Product Owner - ServiceNow HRSD AI, Johannesburg

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The Product Owner - ServiceNow HRSD AI is a subject matter expert, considered as the content authority for the team level of the Scaled Agile Framework for Enterprises (SAFe). The Product Owner - ServiceNow HRSD AI is responsible for a number of complex products or services, including managing the team backlog, writing, prioritizing and accepting user stories, and representing the customer to the Agile team. They optimize return on investment by ensuring that the Scrum team members are engaged in delivering the most valuable product features. The role has good relationships and responsibilities outside the local team, including working with Product Management to prepare for Program Backlog, participating in Agile Release Train (ART) Sync meetings, and cooperating to deliver Solution value.

Key Responsibilities

Provides vision and direction for AI-driven HR Service Delivery solutions leveraging ServiceNow Now Assist to Agile development teams and stakeholders.

Ensures the team always has an adequate amount of prepared tasks aligned with HR AI priorities.

Plans and prioritizes product feature backlog and development for Now Assist HR use cases, including generative AI and agentic workflows.

Fully understands the product vision, roadmap, and growth opportunities for HR AI and articulates these to the development team.

Assesses value and prioritizes backlog items based on business impact, time, and dependencies determined during PI planning and refinement.

Provides backlog management, iteration planning, and elaboration of user stories for AI-driven HR features.

Works closely with Product Management to create and maintain a product backlog according to business value or ROI.

Leads planning for product release cycles and sets expectations for delivery of new AI functionality and HR automation.

Actively mitigates impediments impacting successful completion of release and iteration goals.

Drives iteration goals and content via prioritized stories.

Establishes story acceptance criteria and accepts stories into the baseline.

Researches and analyzes HR AI trends, user needs, and ServiceNow roadmap for Now Assist.

Keeps abreast of Agile/Scrum/SAFe best practices and AI innovations, seeking continuous improvement.

Performs any other activity relevant to the role.

Knowledge and Attributes

Strong knowledge of ServiceNow Now Assist and its application in HR Service Delivery.

Understanding of agentic AI, generative AI, and intelligent automation in HR contexts.

Solid knowledge of product development in HR technology and IT services.

Advanced knowledge of SAFe practices and their application.

Excellent communication skills, with the ability to manage stakeholder expectations and say“no” constructively.

Effective conflict resolution and escalation skills.

Ability to empower teams through collaboration and knowledge sharing.

Understanding of iterative and incremental delivery, backlog tracking, burndown metrics, and velocity.

Familiarity with DevOps practices and integration with deployment teams.

Academic Qualifications and Certifications

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Computer Science, Information Technology, HR Technology, or related field preferred.

SAFe Product Owner / Product Manager Certification preferred.

ServiceNow Certified Implementation Specialist– HRSD preferred.

ServiceNow AI/Now Assist certifications highly advantageous.

ITIL Service Management certification preferred.

Additional advantageous certifications: SAFe Scrum Master, SAFe for Teams, SAFe DevOps, Professional Scrum Product Owner (PSPO), Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO).

Required Experience

Demonstrated experience as a Product Owner or Product Manager in an Agile/SAFe environment.

Proven track record in delivering AI-driven HR Service Delivery solutions on ServiceNow.

Experience implementing or managing Now Assist use cases and AI workflows.

Strong experience in product development and backlog management.

Successful track record in building HR technology or IT-managed services solutions.

Experience managing multiple teams and product roadmaps.

Familiarity with Agile approaches such as XP, Kanban, Crystal, FDD.

Equal Opportunity Employer NTT DATA is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer with a global culture that embraces diversity. We are committed to providing an environment free of unfair discrimination and harassment. We do not discriminate based on age, race, colour, gender, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, disability, pregnancy, marital status, veteran status, or any other protected category.

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