Senior Product Owner / IT Portfolio Manager

Our state government client is seeking a Senior Product Owner / IT Portfolio Manager to lead delivery and lifecycle management of enterprise IT products. This role works closely with business leaders, IT teams, and vendors to drive strategic outcomes through Agile practices and data-driven decision-making. ** Note: Per client requirement, only candidates local to the Metro Des Moines, IA area will be considered. Please apply only if you are a local candidate.**Key ResponsibilitiesManage a portfolio of IT applications/products, ensuring alignment with business and user needsAct as Product Owner, driving product lifecycle from planning through delivery and optimizationDefine product scope, roadmap, and prioritize backlogs aligned with strategic goalsLead Agile ceremonies (sprint planning, reviews, backlog grooming)Collaborate with stakeholders, SMEs, vendors, and leadership across teamsOversee product releases, monitor performance, and incorporate user feedbackManage vendor relationships, SLAs, and service delivery performanceTrack product financials (budget, forecasts, risks, reporting)Lead cross-functional teams (fusion teams) ensuring alignment and deliveryEnsure compliance with state, federal, and IT governance standardsCommunicate product status, risks, and roadmap updates to leadershipRequired Skills and Experience 5+ years in Project/Product Management (scope, budget, timeline, delivery)2+ years in Product Ownership / Portfolio ManagementStrong experience in Agile methodologies (Scrum/Kanban)Expertise in requirements gathering, documentation, and stakeholder communicationExperience managing vendors and third-party partnersStrong understanding of SDLC and software delivery practicesExcellent communication skills with both technical teams and leadershipExperience with backlog management, user stories, and sprint planningProven ability to manage multiple products or programs simultaneouslyNice to HaveGovernment/Public Sector experienceExperience with IT governance and compliance frameworksTools: Jira, Azure DevOps, ServiceNow (or similar) Work RequirementsHybrid role (On-site + Remote) – must be willing to work onsite as requiredOnly apply if you can start hybrid from Day 1Candidate must include 3 professional references (Name, Title, Contact Info, Relationship) on the resume. Please submit resume with 3 professional references.