Product Manager, Semantic Search for Academic Libraries

Job description

Together we make breakthroughs possible. At OCLC, we build technology with a purpose: to connect libraries and make knowledge accessible worldwide, because we believe that what is known must be shared. Our teams work with complex global datasets, AI and machine learning, hybrid cloud solutions, and other technologies that connect people and organizations to the information they need. We value the power of unique perspectives and experiences to unlock innovation. At OCLC, your ideas matter, whether you have two years of experience or 20. You’ll learn, create, and problem-solve with technologists, product developers, librarians, researchers, marketing pros, and support teams around the world. Why join OCLC? OCLC is consistently recognized as a best place to work by several independent programs. We recognize and reward people and results with a comprehensive Total Rewards package. This means competitive compensation that reflects your unique contributions—performance, experience, and skills—along with exceptional benefits, including best-in-class health coverage, retirement plans with generous company contributions, and a commitment to your overall well-being. We know the best ideas don’t always happen at a desk. Take a walking meeting around our 100-acre campus or enjoy lunch on the patio. We’re committed to your success—both personally and professionally. Hybrid work environment: For many roles, three days a week on-site, with occasional additional days based on business needs. Free use of our on-site fitness center, gym sports, group exercise classes, and game room Onsite catering and cafeteria subsidized by OCLC Health and wellness events Work environments with individual and team spaces and the latest technology tools Paid parental leave and adoption assistance Tuition reimbursement and Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility Company-subsidized pricing on local tickets and memberships Join us in transforming how people everywhere access information and be part of a mission-driven team that makes a global impact. The job details are as follows: The Product Manager, FirstSearch leads the development and delivery of AI-enabled discovery experiences, owning end-to-end researcher workflows within Discovery and Delivery Services. This role focuses on creating intuitive, high-quality search experiences that leverage natural language understanding, semantic search, and connected knowledge to help researchers easily express intent, explore relationships, and move seamlessly from discovery to access. Partnering closely with cross-functional teams and stakeholders, the Product Manager translates researcher needs and market trends into product strategy, roadmaps, and innovative solutions aligned with evolving, AI-driven user expectations. This role drives execution of complex initiatives, ensures alignment with organizational strategy, and delivers value to member libraries through strong product leadership, user insight, and continuous collaboration. Responsibilities Product Strategy and Planning Oversees market analysis and develops the product strategy and business case s for First S earch and new researcher offerings Defines strategic product goals for FirstSearch aligned to the researcher Defines discovery features to improve a researcher’s open, exploratory workflow Contributes to product roadmap s Collaborates on release plans with software d evelopment team Collaborate with Discovery Product team to ensure semantic features integrate with existing search results and next gen discovery Collaborates with finance in the production of product budgets and forecasts Develops pricing strategies and product positioning plans which contribute to maximizing product profitability Leadership and Management Provides leadership to cross-functional product workgroups. Leads Product management meetings. Resolves conflicts and drives consensus. Facilitates collaboration and communication and secures commitment between Development and Product Management and other divisional workgroups towards achievement of common goals. Develops and monitors progress on product roadmap Product Marketing Oversight and Consultation Assists in the development of strategies for customer acquisition and retention; manages relationships with user groups . Collaborates with the marketing and sales team in the generation of compelling marketing and awareness plans /presentations . Understands how and when to commission market research to develop and maintain expertise in markets served, alternative services, new technology , and related standards. Can generate appropriate information for market sizes by sector / territory and can generate market penetration statistics. Provides training and support to the sales and support team; may assist in significant sales calls. Anal yzes reasons for OCLC product wins and losses against competition and can provide meaningful information to aid product planning. Will work to define and rationalize user personas Will produce market/sector white papers Consultation on Portfolio Planning Provides input into portfolio business plans, roadmaps, strategies, metrics, and progress reports and reviews Qualifications Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience 2 to 4 years of experience in product management, user experience, or customer experience of digital products , or equivalent experience Demonstrated ability to deliver natural language, and semantic discovery solutions; able to partner effectively with search engineering teams Demonstrated knowledge and use of AI in day-to-day workflows and use of AI/linked data to create engaging next generation discovery solutions Well-developed communication and presentation skills Demonstrated understanding of the product lifecycle Demonstrated collaboration with product users, designers, and researchers Experience defining and launching new idea or product concepts Experience leading cross functional workgroups Desired but not Required Master ’s in Library & Information Science , Business Administration, or equivalent combination of education and experience 2 to 4 years of experience in library services or library management systems Knowledge of OCLC products and services Experience with f inancial planning and financial forecasting Working Conditions: Normal office environment. ADA/EAA: The above statements cover what are generally believed to be principal and essential functions of this job. Specific circumstances may allow or require some people assigned to the job to perform a somewhat different combination of duties.