Product Manager

Onward Search is hiring a Product Manager for a 4-month hybrid contract position in San Jose, California. This role supports a Product Development Lifecycle (PDLC) Transformation team, focusing on improving planning, execution, documentation, and collaboration throughout the product lifecycle. The manager will apply deep product management expertise to translate practical experience into scalable processes, enhancing transformation initiatives and lifecycle maturity across the organization. Compensation is $74 to $84 per hour.

Must Have

• Manage product planning, design, development, documentation, and execution across the full product lifecycle.
• Gather and prioritize product and customer requirements; define the product vision.
• Collaborate closely with engineering, R&D, operations, sales, marketing, and support.
• Develop and maintain product strategy and product roadmaps.
• Produce product requirements documents and marketing requirements documents.
• Lead beta and pilot programs for early-stage products, samples, and releases.
• Develop core product positioning, messaging, and supporting materials.
• Conduct product demos for internal stakeholders or customers.
• Maintain deep knowledge of competitive landscape.
• Act as a cross-functional leader and contribute to strategic decision-making.
• Engage with external third parties when assessing partnerships or licensing opportunities.
• Proven experience (8+ years) in product development within complex or large-scale environments.
• Strong understanding of transformation programs and change-management practices.
• Ability to convert practical product knowledge into structured PDLC improvements.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and stakeholder-engagement skills.
• Demonstrated ability to gather and prioritize customer and product requirements.
• Ability to define product vision, positioning, and messaging.
• Experience running beta or pilot programs and supporting early-stage product cycles.
• Strong competitive awareness and ability to maintain market expertise.

Good to Have

• Preferred experience supporting enterprise-level transformation or lifecycle optimization.
• Potentially support pricing strategy, revenue goals, and profitability targets.
• Support development of sales tools, collateral, and training for sales teams.

Perks & Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• 401(k) Program
• Commuter Benefit
• eLearning & Ongoing Training
• Education Reimbursement

Onward Search is a specialized staffing and talent solutions company that helps professionals find top jobs with the nation’s leading brands. We’re hiring a Product Manager for a hybrid position in San Jose, California.

In this role, you’ll support a Product Development Lifecycle (PDLC) Transformation team by applying deep product management expertise to improve planning, execution, documentation, and collaboration throughout the full product lifecycle. You’ll help translate practical product experience into scalable processes that enhance transformation initiatives and lifecycle maturity across the organization. This is a 4-month contract opportunity, working regular daytime hours. Compensation ranges from $74 to $84 per hour, paid weekly, and benefits are available.

There is no application deadline for this role.

Product Manager Responsibilities:

• Manage product planning, design, development, documentation, and execution across the full product lifecycle.
• Gather and prioritize product and customer requirements; define the product vision.
• Collaborate closely with engineering, R&D, operations, sales, marketing, and support to align with quality-system procedures and design-control standards.
• Develop and maintain product strategy and product roadmaps.
• Produce product requirements documents and marketing requirements documents with prioritized features and clear justification.
• Lead beta and pilot programs for early-stage products, samples, and releases.
• Develop core product positioning, messaging, and supporting materials.
• Conduct product demos for internal stakeholders or customers.
• Maintain deep knowledge of competitive landscape.
• Act as a cross-functional leader and contribute to strategic decision-making.
• Engage with external third parties when assessing partnerships or licensing opportunities.
• Potentially support pricing strategy, revenue goals, and profitability targets.
• Support development of sales tools, collateral, and training for sales teams.

Product Manager Qualifications:

• Proven experience (8+ years) in product development within complex or large-scale environments.
• Strong understanding of transformation programs and change-management practices.
• Ability to convert practical product knowledge into structured PDLC improvements.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and stakeholder-engagement skills.
• Preferred experience supporting enterprise-level transformation or lifecycle optimization (preferred).
• Demonstrated ability to gather and prioritize customer and product requirements.
• Ability to define product vision, positioning, and messaging.
• Experience running beta or pilot programs and supporting early-stage product cycles.
• Strong competitive awareness and ability to maintain market expertise.

Perks & Benefits:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance.
• Life Insurance.
• 401(k) Program.
• Commuter Benefit.
• eLearning & Ongoing Training.
• Education Reimbursement.

*Eligibility requires working over 30 hours per week on an assignment lasting at least 10 weeks.

If you meet the qualifications and are excited about this opportunity, apply today! Our team will connect with you to discuss next steps, support you through the interview process, and advocate for your success.

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About Onward Search

Onward Search is a nationwide staffing agency and talent solutions provider specializing in creative, marketing, and technology professionals. We work with our nationwide clients to continuously pipeline and fill specialized roles. As such, not all jobs contain an application deadline.

Equal Opportunity Employment

We are an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other protected category. Candidates must be at least 18 years old to be considered for employment.

EOE/M/F/D/V/SO

Inclusive Hiring Practices

We’re committed to making every part of our hiring process accessible and inclusive. If you need any accommodations or adjustments to support you during the application or interview process, please contact us at inclusivehiring@onwardsearch.com.

Employment Eligibility

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired must verify their identity and eligibility to work in the United States. We are unable to support 1099 / Corp-to-Corp / Independent Contractor arrangements. All freelancers will be hired as W2 employees.

Benefits

We offer medical, dental, and vision insurance as well as a 401(k) retirement plan to all eligible full-time temporary employees. Onward Search is a drug-free workplace.

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Virtual Interview Process

To help streamline the hiring process and ensure a more flexible and accessible experience for all candidates, we’ve partnered with Apriora, a virtual interviewing platform. For select job openings, you may receive an invitation to interview with Alex, our virtual interviewer, via email at alex@onwardsearch.com.

Alex will guide you through a brief set of questions to help us better understand your background and interests. The virtual interview can be completed on your own time, and your responses will be reviewed by our recruiting team as part of the screening process.

To learn more about the platform, visit Apriora’s website.

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Job Seeker Scam Alert

We’ve become aware of fraudulent recruiters impersonating Onward Search representatives to collect personal or financial information from potential job seekers. Please be vigilant and always protect your information. Learn more about potential threats and how to protect yourself by visiting our job seeker scam alert page.