SDWAN Product Manager

Role Purpose

he Fixed Connectivity market for wide area networks is undergoing a major transition as new Software Defined WANs replace traditional IP-VPN MPLS networks. Digital transformation, accelerating cloud adoption, security and hybrid working are driving the need to re-think the network and, in consequence, demand is accelerating for Vodafone Business ‘Software Defined products such as SD-WAN and SASE. As a Global Product Manager, you will provide E2E global product lifecycle management for one of our Global Software Defined Networking (SDN) product(s), working closely with local in-country Product Managers to ensure your product(s) are fully relevant and integrated into Vodafone Local Markets (Operating Companies). The role holder will have E2E accountability for their product area acting in the capacity as the the ‘mini-CEO on a global scale

Key accountabilities and decision ownership

• Driving product strategy (~3-year horizon) in line with global business and commercial priorities
• Full ownership and accountability for the business commercials, P&L and revenue growth roadmap
• Capture and translate global customer needs into clear product capabilities and features or to optimize existing products
• Focus on ‘total product design to ensure all E2E requirements are captured including quality, safety, regulatory and sustainability
• Create and maintain global product roadmap, ensuring alignment with Local Product Managers. Ensuring local market requirements are captured and integration, launch and go-to-market resources and budgets are planned and ring-fenced
• Working with GPB where necessary to ensure visibility and alignment of global product roadmaps & to secure funding for new product creation/ product enhancements (likely through Head of Portfolio)
• Overseeing the agile product development phase to ensure necessary governance, funding and key deliverables are achieved on time and to quality, working with their respective Technology Product Lead
• Acts as ‘chief publicist for their product to ensure all Local Market Readiness and launch requirements are consistent, scalable and aligned through Local Product Managers and relevant teams (incl. marketing, commercial, sales etc.).
• Identifying/working with product partners and determining how they will support the creation of new products
• Owns product pricing strategy & reference pricing, establishing suitable product differentiation, value-add & execution strategies to underpin products success
• Manage all in-life and end-of-life requirements to optimize global product performance, capability and

commercials, initiating resolving actions where necessary

• Ensures alignment with SAFe framework and methodology for all steps of the PLCM process

Core competencies, knowledge and experience:

• Requires particular focus on customers at a global level whilst appreciating any local nuances. Able to manage and understand global customer trends.
• Natural ability to lead on behalf of their product on a global scale.
• Drives senior functional stakeholders to align with their product strategy and requirements. Highly proficient at managing global strategy and commercial requirements for a global product/s.
• Requires ability to manage P&L and commercials globally for their product.
• Excellent product knowledge particularly at a global level. Able to spot global product and technology trends.
• Good understanding of key enabling product technologies
• Emphasis on resolving conflicting requirements between local markets
• Engages local stakeholders regularly on all aspects of their product and includes their feedback in the key PLCM phases

Must have technical / professional qualifications:

• Graduate, with minimum of a bachelors degree
• + 4 yrs of experience in SD - WAN/LAN Products