Product Manager, Metalab
More information about location
Product & interface design studio
Open for applications
Product & interface design studio
201-500 employees
Open for applications
More information about location
201-500 employees
Company mission
To help everyone from tiny early-stage startups to Fortune 500 companies build products that are simple, beautiful, and easy to use.
Role
Who you are
- Experience shipping multiple products (bonus points if it's at an agency)
- Excellent communicator utilizing all modes of communication (narrative, visual, etc) to ensure alignment with the product vision. Confident and effective communication with senior stakeholders
- Experience working with cross-functional teams in design, engineering, research, and content
- Exceptional communication skills, including an unparalleled ability to read the room (and these days, a Zoom call)
- A nuanced understanding of the differences working with startups and enterprise clients
- Have an in-depth understanding of what each discipline (research, design, engineering) needs for effective documentation
- Comfortable defining new processes and assessing where to provide the most value on a project-by-project basis
- Comfortable scoping new initiatives, taking calculated risks, and presenting to executives
- Able to empathetically and effectively engage with users, translating their emotions into real solutions
- This role requires a blend of strategic thinking, strong project management skills, and a deep understanding of the product development process
What the job involves
- As a Product Manager at Metalab, you'll be at the heart of our product development process, ensuring that we deliver exceptional products that meet both client and user needs
- You'll be responsible for managing the full product lifecycle, from initial concept through to launch, working closely with cross-functional teams to define, build, and deliver outstanding products
- Product Definition:
- Collaborate with project leads to define the product vision, aligning it with business goals and customer insights
- Create, drive, and maintain the product roadmap, continually evaluating technical, UX, and performance trade-offs, and making scope recommendations to clients
- Participate in research phases to understand user needs, and contribute to defining testing and validation strategies
- Conduct competitive and comparative assessments, secondary desk research, and advocate for user needs through primary research and design
- Requirements & Documentation:
- Lead requirements gathering and documentation for research, design, and engineering, ensuring alignment with user and business needs
- Collaborate with design and engineering leads to assess requirements, prioritize tasks, and estimate efforts
- Create and manage release documentation, including comprehensive release notes, and communicate technical changes effectively with cross-functional teams
- Client & Team Collaboration:
- Serve as the primary point of contact for clients, building and maintaining strong relationships, addressing concerns promptly, and regularly communicating project progress and risks
- Foster a cross-functional work environment, ensuring all team members' perspectives are considered. Challenge and support the team throughout design and development cycles
- Manage the team’s tasks and communicate plans and milestones for upcoming weeks
- Project Execution & Management:
- Create and manage the backlog, write clear user stories, and shape the product prioritization framework in alignment with the product strategy
- Proactively identify risks throughout the project lifecycle, such as backend dependencies, third-party milestones, and changes in scope. Develop and implement mitigation plans
- Proactively assess project needs, generate multiple perspectives on potential adjustments, and evaluate the impact of changes
- Develop and manage project plans, timelines, scopes, and budgets for complex projects (up to $1M), including large makeovers or small zero-to-one launches
- Possess a deep understanding of the product development lifecycle, continuously learning and optimizing delivery methodologies (Agile, Scrum, Waterfall) to enhance project outcomes
Our take
MetaLab, founded in 2006, has established itself as one of the most respected design studios in the industry. Since its inception, the company has designed products for some of the biggest names in tech and entertainment, including Apple, Google, Disney, Uber, TED, Tinder, Slack, and Headspace.
The company's story is especially remarkable considering its founder, Andrew Wilkinson, was just 20 years old when he launched MetaLab.Since then, Wilkinson has gone on to achieve significant success with Flow, a task management SaaS company and Tiny Capital, a tech-focused holding group.
MetaLab's continued success is a testament to its ability to adapt to a constantly evolving design landscape. Recent projects, including work for sports media startup The Athletic and meditation app Waking Up, showcase Metalab's ongoing growth in the design industry.
Steph
Company Specialist at Welcome to the Jungle
Insights
Company
Company benefits
- Remote & IRL: We've been doing remote work since '06 and wouldn't have it any other way — and make space for quality time in-person to stay connected
- 4.5 day weeks We take half-day Fridays because there's life outside of work
- Unlimited time off: Unlimited PTO (really). We want everyone to be healthy and get time to give back
- Zero timesheets: We are focused on the results and quality of our work — not on counting hours
- Learning & Growth: Custom opportunities to invest in your career growth
- Flex hours & locations: For a schedule that's one-size-fits-you
- Equity program: Make an impact on the world's leading products and sometimes have a stake in them, too
- Health & wellness coverage: Both mental and physical benefits so you can be your best on and off the screen
- Parental leave: We give 16 weeks of paid and protected leave for primary caregivers
Company HQ
Downtown, Victoria, BC
Leadership
Luke Des Cotes
(CEO)Initially joined Metalab in 2015 as a Client Partner, since then, they have worked in a number of roles, becoming CEO in 2023. Previously they worked as an Account Executive at TBA Digital and as a Busines Development Manager at Red Label Communications.
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