Discovery Product Manager - Springfield

Photon$52K — $182K *
Consumer Technology
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 6-10 years of product management experience focusing on search and findability products.
  • Proven ownership of search features in digital commerce or content-heavy platforms.
  • Deep knowledge of search fundamentals including query processing and relevance ranking.
  • Experience with search platforms like Elasticsearch or similar.
  • Strong analytical skills with expertise in search analytics and A/B testing.
  • Familiarity with web technologies (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) for collaboration with engineering teams.
  • Experience with APIs and third-party systems in digital commerce.

Responsibilities

  • Define and own the product vision and strategy for discovery features.
  • Prioritize findability features based on customer data and business goals.
  • Collaborate with engineering and data science to enhance ranking algorithms.
  • Translate complex discovery challenges into actionable requirements.
  • Manage the full product lifecycle from ideation to optimization.
  • Define and track specific KPIs related to search and browse effectiveness.
  • Ensure intuitive user experiences through collaboration with UX teams.

Benefits

  • Medical, vision, and dental benefits.
  • 401k retirement plan.
  • Variable pay/incentives.
  • Paid time off and holidays.
Full Job Description
Job Description

Job Title: Discovery Product Manager

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced Discovery Product Manager with a proven track record in shaping findability features and search-driven digital experiences. The ideal candidate will own the end-to-end product strategy for discovery - spanning search, browse, navigation, filtering, recommendations, and personalization - working closely with engineering, design, data, and business teams to help customers find the right products faster and with greater confidence.

Key Responsibilities
  1. Define and own the product vision, strategy, and roadmap for discovery - including search relevance, browse navigation, filtering, faceting, and product recommendations.
  2. Shape and prioritize findability features grounded in customer behavior data, search analytics, and business objectives.
  3. Partner with search engineering and data science teams to improve ranking algorithms, query understanding, and relevance tuning.
  4. Translate complex discovery problems (zero-result searches, low-conversion browse paths, poor filter usability) into clear, actionable product requirements.
  5. Drive end-to-end product lifecycle management for discovery features - from ideation and experimentation through launch and continuous optimization.
  6. Define and track discovery-specific KPIs: search success rate, findability rate, zero-result rate, click-through rate, add-to-cart from search, and browse conversion.
  7. Collaborate with UX to design intuitive search and browse experiences that reduce friction and improve product discoverability.
  8. Manage and prioritize the product backlog with clear user stories, acceptance criteria, and measurable outcomes.
  9. Facilitate Agile ceremonies and drive alignment across cross-functional teams including engineering, QA, analytics, and merchandising.
  10. Drive stakeholder communication including discovery roadmap updates, experiment results, and executive reporting.
  11. Manage product risks, dependencies, and trade-offs across the discovery domain.

Required Skills & Experience
  1. 6-10 years of product management experience, with a strong focus on search, discovery, or findability products.
  2. Proven experience owning search and browse features in a digital commerce or content-heavy platform.
  3. Deep understanding of search fundamentals - query processing, relevance ranking, faceted navigation, synonyms, and boosting strategies.
  4. Experience working with search platforms such as Elasticsearch, Solr, Algolia, or similar.
  5. Strong analytical skills with hands-on experience using search analytics and A/B experimentation to drive feature decisions.
  6. Familiarity with web technologies (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) for effective collaboration with engineering teams.
  7. Experience with APIs, integrations, and third-party systems in a digital commerce context.
  8. Strong experience in Agile/Scrum methodologies.
  9. Hands-on experience with JIRA, Confluence, or similar tools.
  10. Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications
  1. Experience with personalization, recommendations, or ML-driven ranking in a commerce environment.
  2. Familiarity with digital analytics platforms (Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics) and search-specific tooling.
  3. Understanding of SEO and its relationship to on-site search and category page structure.
  4. Exposure to headless CMS and composable architectures.
  5. Experience in automotive, parts, or parts-fitment search (year/make/model filtering) is a strong plus.
  6. Experience working in enterprise-scale environments with large product catalogs.
  7. Product management certifications (CSPO, Pragmatic, or similar) are a plus.

