Product/Brand Management Manager, Sr. jobs in Santa Cruz, CA

Department:  Engineering / Program Management

Location:  Scotts Valley, CA OR Hybrid OR Remote

The Senior Software Program Manager will be responsible for the overall planning and execution of our software development projects.  The primary emphasis will be on new plug-ins and virtual instrument development and release. The ideal candidate is proactive, methodical, and process-oriented while having considerable experience in a fast-paced, dynamic development environment utilizing both Agile and Waterfall processes.  The candidate will need to work with cross-functional teams including Product Management, Software Engineering and Quality Assurance, Marketing, and Business Applications.

This position requires a high degree of project ownership and accountability and involves regular communication with executive management on status, risks, and product strategy. Excellent listening, writing skills, and strong technical competency are essential.

Responsibilities:

• Work with and support Agile teams on multiple new software development projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
• Ensure timely delivery of software releases.
• Engage with cross-functional teams to proactively identify and manage constraints, dependencies, and risks/issues.
• Communicate development milestones, project schedules, and status updates and drive alignment across the organization and between teams.
• Ensure product software requirements are clearly defined.
• Ensure project documents are complete, current, and available for staff and leadership review.
• Create/maintain relevant schedule/delivery and code quality metrics to show management how development teams are progressing.
• Work to remove any impediments that are preventing forward movement on projects. Escalate critical program issues and project roadblocks, as necessary, and promptly.
• Maintain Agile process documentation and tools.
• Tracks team velocity, health, and sprint/release progress.
• Participate proactively in developing and maintaining team standards, tools, and best practices.
• Prepare and present program status to management communicating progress against deliverables and schedule.
• Contribute to continuous improvement on processes, tools, and metrics, proactively initiating changes when needed to ensure effectiveness.  Maintain a focus on quality, predictability, scalability, repeatability, operational efficiency, and customer satisfaction.

Qualifications: 

• Solid understanding of Software Development processes and methodologies; experience with audio software plug-ins and virtual instruments a plus
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex technical programs and to drive numerous programs simultaneously.
• Excellent judgment, seasoned analytical skills, superior oral and written communication skills, and an infectious can-do approach to work.
• Ability to work independently and be effective in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrate ability to consistently deliver results.
• Proficient with Jira, Confluence, and Google products.

Education/Experience:

• BA/BS in Business, Engineering, related field, or equivalent work experience.
• Technical background and/or master’s degree a plus.
• 5 years SW Program/Project Management experience; exposure to both Agile and Waterfall software development environments.

UA Salary Range/Hourly Rate of Pay:  California Salary Range = $170K - $194K.

Base salary/hourly rate of pay will be based on the cost of labor for the city/state in which the new hire resides, at the time of hire.

UA offers competitive benefits:  Profit sharing, Medical/Dental/Vision, 401K Safe Harbor Contribution, Stock Options, Flexible time-off (PTO/Sick Leave/Company Holiday Time-off), etc.

UA Mission:  We exist to thrill and inspire music makers everywhere with timeless sound and impeccable craftsmanship, freeing the songs inside and allowing you to sound like the records you love.

UA Vision:  In the future, music makers around the world will trust Universal Audio as a friend and creative partner, inspiring them to craft amazing records as naturally as playing their first instrument or singing their favorite song. The best home, project, and professional studios will feature most of the UA equipment from floor to ceiling — ranging from audio interfaces and guitar gear to microphones and software — all of it working together to deliver unrivaled sonics and operational symphony. Our customers will eagerly await each new UA product like a hit record or blockbuster movie, trusting that it may spark them to create the best music of their lives. In doing so, UA will become revered worldwide as the way that music is made.

Universal Audio is an equal employment opportunity employer. Our policy is not to discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, mental or physical disability, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable law. UA also prohibits harassment of applicants or employees based on these protected categories.