Software Product Owner presso Islamic Relief Canada

About the Department: 

The Technology Department ensures the seamless operation and enhancement of Islamic Relief Canada's IT infrastructure, supporting various departments in achieving their objectives. This includes managing and maintaining hardware and software systems, cybersecurity, data management, and providing technical support. The team excels in innovative problem-solving, ensuring reliable and efficient technological solutions, and fostering a collaborative environment for continuous improvement and adaptation to emerging tech trends. 

Job Purpose: 

Reporting to the Senior Technology Manager, the Software Product Owner is responsible for leading the research, development, and ongoing innovation of software products that drive efficiency and enhance user experience across Islamic Relief Canada’s digital platforms. The role acts as the bridge between business needs and technical execution, ensuring product features align with strategic goals and deliver measurable value for internal users and donors alike. The role ensures that digital solutions—whether SaaS, analytics platforms, or custom-built enterprise applications—deliver measurable value, exceptional user experience, and operational excellence. 

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:  

1. Product Research and Strategy 

• Explore and evaluate emerging technologies to strengthen IRC’s digital infrastructure and innovation capacity. 

• Identify user needs through data insights, feedback, and research. 

• Translate strategic priorities into actionable product initiatives and measurable outcomes. 

• Develop product roadmaps and define requirements based on user feedback, analytics, and organizational priorities. 

• Define and communicate the product vision, strategy, and roadmap in alignment with business and technology goals. 

2. Product Delivery and Execution 

• Lead end-to-end product development across the full SDLC—from concept and requirements to release and iteration. 

• Collaborate with software engineers, data teams, and QA to design, build, and deploy scalable, high-quality products. 

• Manage sprints, backlog refinement, and release plans under Agile frameworks. 

• Balance innovation, performance, and delivery speed through effective risk and dependency management. 

3. Journey Mapping and Experience Design 

• Design and analyze end-to-end customer and user journey maps to identify friction points and usability challenges in digital products. 

• Translate journey insights into actionable improvements for existing applications and new feature designs. 

• Partner with UX/UI teams to visualize processes, improve digital experiences, and align features with user goals. 

• Facilitate workshops with business and technical teams to re-imagine and optimize user interactions across digital touchpoints. 

4. Stakeholder Collaboration 

• Serve as the key interface between business stakeholders, development teams, and end users. 

• Communicate complex technical concepts in simple business terms and ensure shared understanding of goals. 

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (UX, Data, Infrastructure, Operations) to deliver cohesive solutions. 

5. Performance Monitoring and Improvement 

• Track and analyze usability, adoption, and performance metrics to inform continuous improvement. 

• Gather and assess user feedback to refine functionalities and optimize user experience. 

• Ensure software products meet compliance, security, and accessibility standards. 

6. Innovation and Continuous Improvement 

• Foster a culture of experimentation and data-informed decision-making. 

• Lead ideation sessions and prototype development to test new concepts and technologies. 

• Stay informed of industry trends and best practices to keep IRC’s platforms modern and effective. 

Qualifications & Competencies 

• Experience in SaaS, Data Platforms, or AI/Analytics-based software solutions. 

• Familiarity with UX/UI design principles and user-centered product development. 

• Proven ability to design and interpret journey maps to identify challenges and define new product features or enhancements. 

• Proven track record of working closely with engineering teams to deliver complex software systems. 

Experience: 

• Minimum of 5–7 years of progressive experience in software or product management, preferably in a cross-functional or nonprofit environment. 

• Demonstrated success leading digital product development from concept through to delivery and optimization. 

• Experience collaborating with cross-functional teams, including developers, designers, and business stakeholders. 

• Proven ability to translate business objectives into actionable technical requirements and deliver measurable results. 

Knowledge, Skills and Attributes: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field. 

• Master’s degree in Product Management or a related discipline. 

• Professional certifications in Design Thinking, UI/UX Design, or Product Management are considered assets.