Product Owner

We are looking for a Product Owner who embodies "true ownership." In this role, you are not a proxy; you are the "CEO of your Product." You will operate in a Scaled Agile (SAFe) or comparable environment, steering the development of complex software solutions that support highly specialized workflows.

You will act as the single voice of truth between a demanding, highly regulated business side and external DevOps delivery teams. Your job is to maximize value delivery, manage a complex multi-vendor setup, and ensure that technical execution aligns perfectly with strategic business goals.

Key Responsibilities

Value Maximization & Backlog Ownership

• Own the Backlog: You are responsible for the What and Why.
• Ruthlessly prioritize the backlog to ensure the highest value features are delivered first.
• Strategic Alignment: Translate high-level strategic themes into executable Epics and User Stories.
• Ensure the "Definition of Ready" is not just a checkbox, but a quality gate.
• Stakeholder Management: Manage expectations of diverse stakeholders (Business Units, R&D Heads, Regional Leads).
• Know when to say "No" to protect the product vision.

SAFe Execution & Agile Leadership

• PI Planning: Drive the vision during Program Increment (PI) planning sessions.
• Articulate the roadmap clearly to the Agile Release Train (ART).
• Vendor Steering: You are the primary contact for external supplier teams (DevOps/Software Engineers).
• Ensure they understand the business intent behind every requirement.
• Acceptance: You validate and accept the work delivered by external partners, ensuring it meets strict quality and functional criteria before release.

Domain Translation (The "Bridge")

• Analyze and structure requirements for complex scientific and R&D processes (e.g., laboratory workflows, regulatory compliance, data analysis).
• Bridge the gap between "Science" and "IT," ensuring that non-technical requirements are translated into precise technical specifications.

Required Skills & Experience

• Product Ownership: Minimum of 5+ years of hands-on experience as a Product Owner in enterprise environments. You must demonstrate a track record of owning a product throughout its lifecycle.
• Scaled Agile: Deep practical experience working within a Program or an Agile Release Train (ART). You understand the mechanics of PI Planning and dependencies management.
• Vendor Management: Proven experience in steering external/nearshore/offshore development teams. You know how to manage contracts, scope, and delivery quality with third-party providers.
• Domain Fit: Experience in R&D, Life Sciences, Pharma, Crop Protection, or Chemical industries is essential. You must be comfortable navigating regulated environments with scientific stakeholders.
• Mindset: You are value-driven, not feature-driven. You can distinguish between "output" (shipping code) and "outcome" (creating value).
• Language: Business fluent English is mandatory.

Preferred Skills

• Certifications: SAFe® POPM (Product Owner/Product Manager), CSPO, or PSPO II.
• Education: A background in natural sciences (Biology, Agronomy, Chemistry) or a strong affinity for scientific data processing.
• Tools: Expert handling of Jira (Structure, Advanced Roadmaps) and Confluence.

What We Offer

• A challenging Product Owner role with genuine decision-making power.
• The opportunity to work in a Scaled Agile setup for global market leaders.
• A professional, delivery-focused environment in our Belgrade hub.
• Competitive compensation (EUR basis).