Job Objectives

Nielsen BookData is the leading provider of book information services for English-language books globally; we compile the definitive book sales charts for numerous countries via our BookScan service; and we operate the ISBN Agency for the UK, which issues the official ISO-standard product identifiers for Book Products.

The Product Leadership team in Nielsen BookData is responsible for specifying the content and functionality of our products and services and comprises a small team of metadata specialists, business analysts and project managers. 

In essence, the focus of this role is to ensure that the full development pipeline for the BookData business – from initial idea and requirements all the way through to sign off and release – runs smoothly, keeping all relevant lines of communication flowing freely, and facilitating collaborative working within multi-functional teams and ad-hoc action groups in a joined-up and effective fashion. 

The role will report to the Head of Product Leadership, and will need to harness the skills and expertise of various PL colleagues, as well as working very successfully hand-in-glove with the Program Director. The role will also need to maintain very close and constructive working relationships with numerous stakeholders in IT Development, Operations and Commercial teams. 

The role requires a very thorough understanding of all Nielsen BookData products and services and all publishing industry standards, as well as a good understanding of the wider business context in which our clients operate.  

Responsibilities 

1. To work as joint Sprint/Scrum Manager for Book Demand Management with the Program Director, Nielsen BookData to closely manage the program of work on a daily basis 

2. To take direct lead responsibility for management of Sprint Planning and Resource Planning; Release Management; Backlog Review and Organization: Running specified Stand Up Meetings. 

3. To act as Product Owner for major developments on core Metadata Processing systems (eg the main metadata processing system, E2E) including Rules and System Functionality. 

4. To ensure that requirements for development are complete, accurate and timely.  

5. To project manage selected individual projects for any part of the BookData business that fall outside the scope of Book Demand Management 

6. To provide guidance and mentorship on project responsibilities including Test Management to team members as required. 

7. Act as the escalation point for the Operations Testing & Integration analysis team for external or internal queries relating to Dataflow or E2E. 

8. Reviewing requirements for core metadata system developments against existing system functionality and identify if changes are needed. Define and document the required changes. 

9. Responsible for analysing opportunities for extensions and enhancements to Nielsen Book data services and new service opportunities. This will include working with colleagues, and potentially with external organisations, to define and document product opportunities to a sufficient level of detail for them to be evaluated and ultimately actioned. 

10. Contribute as required to other development projects, large and small. This is a senior role within the Book business and will be required to exercise significant autonomy and authority, with substantial experience of managing teams, projects and agile sprints. 

1. Persistent and dogged approach allied with proven diplomacy and persuasive skills. 

2. Hands-on experience and /or formal training or qualifications in the Product Owner Role and the Scrum Manager Role 

3. Metadata subject matter expert, likely to have approx. 7-10 years hands-on direct experience in a senior role 

4. Self-starter able to work well under own initiative and capable of exercising a high degree of autonomy, able to prioritize workload and with excellent attention to detail.  

5. Strengths in problem solving, creative thinking, and decision making 

6. Relationship management and interpersonal skills, ability to foster a cooperative work environment and overcome potential tensions. Able to consult and influence peers and senior colleagues 

7. Ability to work with and mange highly diverse teams in terms of personality types and working styles. Understand the different needs of individuals and how working methods can be reasonably adjusted to be as accommodating as possible. Think and act creatively to get the best out of people. 

8. Expert knowledge of the information standards in use in the global book industry and good general understanding of the book trade 

Hybrid Model role 

We offer a hybrid working model to the majority of our colleagues and competitive core benefits as well additional benefits.

Our Benefits

• Flexible working environment
• Volunteer time off
• LinkedIn Learning
• Employee-Assistance-Program (EAP)

About NIQ

NIQ is the world’s leading consumer intelligence company, delivering the most complete understanding of consumer buying behavior and revealing new pathways to growth. In 2023, NIQ combined with GfK, bringing together the two industry leaders with unparalleled global reach. With a holistic retail read and the most comprehensive consumer insights—delivered with advanced analytics through state-of-the-art platforms—NIQ delivers the Full View™. NIQ is an Advent International portfolio company with operations in 100+ markets, covering more than 90% of the world’s population.

For more information, visit NIQ.com

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NIQ is committed to reflecting the diversity of the clients, communities, and markets we measure within our own workforce. We exist to count everyone and are on a mission to systematically embed inclusion and diversity into all aspects of our workforce, measurement, and products. We enthusiastically invite candidates who share that mission to join us. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action-Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability status, age, marital status, protected veteran status or any other protected class. Our global non-discrimination policy covers these protected classes in every market in which we do business worldwide. Learn more about how we are driving diversity and inclusion in everything we do by visiting the NIQ News Center: https://nielseniq.com/global/en/news-center/diversity-inclusion