Product Owner, Investments

Reporting to the Senior Director IT Strategy & Portfolio Information, the candidate will be  responsible for applications and end-to-end technology platforms for their assigned organization department. This includes the overall strategy, architecture, operations and management of applications and technology platforms for the assigned business area. The Product Owner acts as a bridge between the technical team and the assigned business area and is responsible for driving execution, growth and transformation of technology, inclusive of the ongoing continuous improvement and digital evolution. The Product Owners are Agile practitioners, possess strong problem-solving skills, collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, and are dedicated to establishing a culture of innovation and operational excellence.

PLEASE NOTE: Our current onsite work schedule requires attendance from Monday through Thursday each week, with remote work permitted on Fridays.

WHAT YOU’LL DO:

• Collaborates, influences and partners with leadership across Investments to align business strategy, technology priorities and roadmap, both near and long-term.   
• Serves as hybrid team member, effectively positioned in both IT and with their assigned team(s) as a key technical and business domain team member.  
• Leads the planning and execution of key technology projects across all domains of Investments; including Transactions, Development, Strategy and Research, Portfolio and Asset Management, Sustainability, and Capital Planning. 
• Serves as the ultimate single-point-of-contact and/or escalation point to major technology related priorities for Investments.  Helps to navigate questions or concerns for assigned business area(s) across IT domains (infrastructure, hardware, etc.).
• Delivers on the technology roadmap.  Executes on projects.  Accountable for project charter, deliverables, and overall project delivery and success.
• Drives an innovation mindset.  Stays current on what’s new for the landscape of the assigned business area(s).    
• Research, evaluate and pilot new technologies.
• Owns the application suite for the assigned business area(s), along with key business and vendor relationships.
• Develops RFPs and negotiates contracts, in partnership with legal and procurement.
• Has budget accountability for technology operating costs and projects (capital and operating) within assigned business area(s). 
• Manages (either directly or indirectly) the team responsible for delivery of technology capabilities, including project team members and development resources. 
• Partners with internal technical experts to ensure sound architectural and integration principles in place and data models in place for proposed solutions. 
• Adheres to corporate IT standards for projects, governance, architecture, security and infrastructure.
• Defines, tracks, and communicates Program KPIs to measure performance and other key metrics.
• Influences vendor features and roadmap.  External influencer.  Advocate for our needs and build strong relationships with our software partners and vendors to improve performance and generate maximum value
• Establishes and implements continuous improvements for the applications and end-to-end technology platforms for Investments.
• Represents the Company in a professional manner at all times. Consistently maintains a professional courteous attitude when dealing with residents, coworkers and the general public.
• Performs other duties as necessary.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience required. 
• 8+ years of experience in technology project management or similar IT management roles.
• 5+ years of experience in Program or Product Management with experience working across cross-functional teams and managing project timelines and deliverables to successful completion.  
• Expert knowledge across the Real Estate investment lifecycle from acquisition through disposition, market research, and investment tooling. 
• Knowledge and experience building a centralized data model and reporting ecosystem to monitor and measure operational KPIs and make strategic investment decisions.
• Proven work experience with Agile methodologies and tools, with a demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and adapt to changing priorities in large, complex organizations.
• Experience with industry leading tools and concepts.
• Capable people manager with a track record of successfully hiring and leading high performing teams and growing individuals.
• Influential change agent that can influence across all levels of organization to achieve needed outcomes.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to create clear and concise documentation.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills and abilities with experience developing innovative solutions and making data-driven decisions.
• Demonstrated ability to identify, assess, and mitigate risks associated with projects for assigned business area(s) to ensure they remain on track and within scope.
• Must be available for overnight travel to EQR markets, industry or technology related events, etc. (up to 10% annually). 

The Company may revise this job description from time to time as business needs require. It is not intended to be an exhaustive listing of all the functions of the job, nor to limit the Company’s right to assign other functions to an employee in this position. This job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.

SALARY:

$135,000 to $170,000 per year; in addition to base salary, a discretionary 16.0% annual bonus is provided.

The successful candidate's starting pay will be determined based on job-related skills, experience, and qualifications.

