Director of Product

SparkCognition Government Systems (SGS) is the first full-spectrum artificial intelligence (AI) company devoted entirely to the government and national defense mission. By developing and operationalizing next-generation AI-powered solutions, SGS enables government organizations to meet the needs of their most pressing national security missions. Using technologies built in the United States, SGS advances government operations by analyzing complex data to inform and accelerate intelligent decisions, applying predictive and prescriptive analytics to improve logistics and readiness, deploying autonomy technology for unmanned systems, using natural language processing for large scale processing of unstructured data, and more.

About the Role  

SGS is looking for an experienced Product Leader with a history of bringing new products to market, from initial launch to established market leadership. The ideal candidate has experience building world-class cloud, embedded, and edge-deployed software solutions, as well as building operationalized product organizations in service of defense and national security missions. The Director of Product will work with SGS leadership to direct cross-functional teams in the full lifecycle of innovative Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) software and solutions. You will serve as the senior product expert and provide direction around current contracts and product development. We are looking for a leader who is driven by setting, coordinating, and swiftly executing on bold user-centric vision. This candidate must have the ability to hire, grow top-tier talent, and remain focused on key priorities that will transform the way AI/ML is used within the defense and national security market.  

Responsibilities 

Product Vision  

• Direct, craft, and communicate a product strategy and roadmap that complies with federal regulations and security (e.g., Authority to Operate), addresses market needs, and aligns with broader SGS strategic objectives  
• Define and execute rolling 4-12 month roadmaps across SGS’ core products in alignment with product strategy, market positioning, customer feedback and executive prioritization 
• Establish systems and strategies that leverage customer feedback and acquisition strategies to rapidly integrate product requirements and take products from ideation to launch & deployment  
• Manage and organize product development and launch activities  
• Effectively communicate with leadership, team members, and stakeholders around our evolving product direction and establish a shared vision   
• Lead development and delivery execution of product vision and roadmaps, as well as synthesizing research to set strategic direction and priority across products  

 Product Discovery & Execution  

• Develop a deep understanding of our core customers' needs to develop product requirements, grow a pipeline of discovery activities and drive adjudicated construction  
• Identify and establish key objectives, goals, and metrics, as well as monitor and address product risks  
• Lead a team through ideation, roadmap initiatives, technical development, and launch of innovative products – in close partnership with engineering, delivery, IT, and sales  
• Conduct product sprints, manage tickets, and QA product process  
• Establish and manage KPIs for product operations to ensure user-adoption
• Establish dashboards of product/feature progress to drive visibility and cohesion across the team for prioritization and vision 
• Analyze market demand/fit and competitive analyses, as well as integrate research and usability studies to make product decisions and requirements   

Leadership  

• Decisive leader with ability to articulate a vision and lead towards unified outcomes 
• Grow, manage, and support a talented team to drive and grow product development   
• Coach the team on agile, open-source, and user-centered methodologies to set quality standards for all products  

About You

• Must be a U.S. Citizen and able to meet Security Clearance eligibility requirements for access to classified information 
• Proven track record as Product Leader in Enterprise Software bringing new products to market, including development, execution, and integration  
• 10+ years’ experience in the product management function 
• 5+ years’ experience building, leading & growing product teams and optimizing cross functional relationships 
• Experience with start-up enterprise SaaS solutions- proven record of growth with 1-2 years in product function 
• Ability to understand architectural requirements, preferences and limitations 
• Excellent communication ski