Principal Data Product Manager

Principal Technology Product Manager – Data Foundation

Location:

U.S Remote

Pearson Virtual Schools (PVS) seeks a Principal Product Manager to lead our Data Foundation program as a senior expert and key individual contributor. This role is for an experienced, high‑impact professional with deep expertise in data platforms and cloud architecture combined with strong product management skills. You will drive the vision and execution of a critical platform modernization initiative without direct reports, leading cross‑functional teams by influence across engineering, architecture, data science, and design.

The ideal candidate is passionate about innovation, leveraging generative AI and intelligent agents to enhance product development and user experiences. This is a remote‑friendly role aligned with U.S. Eastern Time and offers the opportunity to shape the future of PVS’s platform at a strategic level.

• Develop and own the product strategy and multi‑year roadmap for the Data Foundation program, ensuring alignment with PVS’s modernization goals.
• Lead the program to modernize data architecture and infrastructure, implementing a unified, cloud‑based data platform (AWS or similar) that replaces legacy systems and establishes single sources of truth.
• Coordinate and inspire cross‑functional teams of engineers, architects, data scientists, UX/UI designers, and business stakeholders, exercising influence without managerial authority.
• Champion the use of generative AI and agent‑driven tools in the product development process to improve efficiency, quality, and user experience.
• Oversee end‑to‑end execution of product initiatives, writing PRDs, defining user stories and acceptance criteria, maintaining a groomed backlog, and ensuring on‑time delivery.
• Collaborate closely with internal stakeholders—including product leaders, PMs, and executives—to align the program with learning products and operational teams.
• Apply strong technical background to make informed product decisions, balancing cloud data pipelines, database technologies, and modern architectures.
• Stay abreast of industry trends, identify new technologies, and foster a culture of innovation and experimentation.
• Define KPIs and success metrics, tracking outcomes to inform decisions and demonstrate program value.
• Mentor junior product managers and owners within the team, sharing expertise and guiding best practices.

• 10+ years of product management experience, including platform or technical roles, with a record driving large‑scale initiatives end‑to‑end.
• Strong knowledge of data architecture, managing relational and No
  
  SQL databases, data warehousing or lakehouse concepts, ETL/ELT pipelines, and governance best practices.
• Comfortable with complex technical designs and cloud platforms (AWS preferred); understanding of AI/ML concepts and product applications.
• Exceptional cross‑functional leadership, influencing teams that do not report to you; excellent communication and stakeholder management.
• Demonstrated interest in cutting‑edge technologies, especially generative AI and intelligent agents.
• Experience in Agile/Scrum environments, collaborating on backlog prioritization and sprint planning.

• Experience in EdTech or highly data‑driven industries, familiarity with Ed-Fi or LTI standards, and understanding of K‑12 operations.
• Direct experience managing AI/ML product features or incorporating AI into the product process.
• Relevant certifications such as AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner/Architect, CIPP, CISSP, or Certified Product Manager.
• Experience influencing senior leadership in a large matrix organization.
• Master’s degree in Business Administration, Information Systems, or related field; an MBA is a plus.

• Remote‑friendly role with flexibility; preferred hours aligned with U.S. Eastern Time.
• Occasional travel may be needed for on‑site stakeholder meetings.
• Highly collaborative environment with regular video conferences and virtual whiteboarding sessions.
• Strong self‑management and virtual communication skills are essential.
• Culture of innovation, inclusion, continuous improvement,…