Christian G.
Product Owner – Redesign of an iOS and Android SaaS Application Platform
Experience
Apr 2023 - Oct 2023
7 monthsProduct Owner – Redesign of an iOS and Android SaaS Application Platform
iApps Technologies GmbH
- As Product Owner, I led the redesign of the iOS and Android B2B SaaS solution.
- I developed the product vision and strategy and shaped the platform architecture.
- I worked closely with cross-functional teams to create a user-centered, forward-looking product for the provider.
- I identified market trends, analyzed stakeholder and customer feedback, and defined a well-considered feature set.
- I led the product design and development process and created Balsamiq wireframes.
- I conducted thorough market and competitor analyses.
- I defined the product roadmap, managed feature scope, and prioritized the backlog.
- I wrote epics and user stories, briefed UI designers, and reviewed and approved Figma layouts.
Jun 2022 - Sep 2023
1 year 4 monthsCIO Consultant – Development of an IT Strategy and System Landscape
Entrenco GmbH & Bioenergie Wegscheid GmbH
- As a CIO consultant, I developed and implemented an IT strategy and overarching system architecture for two international plant engineering companies specializing in combined heat and power plants.
- I performed an as-is analysis and collaborated effectively with key stakeholders.
- A deep understanding of business processes was essential to seamlessly develop and integrate IT systems.
- I analyzed the IT infrastructure and system landscape and gathered requirements to adjust IT processes.
- I collected requirements through interviews, workshops, and meetings.
- I developed a comprehensive IT strategy and action plans (ERP, CRM, SharePoint, collaboration tools such as Teams), including for a future merger of the companies.
- I addressed IT security aspects and requirements.
- I created and tracked work packages in Asana for internal and external partners.
- I worked with stakeholders and management to integrate measures successfully.
- I documented processes using BPMN modeling tools.
- I supported change management and organized and moderated workshops.
- I prepared reports and presentations in PowerPoint and Word.
Jan 2022 - Apr 2022
4 monthsRequirements Manager – Backend Platform with Data Migration
Süddeutsche Zeitung
- As Requirements Manager for backend development and data migration at Süddeutsche Zeitung, I oversaw the requirements gathering process for various company projects.
- I worked closely with stakeholders, analyzed business requirements, designed system architecture, and translated it into technical specifications.
- I led coordination meetings and workshops with clients and software architects.
- I performed detailed requirement analyses and created concepts and documentation.
- I defined and reviewed the RESTful API endpoints and JSON requests for content delivery.
- I translated requirements into technical specifications and supported infrastructure virtualization.
- I prepared the proposal and the functional specification document.
Aug 2021 - Apr 2023
1 year 9 monthsSenior Project Manager – Digital Publishing Platform (Backend, Web, iOS and Android Apps)
SWP, LR and MOZ
- As Senior Project Manager, I led the development and implementation of a digital publishing platform for SWP, LR, and MOZ, including backend support and iOS and Android apps.
- The role required strong project management skills and knowledge of the latest publishing industry trends and technologies.
- I steered the development and successful release of the digital publishing platform.
- I managed the cross-functional agile team of Java, Swift, HTML, PHP, CSS, JavaScript, and Kotlin developers and the DevOps department.
- I controlled the platform development in terms of time, cost, resources, and quality.
- I created epics and stories and managed client approvals and change requests.
- I handled stakeholder management with the client.
- I managed sprints and the backlog.
Jul 2021 - Mar 2023
1 year 9 monthsProduct Owner and Project Manager of a Fully Automated SaaS Publishing Platform
- As Product Owner, I led the development of a fully automated SaaS publishing platform for small and mid-sized publishers from initial idea to market launch.
- The role required deep software development knowledge and a precise understanding of industry requirements.
- Effective communication skills were crucial for collaborating with cross-functional teams.
- I documented needed IT processes and designed the platform architecture.
- I guided the agile software development and test-driven development and defined the implementation strategy.
- I identified and tracked technical project risks and documented project progress.
- I coordinated test management and bug analysis.
- I produced and maintained project documents, including reports, minutes, and documentation.
- I defined the product roadmap and prioritized features and refined the platform based on customer feedback.
Feb 2021 - Aug 2022
1 year 7 monthsProcess Manager – Optimization of Project Management Processes, Jira Workflows, and Confluence
- As Process Manager focused on project management processes, Jira workflows, and knowledge management in Confluence, I analyzed processes, proposed improvements, aligned them with the Product Owner and dev team, and ensured implementation.