WE CARE ABOUT YOUR TOTAL WELLBEING:

• Physical Wellbeing: Medical, dental, and vision care 
• Social Wellbeing: 9 paid holidays, annual vacation time, paid sick leave, new parent benefits
• Financial Wellbeing: 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan, Rent Discounts, Competitive Compensation
• Community Wellbeing: Paid Community Service Hours
• Career Wellbeing: Leadership Development
• Learn more about our Total Wellbeing program here.

RELOCATION:

Equity Residential does not cover relocation costs for this opportunity; all relocation and related expenses are the responsibility of the candidate.

PHYSICAL AND VISUAL ACTIVITIES:

Ability to effectively hear, speak, and communicate in person and over the phone, including the clear exchange of information through spoken and written communication. Ability to interpret, evaluate, and accurately convey detailed verbal and written instructions. Visual acuity sufficient to use a computer effectively and read written materials. Ability to lift, push, pull, or carry up to 15 pounds to distribute documents, supplies, and materials throughout the office or facility. May be required to climb stairs depending on property layout. Occasional travel may be required.

The above describes the physical and visual activities that are commonly associated with the performance of the essential functions of this job. “Commonly associated” is not intended to mean always or only. Reasonable accommodation will be provided as required by law to enable otherwise qualified employees with a known disability to perform the essential functions of the job.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

Our work environment is casual, collaborative, and people-first. Team members are encouraged to bring their authentic selves to work, share ideas openly, and communicate comfortably across all levels of the organization. While we value professionalism and accountability, we also believe a relaxed atmosphere fosters creativity, productivity, and strong working relationships. Employees enjoy a flexible, supportive culture where teamwork, mutual respect, and a sense of balance are priorities.

Equity Residential is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunities for all job applicants and employees. No job applicant or employee will be discriminated against because of race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender, sexual/gender identity, age, disability, pregnancy, national origin, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Equity Residential is committed to hiring a diverse workforce. Equity Residential has a smoke-free workplace environment.

Working for Equity Residential (EQR), a leading multi-family real estate investment trust (REIT), means living our purpose: creating communities where people thrive. It means striving to provide the best in apartment living, speaking boldly about new ideas for innovation, and inspiring creativity in the ways we work together. 

Our portfolio of high-quality properties in urban growth markets – New York City, Boston, Washington DC, Seattle, San Francisco, Southern California, and Denver – provides homes where people most want to live, work and play. We've got the best people in the business, as evidenced by our employee engagement scores and customer loyalty ratings. That’s why our employees say they are proud to work at Equity, a company that gives our residents a place where they can Live Remarkably, and offers a culture where our employees have the opportunity to thrive.

Equity Rewards

When you join Equity Residential, you won’t be treated as simply another employee — you will be considered a partner in our shared success. As such, we are committed to investing in your personal success through a benefits program that supports your Total Wellbeing. 

We recognize that everyone has different needs outside of work. That’s why, in addition to a competitive benefits package (medical, dental, vision and paid time off), we offer many unique benefits options to employees, like a comprehensive wellness program, pet insurance, new parent benefits, and paid time off for community service projects. In addition to your next job, you can also find your next home with us! Rent discounts on Equity Residential apartment homes are available to our benefits-eligible employees. The amount of the discount offered is determined based on the market, ranging upwards from 20%. Learn more about our Total Wellbeing program here.

Equity Values

At Equity Residential, like our residents, our employees come from everywhere. A richly diverse work environment captures top talent, cultivates the best ideas, and creates the widest possible platform for success. By focusing on inclusion, these differences are harnessed to create value — in ideas, business practices, relationships, and employee engagement. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we are committed to maintaining a diverse, inclusive and equitable work environment where our employees can thrive. 

All aspects of the employment process are merit-based. Every Equity employee is expected to maintain a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment. Equity Residential does not discriminate against any employee or job applicant because of race, religion, color, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender, sexual/gender identity/expression, age, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation or related medical conditions), physical or mental disability, national origin, citizenship status, military (including uniformed service member or protected veteran) status, marital status, genetic characteristic or information, ancestry or any other characteristic protected by law. Equity Residential also prohibits retaliation against individuals who report harassment or discrimination, or participate in investigations into such conduct.