Sr. Staff Event Gateway Product Manager

Responsibilities

• Define and Drive Product Vision: Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including engineering, design, and field teams, to establish and execute a clear vision for Kong’s Event Gateway, ensuring alignment with customer needs and long-term production plans.
• Lead Execution: Partner with engineering and design leaders to scope, define, and deliver capabilities for the product’s releases that bring customer value and support the promotion of Kong Event Gateway as a major feature.
• Customer-Focused Planning: Develop a deep understanding of customer needs and use cases, supported by solid data and evidence. Translate this understanding into artifacts outlining target use cases, milestone plans, and timelines to guide the product roadmap.
• Ensure Cross-Functional Alignment: Work closely with engineering, design, and marketing teams to align on use case execution, milestone delivery, and launch plans. Foster collaboration and ensure clarity in planning and execution across all relevant stakeholders.
• Develop Roadmaps and Plans: Create and maintain a comprehensive external-facing roadmap and related materials that clearly communicate the product direction and milestones. Collaborate with Product Marketing Management (PMM) to develop and execute a clear launch plan, ensuring all deliverables are approved and on track.
• Champion Communication and Transparency: Serve as the central point of communication, keeping internal and external stakeholders informed on progress, milestones, and expectations. Build strong relationships with field teams to ensure project updates and outcomes are effectively communicated.

Requirements

• Experience: 6+ years in product management, working with technical products and end-users.
• Deep understanding of customer needs, onboarding, and product adoption.
• Strong grasp of API and Kafka eventing space, with strategic insights shaped by customer, field, and engineering feedback.
• Proficient in writing requirements, collaborating with engineers, and communicating technical concepts (Kafka, event-driven architectures).
• Effectively engaging with stakeholders, identifying core pain points, and articulating a clear product vision.
• Execution-Driven.