Manager, Product Owner (IT - Utility Sector)

Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp. (AQN), parent company of Liberty, is a diversified international generation, transmission, and distribution utility. AQN is committed to providing safe, reliable, and cost-effective energy and water solutions through our portfolio of utility investments to over one million customer connections, largely in the United States and Canada.At Algonquin, our vision is to be the most trusted utility service provider in North America – a premium regulated utility, known for our customer focus, commitment to sustainability, and strong community partnerships. Our employees are at the heart of that vision. We believe that when people are empowered to learn, grow, and contribute their ideas, we can achieve remarkable results together.We are building a culture that values integrity, inclusivity, and innovation. By joining Algonquin, you’ll be part of a team that is shaping the future of energy and water, while creating long-term value for our customers, communities, employees, and shareholders.PurposeThe Manager, Product Owner is accountable for defining, prioritizing, and delivering technology products that enable critical utility operations, regulatory compliance, and customer outcomes. This role bridges business and IT, ensuring products deliver measurable business value while adhering to governance, security, and regulatory requirements.The role combines product ownership, delivery leadership, and stakeholder management, with accountability for roadmap execution, backlog governance, and value realization.AccountabilitiesProduct Strategy & RoadmapDefine and maintain product vision, strategy, and multi-year roadmap aligned to corporate priorities (e.g., grid modernization, customer experience, regulatory compliance)Translate business objectives into clear product capabilities and outcomesPrioritize initiatives based on value, risk, regulatory obligations, and operational impactEnsure alignment with enterprise architecture, cybersecurity, and data strategiesBacklog & Delivery ManagementOwn and govern the product backlog, ensuring it is prioritized, refined, and execution-readyDefine epics, features, and user stories with clear acceptance criteriaPartner with delivery teams (Agile/Hybrid) to drive timely, high-quality releasesMonitor delivery performance using KPIs (velocity, cycle time, defect rates, value delivered)Stakeholder EngagementAct as the primary interface between business units (Operations, Customer, Finance, Regulatory) and ITFacilitate cross-functional alignment and resolve competing prioritiesLead product governance forums, including steering committees and executive updatesCommunicate product progress, risks, and outcomes in business termsValue Realization & PerformanceDefine and track business outcomes and success metrics (e.g., cost reduction, reliability improvements, regulatory compliance)Ensure benefits are realized and sustained post-implementationSupport capital vs. O&M tracking and business case validationContinuously optimize product performance based on data and feedbackRisk, Compliance & ControlsEnsure product delivery aligns with SOX/ITGC controls, cybersecurity standards, and regulatory requirementsIdentify and mitigate delivery and operational risksEmbed controls and audit readiness into product design and delivery processesSupport regulatory filings, audits, and evidence documentation as requiredPeople Leadership Lead and develop a team of product owners/business analystsEstablish consistent product management practices, standards, and toolingCoach teams on Agile, prioritization, and stakeholder managementDrive a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and customer focusYears of ExperienceRequired8–12+ years in IT, product management, or business systems deliveryExperience as a Product Owner or Product Manager in complex enterprise environmentsStrong knowledge of utility operations (e.g., billing, asset management, grid systems, customer systems)Experience working in regulated environments with compliance requirements (SOX, NERC, etc.)Proven ability to manage cross-functional stakeholders and competing prioritiesExperience with Agile, Scrum, or hybrid delivery modelsPreferredExperience with SAP (IS-U, S/4), outage management, or asset management systemsFamiliarity with data platforms, analytics, or digital customer channelsKnowledge of capital planning and regulatory business case processesOur purpose is sustaining energy and water for life, and it is demonstrated in everything we do as a business and as an employee team.Our MissionWe provide safe, secure, reliable, cost-effective and sustainable energy and water solutions. Our mission is how we create value as an organization—it is what drives us every day to fulfill our purpose.Our VisionWe better the lives of our customers and communities. Our vision is what we see as possible. It's where we aspire to be, what we want to achieve and how we'll make animpact. It guides and keeps us on the right path as we work towards fulfilling our purposes.Our Guiding PrinciplesCustomer CentricIntegrityEntrepreneurialTeamworkOwner mindsetOutcome focusedContinuous learningWhat we offer Collaborative environment with a genuine flexible working policyShare purchase/match planLeadership Development ProgramVolunteer paid days offEmployee Assistance ProgramAchievement fund Group Benefit PlanVariety of Health & Wellness programsDiscount and Perks programWe are focused on building a diverse and inclusive workforce. If you are excited about this role and are not confident you meet all the qualification requirements, we encourage you to apply to investigate the opportunity further.We are an equal opportunity employer and value each person's unique background, diversity, experiences, perspectives and talents. Full participation of all employees in a safe, healthy and respectful environment is key to individual and company success. We are committed to fully utilizing the abilities of all our employees and expect each of our employees to honour this commitment in their daily responsibilities.