Since there’s no agile software development without a Product Owner, Pavel from our Spreadshirt Product Management Team sheds light on the qualities needed for the super powers in need of this key position in Spreadshirt’s IT team.
Stefanie: What’s your mission as a Product Owner at Spreadshirt?
Pavel: You could say I’m a facilitator, mediator and diplomat. I feed on communication and planning routines to play my part in developing software products for our global manufacturing organisation as well as production processes. We want our colleagues in production to be efficient while keeping the fun factor high when using our products. In doing so, Spreadshirt’s customers will eventually have a satisfying and inspiring user experience until they receive their quality personalised tees.
Stefanie: What does it take for a future Product Owner to do the job?
Pavel: Communication is key. As a PO for our Production Team, I’m in touch with teams from the production, controlling und accounting departments as well as customer service and other product owners. That’s why a keen communicational talent is vital. A Product Owner needs to have a grip on production, talk to staff and observe procedures. He’s the go-to-person in case any issues arise and gets feedback through conversations and data analysis in order to improve production software and ultimately the procedures in question. A cool head is needed to initiate new developments and to prioritise these.
Stefanie: Why Spreadshirt?
Pavel: The atmosphere at Spreadshirt is just special. It’s a great mix of a company that’s just about growing out of its start-up shoes while being able to maintain a start-up culture within the individual teams while leaving room for making your own decisions. You can make mistakes without worrying to break a taboo so you can learn from them. It’s also quite intriguing to see people at different production sites working together to fulfil mutual goals. I’ll never forget this great team I worked in – it was a lot of fun, and it’s just such a gratifying experience to feel the company-wide appreciation for the finished product.
Stefanie: There’s an unmistakable penchant for superheroes in your office. You can see a life-size Batman and also a Minion loitering about. Which superhero would be ideally suited for your job?
Pavel: Colonel Fury from Avengers. To be fair, I don’t really feel like a superhero myself, but it’s kind of heroic what my team manages to bring about. I’m a guardian of the good guys!
Stefanie: Thanks for taking out the time, Pavel! Famous last words?
Pavel: If you’re looking for a job that’s both rewarding and challenging, I’d like to appeal to all those closet Avengers out there: Apply!
In March, Pavel is leaving us with a bag full of experience and a little tear in his eye. Do you think you have what it takes to fill his boots? Check out the job advert.
We look forward to receiving your application via email to jobs@spreadshirt.net.
Thank you, Adeline!
This was an lovely interview! Communication is the key!