Product Owner - ServiceNow HRSD AI

About the Role and Company

Join NTT DATA, a global leader in business and technology services with revenues exceeding $30 billion, serving the majority of Fortune Global 100 companies. Renowned for cutting-edge AI and digital infrastructure expertise, NTT DATA fosters an inclusive, innovative workplace that embraces diversity, enabling employees to grow and thrive while delivering impactful solutions for clients worldwide. This position is based onsite in Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa.

Role Summary

The Product Owner for ServiceNow HRSD AI serves as the subject matter expert and content authority within the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) team. This role involves managing complex products or services focused on AI-enabled HR Service Delivery using ServiceNow Now Assist. Responsibilities include backlog management, authoring and prioritizing user stories, and advocating for customer needs to Agile teams, ensuring high-value product feature delivery that optimizes return on investment.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and communicate the vision and strategic direction for AI-powered HR Service Delivery solutions through ServiceNow Now Assist to Agile development teams and stakeholders.
• Maintain a well-prepared backlog of tasks aligned with HR AI priorities to keep the team focused and productive.
• Plan and prioritize development efforts on Now Assist HR use cases, including generative AI and agentic workflow features.
• Deeply understand and articulate the product vision, roadmap, and growth opportunities for HR AI solutions to development teams.
• Evaluate, prioritize, and plan backlog items according to business impact and dependencies as identified during program increment planning.
• Manage backlog, conduct iteration planning, and elaborate user stories tailored to AI-driven HR functionalities.
• Collaborate closely with Product Management to maintain a value-driven product backlog focused on return on investment.
• Lead release cycle planning and set expectations for delivery timelines on AI functionalities and HR automation enhancements.
• Proactively identify and resolve impediments affecting successful completion of releases and iteration goals.
• Drive iteration goals by prioritizing backlog stories and defining acceptance criteria, ensuring quality deliverables.
• Conduct ongoing research and analysis of HR AI market trends, user requirements, and ServiceNow roadmap to inform product strategy.
• Keep current with Agile, Scrum, SAFe best practices and AI innovations, continuously promoting process and product improvements.
• Perform other duties relevant to the role as needed.

Required Knowledge and Attributes

• Expertise with ServiceNow Now Assist applications specific to HR Service Delivery contexts.
• Understanding of agentic AI, generative AI technologies, and intelligent automation in HR environments.
• Comprehensive knowledge of product development life cycles related to HR technology and IT services.
• In-depth familiarity with SAFe practices and how to apply them effectively within Agile teams.
• Excellent communication skills capable of managing stakeholder expectations and constructively handling objections.
• Proven ability in conflict resolution and issue escalation within Agile project environments.
• Strong leadership skills to empower collaborative team environments and foster knowledge sharing.
• Proficiency in iterative development processes, backlog management, burndown tracking, and velocity metrics.
• Awareness of DevOps practices and their integration with deployment teams.

Academic Qualifications and Certifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification in Computer Science, IT, HR Technology, or a related discipline is preferred.
• Preferred certifications include SAFe Product Owner/Product Manager, ServiceNow Certified Implementation Specialist for HRSD, and ServiceNow AI/Now Assist.
• ITIL Service Management certification is a plus.
• Additional favored certifications include SAFe Scrum Master, SAFe for Teams, SAFe DevOps, Professional Scrum Product Owner (PSPO), and Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO).

Experience

• Proven track record functioning as a Product Owner or Product Manager within Agile or SAFe frameworks.
• Hands-on experience delivering AI-powered HR Service Delivery solutions on the ServiceNow platform.
• Experience managing Now Assist implementations and AI workflow constructs.
• Strong skills in product development and backlog grooming.
• Background in creation and management of HR technology or IT-managed service products.
• Experience handling multiple teams and coordinating product roadmaps simultaneously.
• Familiarity with Agile methodologies including XP, Kanban, Crystal, and FDD is desirable.

Equal Opportunity and Fraud Awareness

NTT DATA is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to a discrimination-free workplace respecting all protected categories. Candidates should be cautious of fraudulent recruiters impersonating the company; legitimate communications originate from an @nttdata.com domain and no payments or banking details are requested during recruitment.