Pearson Virtual Schools (PVS) is seeking a Principal Product Manager to lead their Data Foundation program, which involves modernizing the company's data architecture and infrastructure. The goal is to replace legacy systems with a unified, cloud-based data platform that provides scalable, real-time data access and establishes single sources of truth for key data domains.
Requirements
- 10+ years of product management experience, with a significant portion in platform or technical product management roles.
- Proven track record driving large-scale initiatives end-to-end – ideally including data platform or infrastructure projects.
- Strong knowledge of data architecture and management.
- Familiarity with databases (relational and NoSQL), data warehousing or lakehouse concepts, ETL/ELT pipelines, and data governance best practices.
- Hands-on experience with cloud platforms (AWS preferred) and modern software architecture (microservices, APIs, event-driven systems).
- Ability to grasp AI/ML concepts and their application in products – you don’t need to be a data scientist, but you should understand how AI technologies (e.g., large language models, recommendation systems) can be applied to solve product problems.
- Demonstrated interest or experience in cutting-edge technologies, especially generative AI, automation, and intelligent agents.
Responsibilities
- Develop and own the product strategy and multi-year roadmap for the Data Foundation program, ensuring it aligns with PVS’s overall platform modernization goals.
- Lead the Data Foundation program to modernize PVS’s data architecture and infrastructure.
- Driving the implementation of a unified, cloud-based data platform (leveraging AWS or similar) that replaces legacy systems, establishes single sources of truth for key data domains, and provides scalable, real-time data access via APIs.
- Ensure data governance, privacy, and quality standards are built into the platform from the ground up.
- Introduce and champion the use of generative AI and agent-driven tools in our product development process.
- Write clear product requirements (PRDs), define user stories and acceptance criteria in partnership with Agile teams, and maintain a well-groomed backlog for Data Foundation workstreams.
- Define key performance indicators (KPIs) and success metrics for the Data Foundation program.
Other
- Serve as the product lead at the top of the SDLC for this initiative – coordinate and inspire cross-functional teams of software engineers, architects, data scientists, UX/UI designers, and business stakeholders.
- Without direct managerial authority, exercise influence and thought leadership to drive decision-making, resolve conflicts, and keep everyone aligned on product objectives and timelines.
- Collaborate closely with internal stakeholders – including other Product Vertical leaders, Program/Project Managers, and executives – to ensure the Data Foundation program meets the needs of various learning products and operational teams.
- Communicate program progress, challenges, and next steps through presentations and reports.
- Act as the voice of the customer and the business, ensuring that delivered capabilities drive tangible improvements in user experience, operational efficiency, and platform capabilities.
