12th September, 2025
For more than three decades, Strategic Data Systems (SDS) has been a software consultancy firm specializing in strategy, technology, and business transformation for Fortune 100 companies, mid-sized firms, and startups. At SDS, we empower our development teams to address our clients' critical business challenges by leveraging cutting edge technologies. If you seek a workplace where your contributions are truly appreciated, then SDS is the company for you. Join us today to work alongside fellow development specialists and become a crucial part of our dynamic and cohesive community.
Job Title: Senior Product Owner III (
Location: Cincinnati, OH – Downtown (Onsite)
About the Role We are seeking an experienced Senior Product Owner III to lead modernization efforts within the Deposit Applications team, specifically focused on the Item Processing suite (e.g., Check Imaging, Deposits). This high-impact role will drive product strategy, roadmap execution, and agile delivery for the modernization of legacy systems into scalable, compliant, and efficient digital platforms.
The role requires 5+ years of product OR technical experience with strong Agile delivery, IT problem-solving, and communication skills. Experience in financial services, FIS platforms, and item processing systems is highly preferred.
Top Skills (Client Priorities) Must Have
- 5+ years of product ownership or technical delivery experience
- Agile Project Delivery expertise (Scrum/SAFe preferred)
- Strong IT problem-solving and analytical skills
- Excellent Agile communication and stakeholder management skills
Nice to Have - Change leadership experience (driving modernization and adoption)
- Hands-on use of application lifecycle management tools (Digital.AI Agility, Jira, Quality Center, or similar)
- Financial services industry experience, particularly with FIS platforms and item processing (checks)
What You’ll Do - Serve as the Product Owner for the Deposit Applications Item Processing suite, leading modernization of check imaging and deposit systems.
- Define, prioritize, and manage a robust product backlog aligned to business, compliance, and modernization goals.
- Partner with IT, Risk, Finance, Operations, and regulatory teams to ensure seamless delivery of product enhancements.
- Collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders (Operations, Compliance, Information Security, Fraud, Legal, and Architecture).
- Lead agile ceremonies, maintain backlog health, and promote SAFe/Agile best practices across the team.
- Translate business needs into actionable requirements, user stories, and acceptance criteria.
- Drive change management by advocating adoption of modern tools and processes.
- Ensure compliance and regulatory standards are embedded into product design and delivery.
- Partner with vendors (including FIS) to manage product releases, remediation, and defect resolution.
- Monitor industry and regulatory trends, applying insights to strengthen product roadmap.
- Communicate roadmap, capabilities, and outcomes to business leaders and stakeholders.
Minimum Qualifications - Bachelor’s degree in Business, IT, or related field (or equivalent experience).
- 5+ years of product ownership OR technical delivery experience.
- Experience with deposit operations, financial systems, or item processing applications.
- Strong experience in Agile/Scrum or SAFe environments.
- Familiarity with FIS technology platforms strongly preferred.
- Excellent communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
- Change management and modernization project experience.
- Lean Six Sigma certification a plus.
What You'll Get SDS, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.
- Competitive base salary
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage
- Optional life and disability insurance provided
- 401(k) with a company match and optional profit sharing
- Paid vacation time
- Paid Bench time
- Training allowance offering
- You'll be eligible to earn referral bonuses!
Apply For Job