and adjustments to the product based on feedback. The PO also ensures that budgets and deadlines are respected.
A Product Owner masters the Agile / Scrum methods for managing projects. This skill is accompanied by a strong appetite for technology and in-depth knowledge of the business domain. Their hybrid profile enables them to plan and execute releases and user stories. He uses project management tools such as Trello, Slack, Jira and Gitlab to coordinate teams and monitor project progress. His skills in digital marketing and his understanding of commercial issues enable him to ensure that the product meets market expectations.
The Product Owner has excellent listening and interpersonal skills to understand and integrate the needs of all stakeholders. They are skilled in communication and diplomacy to facilitate negotiations and resolve conflicts. They have a keen sense of organisation and good stress management skills, as their work can be carried out in a hurry. Finally, the PO must show leadership, motivating and directing teams towards achieving objectives, while remaining adaptable and responsive.
Candidates wishing to become POs take courses at bac +4 to bac +5 level, from business schools, engineering schools or universities, specialising in strategic marketing or digital project management. Specific technical skills are appreciated (in web development, for example). This can be acquired via a double degree course, online learning platforms or intensive training (bootcamp) at specialist schools such as École 42 or Le Wagon.
Generally speaking, aspiring Product Owners start with a Bachelor's degree in Digital Project Management after the baccalauréat, followed by a Master's degree in Digital Strategy, recognised at Bac+5 level. Specific certifications such as PSPO (Professional Scrum Product Owner) or CSPO (Certification Scrum Product Owner) enable POs to master the Agile Scrum methodology, which is essential in this profession.
Product Owners (POs) have a wide range of career prospects thanks to their mastery of agile methods and product management. A PO can become a Scrum Master and oversee the application of Agile principles, or progress to the role of Product Manager, where they take charge of more global product strategies. At higher levels, they may move into the more strategic positions of Chief Product Officer (CPO) or Head of Product (HOP).