Product Owner

Job Title: Product OwnerLocation: Chicago, IL/Riverwoods, ILClient: Client FinancialsContract DurationInitial 5-month contract, with strong potential for extension through year-end based on performance and funding.Role OverviewWe are seeking a Contract Product Owner to support a UI-aligned platform product team. This role focuses on maintaining and supporting a shared platform that hosts multiple applications, rather than owning a single, traditional application.The Product Owner will primarily focus on "keeping the lights on"—ensuring platform stability, compliance, intake management, and defect triage—while also partnering closely with engineering, delivery, and product leadership to prioritize and execute work.This is a functional Product Owner role (not a Scrum Master and not a highly technical PO), ideal for someone with strong PO fundamentals, operational rigor, and the ability to manage multiple workstreams in parallel.Key ResponsibilitiesOwn and manage platform backlogs, including epics, user stories, defects, and intake requests using JiraSupport platform stability initiatives, including:Vulnerability management with SLA trackingCompliance and technical upgrade initiativesDefect triage and prioritizationManage intake requests from multiple platform consumers (application teams)Support user access and provisioning , including configuring profiles and access levelsPartner closely with engineers to:Refine requirementsPrioritize workRemove blockers and support deliveryCollaborate with:Product Manager (strategy-focused)Senior Product OwnersEngineering teamsPMO / Agile Delivery partners (Scrum Master–like support)Support convergence initiatives, including migration from legacy Client technologies to target Client platformsBalance operational work with evolving project and delivery needsRequired QualificationsProven experience as a Product Owner in a digital or platform-based environmentStrong experience using Jira (epics, stories, backlog management)Ability to manage multiple workstreams and applications simultaneouslyExperience supporting backend or platform-oriented products (not physical products)Strong organizational, prioritization, and stakeholder management skillsComfortable working in fast-paced, high-volume environments with changing prioritiesPreferred QualificationsExperience supporting platforms used by multiple application teamsExposure to UI/front-end teams (helpful but not required )Experience working with compliance, vulnerability management, or technical upgradesStrong project management and agility skillsExperience working in large enterprise environmentsNice to HaveProduct Owner certificationBackground supporting convergence, migration, or modernization initiativesExperience working closely with engineering leads and architectsNot a Fit / Red FlagsCandidates with only Scrum Master experience and no Product Owner backgroundHeavy strategic product management profiles with limited hands-on PO executionExperience limited to a single product without managing multiple applicationsBackground primarily in physical products rather than digital platformsInterview Process1–2 interview rounds with the Hiring Manager and Team Lead