SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITIES
As the Product Manager for Developer Experience, your role is to lead the creation of APIs that simplify and enhance the onboarding process for developers integrating with our payment systems. You will work closely with software engineering teams, UX designers, and cross-functional groups to identify and prioritize product features that improve usability, security, and regulatory compliance. Your responsibilities include collecting and analyzing feedback from developers, formulating detailed product roadmaps, and ensuring the flawless implementation of API solutions that satisfy both developer requirements and business objectives. Additionally, you will champion best practices in API design and documentation, fostering ongoing enhancements through iterative feedback. Your pivotal role ensures that our developer tools are user-friendly, effective, and scalable, thus expediting integration processes and contributing to the organization's expansion.
1. Domain Expertise in ISO20022, ISO8583 or industry payment standard
Ideal candidate possess a strong understanding of ISO20022/ISO8583 standards, including its structure, use cases, and implications. This expertise allows them to anticipate challenges, ensure compliance, and design APIs that meet industry standards. Invest in ongoing education and training on ISO20022 standards for the team to ensure they have the necessary knowledge to make informed decisions. 2. Developer-Centric API Design
Prioritize the developer experience by creating APIs that are intuitive, well-documented, and easy to integrate. They understand that a seamless developer experience is key to the success of the product. Regularly engage with developers to gather feedback on API usability and incorporate their insights into the design and iteration process. 3. Emphasis on Security and Compliance
Place a strong emphasis on security and regulatory compliance in their API design and implementation. Ensure that security is built into every layer of the API. Implement rigorous security and compliance checks throughout the development process, ensuring that the API meets all necessary standards and regulations. 4. Iterative Development with Continuous Feedback
Employ an iterative development process, continuously refining the product based on feedback from early users and stakeholders. This approach allows for rapid adjustments and improvements. Establish a feedback loop with early adopters, using their input to make data-driven decisions and iterate quickly on the API’s features and usability. 5. Strong Cross-Functional Collaboration
Excel in fostering collaboration between software engineering agile teams, UX, commercial, marketing, operations, legal, and compliance teams. Ensure that all stakeholders are aligned and working towards common goals. Facilitate regular cross-functional meetings and collaborative workshops to ensure that all teams are informed and aligned on project objectives and progress. 6. Comprehensive Documentation
Understand the importance of comprehensive, developer-friendly documentation. Ensure that all API documentation is clear, detailed, and up-to-date, making it easier for developers to understand and implement the API. Prioritize the creation and maintenance of high-quality documentation, including code samples, use cases, and troubleshooting guides, to support developers in their onboarding journey. 7. Data-Driven Decision Making
Rely on data to guide decisions. Track key metrics such as API adoption rates, error rates, and user satisfaction to identify areas for improvement. Implement analytics tools to monitor API usage and performance, and use this data to inform prioritization and product development decisions 8. Strong Communication and Stakeholder Management
Effective communication is a hallmark of ideal candidate. Ensure that all stakeholders, including senior management, are kept informed of progress, risks, and decisions. This transparency builds trust and ensures alignment. Develop clear communication plans and regular update schedules for stakeholders to keep them informed and engaged throughout the project lifecycle 9. Focus on Scalability and Future-Proofing
Design APIs with scalability in mind, ensuring that the API can handle increasing load and complexity as the product grows. Anticipate future requirements and design the API to be easily extendable. Incorporate scalability and future-proofing considerations into the API design process, ensuring that the architecture can evolve with the organization’s needs. 10. User-Centric Approach to Onboarding
Focus on creating a user-centric onboarding process that minimizes friction and accelerates time-to-value for developers. Streamline the onboarding steps and provide ample support throughout the process. Map out the developer and software testers onboarding journey, identifying pain points and opportunities for simplification, and implement improvements to make the process as seamless as possible. 11. Adoption of Agile Methodologies
Utilize Agile methodologies to manage the development process, allowing for flexibility, rapid iteration, and the ability to respond quickly to changes or new requirements. Ensure that Agile principles are embedded in the team’s workflow, with regular sprint reviews, retrospectives, and a focus on continuous improvement. 12. Advocacy for Best Practices in API Design
Advocate for and implement best practices in API design, such as RESTful principles, consistent naming conventions, and clear versioning strategies. This ensures that the API is not only functional but also easy to use and maintain. Standardize best practices across the team and enforce them through code reviews and design discussions. 13. Attention to Detail in Compliance and Security
Given the financial nature of payment products, pay meticulous attention to compliance and security details, ensuring that all regulatory requirements are met and that the API is secure against potential threats. Regularly audit the API for compliance with relevant regulations and implement stringent security measures to protect sensitive data. 14. Strong Negotiation Skills
Top product managers excel in negotiation, balancing the needs of different stakeholders and securing the necessary resources to deliver a successful product. Develop negotiation strategies that consider the priorities of all stakeholders, ensuring that the project has the support it needs to succeed. 15. Leveraging Automation for Efficiency
Leading product managers leverage automation tools for testing, deployment, and monitoring to increase efficiency and reduce the risk of human error. Identify areas where automation can be applied and implement tools that streamline repetitive tasks and improve overall productivity.
Minimum 8 years in Product Management: Extensive experience managing technical products, preferably within the financial technology or payments industry, is crucial. The candidate should have a proven track record of leading successful product launches. Hands-on experience and strong technical know-how in software development and testing is a huge advantage. Specific experience in managing products that involve API development is essential, as the role focuses on creating a self-service onboarding process via API. A solid understanding of ISO20022/ISO8583 messaging standards, including its structure, use cases, and implications for financial messaging, is desirable. Proficiency in API design, development, and management, including knowledge of RESTful services, JSON, XML, and API versioning strategies. In-depth knowledge of Agile practices and experience in leading Agile teams, including participation in Scrum ceremonies, backlog grooming, and sprint planning. Experience in creating and maintaining detailed product documentation, including API specifications, user guides, and release notes. 