- I introduced Jira SCRUM and Kanban boards and workflows in consultation with Product Owners.
- I implemented collaboration tools like Trello and Slack, replacing Skype.
- I set up standardized templates and checklists in Confluence for faster, standardized project execution to improve release quality and reduce launch risks.
- I developed ticket templates for quicker setup and standardized project execution.
- I created and maintained process documentation, including reports.
- I improved project scheduling and cost control and enhanced controlling for new developments.
- I built a structured documentation architecture in Confluence.
Dec 2019 - Jul 2023
3 years 8 monthsHR Recruiter – Leadership and Team Acquisition
- As part of a recruitment consultancy, I specialized in hiring IT leaders and product and project managers.
- I developed and executed effective recruiting strategies, conducted interviews, and assessed candidates to fill leadership and team positions.
- I acquired talent for C-level roles, team leaders, product, and project managers.
- I sourced candidates via recruiting platforms like LinkedIn Recruiter.
- I coordinated and conducted interview processes.
- I evaluated candidates and prepared reports for management.
Aug 2019 - Oct 2021
2 years 3 monthsSenior Project Manager – Tagesspiegel iOS/Android Apps and Portal
Agency / Tagesspiegel Verlag
- As Senior Project Manager for the iOS and Android news apps, I worked with Tagesspiegel product managers to develop and enhance news apps and the e-paper portal.
- I created high-level and detailed concepts using agile methods and client requirements for an agency.
- I led the technical implementation, developing and adapting features with frontend, backend, mobile, and DevOps teams.
- I continuously improved the apps based on user feedback and new client needs.
Aug 2019 - Jun 2021
1 year 11 monthsTechnical Project Lead – Multimedia Premium Offering “Die ZEIT”
Agency / Zeitverlag Gerd Bucerius GmbH & Co. KG
- As Technical Project Lead, I developed the multimedia iOS and Android premium offering “Die ZEIT,” including implementing and adapting a new CMS to editorial workflows.
- I led the technical project to build the multimedia app for iOS and Android.
- I analyzed and mapped editorial workflows and adjusted the CMS accordingly.
- I implemented the CMS and full production pipeline with CDN delivery.
- I worked with REST (JSON) APIs between the CMS backend and frontend and integrated the apps.
- I implemented innovative features for a premium user experience.
- I conducted training and workshops with editorial teams.
Sep 2018 - May 2020
1 year 9 monthsProduct and Project Manager of an AI-Based Text-to-Speech B2B SaaS Solution
iApps Technologies GmbH / Ippen Verlag / F.A.Z Verlag
- As Product and Project Manager, I defined the product vision, wrote the concept and requirements, prioritized the backlog, and collaborated with cross-functional teams.
- The solution was deployed at clients like F.A.Z. and the Ippen Group with Münchener Merkur, Frankfurter Rundschau, and HAZ.
- I developed a scalable cloud platform compliant with IT security requirements.
- I created a detailed project plan with milestones, timelines, and resource planning.
- I managed risks by identifying potential issues and mitigation strategies.
- I set up feedback loops for continuous improvement of the AI tool implementation.
- I planned and managed the infrastructure project.
- I reported regularly to executive management on progress, challenges, and outcomes.
Jun 2018 - Nov 2019
1 year 6 monthsSenior Project Manager – Audio CMS with iOS and Android Apps for “ZEIT Audio”
Agency / Zeitverlag Gerd Bucerius GmbH & Co. KG
- As Senior Project Manager, I led the development of an audio CMS and related iOS and Android apps for “ZEIT Audio.”
- The role required strong project management skills, technical expertise, and deep podcast knowledge.
- I led the dev team in building the audio CMS and apps.
- I gathered requirements from stakeholders.
- I created epics and stories.
- I monitored the project budget.
- I implemented innovative features to enhance user experience.
- I ensured quality assurance and on-time product launches.
Mar 2018 - Oct 2022
4 years 8 monthsChief Product Officer (CPO)
iApps Technologies GmbH
- As CPO at iApps Technologies GmbH, I led product and project management and QA, and I was responsible for developing product strategies and products like CMS systems, analytics platforms, portals, and iOS/Android apps.
- I headed the product management, project management, and QA teams.
- I drove product strategy, vision, and innovation management.
- I evolved existing products and planned product lifecycles.
