Product Owner Consultant

Description:

About Us

Illuminative Strategies Inc. (ISI) is an award-winning Management Consulting firm and a recognized industry leader in Business Process Transformation and Organizational Change Management. We partner with public-sector organizations to solve complex operational challenges and improve the delivery of critical services.

We are seeking driven, analytical, and high-performing individuals with 3-5 years of relevant experience who are ready to take ownership of meaningful work and accelerate their consulting careers. Headquartered in Springfield, Illinois, our consultants work at the intersection of people, process, and technology, driving real, implementable change for our clients.

Job Overview

As a Product Owner at ISI, you will lead the development and delivery of client-driven technology solutions built on top of optimized business processes. You will work with multidisciplinary teams—including Scrum team members, developers, public-sector stakeholders, and other vendors and consultants —to translate business needs into actionable features and product requirements. You’ll act as the voice of the customer, managing backlogs, defining priorities, and ensuring solutions deliver value aligned with the business’s strategic objectives.

This role requires a strong understanding of Agile methodologies, excellent stakeholder communication skills, and the ability to balance user needs with system functionality. You’ll play a key role in shaping the future of digital transformation efforts across multiple client engagements.

Job Duties / Essential Functions

• Serve as the primary point of contact for product vision, requirements, and backlog management
• Collaborate with internal teams and client stakeholders to define product goals and translate business needs into clear, prioritized user stories
• Work closely with solution architects, scrum leads, and developers to ensure alignment between technical solutions and business processes
• Lead Agile ceremonies, including sprint planning, backlog refinement, and user story review and validation.
• Validate deliverables against requirements and manage stakeholder feedback throughout the development lifecycle
• Ensure features and solutions support end-user adoption and broader organizational change goals
• Monitor and communicate product progress, risks, and dependencies to project leadership and client sponsors
• Continuously gather data and feedback to improve solution functionality, usability, and value delivery

How We Invest in Your Growth

• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification provided (if not already obtained)
• Lean Six Sigma Black Belt training and certification (company-sponsored)
• Hands-on development in Business Process Transformation (BPT) and Organizational Change Management (OCM)
• Opportunities to take on increasing responsibility and leadership within client engagements
• Ongoing coaching, mentorship, and real-time feedback from experienced consultants

Benefits

• Competitive pay based on education and experience
• Robust benefits package that includes, but is not limited to, medical, dental, vision, life, STD, LTD, and 401k with employer contribution
• Generous paid time off and paid holidays
• Performance-based bonus opportunities
• A supportive and collaborative team environment

About Illuminative Strategies

Illuminative Strategies is a company passionate about the success of our firm, our employees, and our clients. Our culture fosters inclusivity, creativity, and fresh perspectives.

We embrace continuous improvement and learning.

We invest in our people and believe strongly in professional growth.

We reward hard work and initiative.

We seek individuals who want to make a difference.

Our team of industry subject matter experts thrives on challenging projects and has a passion for solving organizational performance challenges across industries and disciplines. Whether you think in code, words, pictures, or numbers, you can express your passion and find your future at ISI.

Equal Opportunity Employment Statement

Illuminative Strategies Inc. is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive, respectful workplace where all employees can thrive.

All employment decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, disability, military service status, or any other protected characteristic.

We are also committed to providing equal access to our application process. If you require a reasonable accommodation to apply, please contact us.

Requirements:

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with a strong academic record required; graduate degree (MBA, Master’s, etc.) preferred
• 3 years or more of demonstrated experience in Agile environments as a Product Owner, Business Analyst, or similar role
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to clearly articulate complex ideas and business requirements effectively
• Excellent organization, prioritization, and time management skills
• Ability to manage cross-functional teams and client expectations
• Proficiency with backlog management tools such as Jira, Azure DevOps, or similar
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office, specifically Word, Excel, and PowerPoint

Preferred

• Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO) or equivalent Agile certification
• Experience delivering technology solutions in public sector environments
• Understanding of business process mapping and process improvement principles (Lean, Six Sigma)
• Familiarity with system integration projects and user-centered design

Additional Requirements

• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States
• Must possess a valid driver’s license
• Must have reliable transportation
• Must hold valid auto insurance that meets Illinois minimum state requirements
• Must live within commuting distance of our Springfield, Illinois offices and be willing to work onsite 5 days per week; relocation assistance may be available
• Must be available to work as needed to honor project commitments, meet deadlines, and support assigned business area needs
• Must be willing and able to travel within the United States based on client and project needs