Associate Product Manager

This job is located at 1 S. Wacker Dr., Chicago, IL, 60606

PLS^® Overview: 

Why PLS? Because You Deserve Better!^®  PLS — which stands for People – Location – Service — is a leading retail provider of financial services. The “P” comes first, because our customers are at the center of everything we do, and we recognize that it’s our exceptional team members who go above and beyond every day. The PLS Group, headquartered in Chicago, is comprised of over 200 financial service centers in 12 states. Through our check cashing stores, we provide consumers with convenient financial products and services to help them manage their day-to-day financial needs. Although many of our customers have banking relationships, we believe that our customers use our financial services because they are convenient, transparent, and frequently more affordable than available traditional alternatives. PLS was founded in 1997 by Bob and Dan Wolfberg, who serve as Co-Presidents. 

Position Overview:

At PLS our main focus is our customers, and we are constantly seeking to improve our product line to address the needs of our customers. Our Associate Product Manager will support our team in reviewing our existing products to analyze functionality and create enhancements, as well as support the development of new products. This person will collect and analyze quantitative data, interpret customer feedback, and assist in the execution of our product roadmaps in alignment with our business goals, among other duties. The ideal candidate will be passionate about delivering the best customer experience through our products.

Job Responsibilities:

• Conduct market research, competitive analysis, and gather user feedback to identify product opportunities.
• Work closely with cross-functional teams, including Development, Marketing, and Strategic Partners, ensuring product development aligns with business goals and customer needs.
• Assist in defining product requirements, write user stories, and prioritize features in the product backlog.
• Make practical product recommendations and suggestions to increase revenue.
• Assist in testing new features, gathering feedback from beta testers, and working to ensure product quality.
• Make data-driven decisions by analyzing product performance metrics and user data to help guide product decisions.
• Gather product data, including web analytics, statistics, and customer trends.
• Analyze customer feedback and record product defects.
• Coordinate findings with the Product Team and align them with business goals.
• Prepare project status and risk management reports.
• Train internal departments on new product features and provide support to customers.
• Develop efficient customer communication and feedback channels.
• Plan and assist with new product releases and events.
• Schedule and perform product training and attend meetings as required.
• Assist with the development of product proposals.
• Other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, business management, marketing, or a related field, preferred.

• 2 years of experience in a similar product development role, preferred.
• 1+ years working with cross functional teams as a product owner in an agile environment.
• Experience in gathering and interpreting qualitative product data and consumer feedback.
• Ability to analyze industry trends and competitor behavior.
• Proficiency in compiling information for executive and senior leadership levels.
• Ability to maintain strong vendor relationships and provide product support.
• Ability to focus on the highest-value initiatives and can manage competing priorities.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to address technical limitations and trade-offs to help determine what to build.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Driven by outcomes and delivering the best customer experience.

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to sit and/or stand for long periods of time.
• Ability to lift 15 lbs.

Benefits:

Benefits for eligible team members include medical/dental/vision, 401(k), vacation, opportunities for advancement, and ongoing training.

We strive to demonstrate our Core Values in all positions at PLS:

Communication ● Customer Focus ● Integrity and Trust ● Teamwork ● Results

PLS is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, marital status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. PLS is a drug-free workplace. PLS provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify your Recruiter or a member of our Human Resources team at talentacquisition@pls247.com to make arrangements. The decision on granting accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.

For jobs located in the City of Los Angeles, consistent with the requirements of the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, qualified applicants with criminal histories will be considered for employment