Key Competencies
  1. Deep customer empathy - obsessed with helping users find what they need quickly
  2. Search and findability domain expertise
  3. Data-driven experimentation mindset
  4. Strategic thinking and ruthless prioritization
  5. Strong ownership and accountability
  6. Cross-functional collaboration and influence

Nice to Have
  1. Experience with voice search or conversational search interfaces.
  2. Understanding of CI/CD and DevOps practices.
  3. Exposure to cloud platforms such as AWS, Azure, or GCP.
  4. Background in catalog management, taxonomy, or data enrichment.

Compensation, Benefits and Duration

Minimum Compensation: USD 52,000
Maximum Compensation: USD 182,000
Compensation is based on actual experience and qualifications of the candidate. The above is a reasonable and a good faith estimate for the role.
Medical, vision, and dental benefits, 401k retirement plan, variable pay/incentives, paid time off, and paid holidays are available for full-time employees.
This position is available for independent contractors
No applications will be considered if received more than 120 days after the date of this post.

About Photon

Photon Careers

Joining Photon presents an unparalleled opportunity to advance one's career with a leader in digital innovation. Photon is actively seeking talented individuals to join its diverse team of professionals, dedicated to reshaping industries through technology and creativity.

Explore Job Opportunities

Photon offers a variety of job opportunities that cater to a range of skills and interests. Each position at Photon is designed to challenge team members while providing meaningful pathways for professional and personal growth.

Experience the Culture and Benefits

Photon is committed to fostering a workplace culture that promotes diversity and inclusion. The company provides comprehensive benefits designed to support the health, well-being, and financial security of each team member. At Photon, every professional enjoys access to career development programs and diversity training, ensuring they are equipped for leadership roles in an evolving marketplace.

Engage in Professional Growth

Photon believes in the power of innovation and leadership to drive success. The company supports its team members with resources for continuous learning and growth, including advanced training sessions and leadership workshops. Networking within Photon’s industry-leading community allows for unparalleled career advancement and skill enhancement.

Internship Programs

For those beginning their professional journey, Photon offers internship programs that provide a robust foundation in digital solutions. Internships at Photon are characterized by immersive projects and hands-on learning, guided by experts in various fields. These programs are a gateway to full-time employment and a promising career path.

Join the Team

Photon is hiring! Explore open positions that match your skills and interests. Photon looks for passionate, curious, creative, and solution-driven team players. Whether you are starting your career or looking to make a significant impact in your professional journey, Photon has a place for you.

Prepare for Your Interview

Photon values a thorough selection process. Prospective team members are encouraged to prepare by understanding the company’s mission and values. Tailoring your resume to highlight relevant experience and skills will make a significant difference. Engage actively during your interview, demonstrating your knowledge and enthusiasm for the role you are applying for.

Stay Connected

Keep up to date with the latest from Photon by following the company’s career blog. Gain insights from insiders, learn about new job openings, and get tips on preparing your resume and acing your interview.

Career Development at Photon

Photon is dedicated to the professional development of its team members. The company offers various tools and resources, including career coaching and performance feedback, to help individuals reach their full potential. With Photon, career aspirations are nurtured, encouraging every team member to excel and innovate in their respective roles.

Networking and Career Opportunities

Photon encourages its team members to engage in networking within the company and the broader industry. These connections can lead to myriad opportunities, from collaborative projects to mentorship. Networking at Photon is not just about building professional relationships; it's about fostering a community of innovation and mutual growth.

Conclusion

Photon is not just a company; it is a community of driven professionals committed to making a difference. With a focus on innovation, leadership, and diversity, Photon offers a dynamic environment where ambitious individuals can thrive. Explore the possibilities and join Photon’s team of leaders, innovators, and visionaries.
Learn more about Photon

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