Product Owner – Consulting Franchise Management

About the role

Cognizant Consulting is more than just a consulting practice; it's a global community of experts focused on helping clients reimagine their businesses. We blend deep industry and technology advisory capabilities to deliver innovative solutions for Fortune 500 clients.

Responsibilities

• Drive the vision, strategy, and delivery of products supporting the end-to-end franchise lifecycle.
• Partner with business stakeholders and engineering teams to build scalable, value-driven solutions.
• Own and manage the product backlog, including user stories, acceptance criteria, and prioritization.
• Drive product strategy and roadmap aligned with business goals.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver integrated solutions.
• Act as liaison between business and technical teams.
• Use data and analytics to guide product decisions.
• Manage stakeholder engagement and communication.
• Identify risks and drive mitigation strategies.
• Communicate roadmap and delivery updates to leadership.

Work Model

A hybrid role requiring time in client or Cognizant office based on project needs. Flexibility is supported through wellbeing programs.

What You Must Have to Be Considered

• 10+ years experience in product management or product ownership.
• 10+ years in restaurant, hospitality, or franchise operations.
• Hands-on experience with franchise lifecycle processes.
• Experience working in Agile environments.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.

Product Development and Delivery & Product Ownership

• Acts as Product Owner in agile teams, defines and maintains product backlog, writes user stories, sets acceptance criteria, and ensures timely, high-quality product delivery.
• Facilitates regular reviews and iterations to maximize value.

Creative Problem Solving

• Applies innovative methodologies to resolve complex product challenges and drive competitive differentiation.

Data-Driven Decision Making

• Leverages quantitative and qualitative data, analytics, and metrics to guide key product decisions and evaluate outcomes.

Communication Skills

• P Practices clear, concise, and persuasive communication across all levels of the organization, including stakeholders and cross-functional teams.

Technical and Business Fluency

• S Successfully bridges technical development processes with business imperatives, translating requirements to ensure mutual understanding and alignment.

Leadership

• Promotes effective guidance and motivation to multidisciplinary teams, fostering collaboration and high performance.

Process Optimization

• Identifies opportunities for improvement within product development, delivery, and operational workflows, implementing best practices and continuous improvement initiatives.

These Will Help You Succeed

• Experience with Salesforce or CRM tools.
• Familiarity with contract lifecycle management tools (e.g., DocuSign CLM).
• Strong analytical skills and process optimization experience.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.
• 401(k) plan and contributions.
• Employee stock purchase plan.
• Employee assistance program.
• 17 Paid holidays plus PTO.
• Paid parental leave and fertility assistance.
• Learning and development certifications and programs.