Associate Product Manager Program (Summer 2027)

Job description

With a career at The Home Depot, you can be yourself and also be part of something bigger. Position Purpose: Are you ready to shape the future of customer experiences? Our Associate Product Manager Program (APMP) introduces you to what it’s like being a product leader solving real-world problems at one of the world's largest retail organizations. This immersive, twelve-month rotational experience places you at the heart of innovation. You'll work alongside experienced product teams, tackle high-impact business challenges, and drive product strategy, execution, and delivery in a fast-paced, customer-first environment. What You Can Expect: - Hands-on experience across multiple product domains - A strong foundation in product discipline - developing the habits, frameworks, and decision-making skills that define successful product managers - Practical application of skills in product strategy execution, user advocacy, data literacy, and storytelling - Mentorship from top product leaders Within your designated enterprise product line, you will work closely with teams of engineers, user experience (UX) designers and business partners. Upon successful completion of the program, you will be considered for Product Manager positions to continue growing your career at The Home Depot. Key Responsibilities: 40% - Delivery and Execution - Formulates, tests, and refines assumptions and hypotheses through user research and testing. Exercises sound, independent judgment to prioritize, accept, and reject user stories; incorporates them into release planning based on strategic value and feasibility. Makes critical product decisions that drive maximum value on a daily basis. Critically evaluates pros, cons, issues, obstacles, dependencies, and values associated with features and enhancements. Participates in standups, iteration planning sessions, product demos, and retrospectives. Condenses complex technical concepts into non-technical language for stakeholders, using discretion to tailor the message based on the audience's needs. 20% - Learning - Applies core product management practices through guided assignments and structured learning activities. Utilize program resources to directly practice and refine a well-rounded product management skillset. Increase business acumen by learning about other parts of the business, leveraging this knowledge to inform product strategy. 20% - People - Fosters collaboration with team members (Software Engineers, User Experience (UX) Designers, etc.) to drive value and identify and resolve impediments. Acts as the decisive voice for the end user and stakeholder by becoming a domain expert, empathizing with, and understanding user needs. Works with the product team to continuously assess progress, disseminate lessons learned, and make timely, well-reasoned decisions on next steps and necessary course corrections. 20% - Strategy and Planning - Listens to and knows the customers of the product; leverages discretion to synthesize customer needs to strategically define the minimum viable product (MVP) as well as future needs. Identifies goals, metrics, and analytics to determine product value; continuously applies judgment to recommend and defend refinements to the product backlog based on learnings. Manages and grooms the product backlog; makes future decisions based on an assessment of risk and the highest achievable value. Monitors research as well as the competitive landscape to judiciously recommend the best solutions and ensure that products remain or become best in class. Direct Manager/Direct Reports: This Position typically reports to Product Management Manager or Senior Manager This Position has no direct reports Travel Requirements: Typically requires overnight travel less than 5% of the time. Physical Requirements: Most of the time is spent sitting in a comfortable position and there is frequent opportunity to move about. On rare occasions, there may be a need to move or lift light articles. Working Conditions: Located in a comfortable indoor area. Any unpleasant conditions would be infrequent and not objectionable. Minimum Qualifications: Must be 18 years of age or older Must be legally permitted to work in the United States Preferred Qualifications: Currently enrolled in or graduated from a degree program in Product Management, Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, Statistics, Design, Business, or a related field — or have equivalent practical experience through work, bootcamps, or self-directed learning. Demonstrated interest in product management through work experience, internships, academic projects, entrepreneurial initiatives, or relevant extracurriculars. Demonstrated leadership experience through work experience, school programs, volunteer initiatives, internships, or other avenues, showing the ability to influence, collaborate, and drive outcomes in team settings. Experience collaborating across teams or leading initiatives in school, work, or volunteer settings. Strong communication skills, with experience preparing and delivering presentations to technical or non-technical audiences. Familiarity with product development methodologies (e.g., Agile, Scrum, Lean). Exposure to or interest in AI/Machine Learning concepts through coursework, projects, or personal exploration. Technical fluency in one or more areas such as programming, data analysis, business modeling, pricing strategy, or user-centered design. Excellent problem-solving, critical thinking, and organizational skills. A growth mindset, curiosity, and a passion for building impactful products. Minimum Education: The knowledge, skills and abilities typically acquired through the completion of a bachelor's degree program or equivalent degree in a field of study related to the job. Preferred Education: No additional education Minimum Years of Work Experience: 0 Preferred Years of Work Experience: 0 Minimum Leadership Experience: No previous leadership experience Preferred Leadership Experience: No previous leadership experience Certifications: None Competencies: Business Insights Collaborates Communicates Effectively Cultivates Innovation Customer Focus Drives Results Interpersonal Savvy Nimble Learning Organizational Savvy Self-Development