- I handled PMO tasks such as project planning and coordination (defining milestones, tasks, and resources).
- I identified risks and crafted mitigation strategies.
- I advised executives on company strategy.
- I optimized software development processes and managed change.
- I managed client relationships and stakeholder events.
- I conducted pitches, prepared tender documents and proposals.
- I coached and developed employees.
Jan 2018 - Jun 2022
4 years 6 monthsProduct and Project Manager of the p4p Analytics SaaS Business Intelligence (BI) Platform
iApps Technologies GmbH
- As Product and Project Manager for p4p Analytics at iApps Technologies GmbH, I led the development and enhancement of the p4p Analytics platform.
- The role demanded strong analytical skills, deep understanding of data structures and dependencies, and efficient presentation of large datasets.
- I developed product features, UX concepts using Balsamiq wireframes, and the product roadmap.
- I wrote user stories and defined acceptance criteria for the agile cycle.
- I supported data model design with UML.
- I managed the product backlog, prioritizing epics and stories and ensuring GDPR compliance.
- I led dev teams using Kanban and planned resources.
Nov 2017 - Jul 2018
9 monthsSenior Product Manager – SSO & Paywall Solution for Paid Content
iApps Technologies GmbH / Axel Springer SE / Ippen Verlag
- As Product Manager at iApps Technologies GmbH, I oversaw development and implementation of an SSO and paywall solution for paid content in publishing.
- The role required solid knowledge of OAuth, PSP, and SSO systems and deep publishing market insights.
- I conducted requirements analysis and led the dev team to build the SSO and paywall solution.
- I integrated an external PSP (Payone).
- I created documentation with sequence diagrams and test cases.
- I worked closely with stakeholders to define the roadmap and supported rollout.
- I implemented agile frameworks to optimize development.
Sep 2017 - Feb 2022
4 years 6 monthsSenior Project Manager – E-Publishing Solution with Web, Backend, and iOS & Android Apps
Ippen Verlag
- As Senior Project Manager, I led development of an e-publishing solution at Ippen Verlag (Münchener Merkur, Frankfurter Rundschau, and more).
- I led the cross-functional agile team of Java backend, full-stack frontend, iOS (Swift), and Android (Kotlin) developers and coordinated with client teams to deliver 11 portals and 22 apps.
- I prepared and maintained project documents, including reports, minutes, and documentation.
- I reported project status to executives and clients.
- I managed project budgets and release schedules.
Nov 2016 - Feb 2020
3 years 4 monthsSenior Project Manager – Development of iOS and Android Apps for a Trade Publisher
Handelsblatt Fachmedien GmbH
- As Senior Project Manager, I oversaw the design and development of iOS and Android apps in collaboration with UX/UI designers and dev teams.
- The role required strong project management skills and expertise in UX app design and development for both platforms.
- I managed projects from concept through delivery and launch.
- I analyzed, prioritized, and documented requirements.
- I coordinated external partners.
- I provided client support and ongoing product enhancement post-launch.
- I designed the software architecture using UML.
Sep 2016 - Jun 2018
1 year 10 monthsProduct and Project Manager for a SaaS CMS Publishing Platform
F.A.Z.
- As Product Manager for a SaaS CMS publishing solution, I led concept and implementation of a new CMS and publishing product.
- I worked closely with a key client (reference) alongside editorial and product teams.
- I managed product and project from concept through delivery and launch.
- I analyzed client requirements and processes and conducted requirement and process analyses with editorial and publishing stakeholders.
- I created and tested interactive Axure RP prototypes.
- I led the agile dev process and defined test procedures and acceptance criteria.
- I defined the product roadmap and prioritized features.
- I handled stakeholder management.
Feb 2016 - May 2016
4 monthsStrategy Consultant – Premium Educational Offers for Cornelsen Verlag
Cornelsen Verlag
- As Strategy Consultant for premium educational offerings at Cornelsen Verlag, I developed a comprehensive app strategy to increase revenue and reach.
- I conducted market and competitor analyses.
- I analyzed and developed new digital business models.
- I performed an as-is analysis of existing offerings and reported findings to management and program leadership.
- I developed an overall app strategy.
May 2015 - Jun 2017
2 years 2 monthsSenior Project Manager – Development of an SSO and Paywall Extension
Handelsblatt GmbH
- As Senior Project Manager and dev lead, I extended the SSO and paywall platform for Handelsblatt, integrating app stores with the CCI and SAP systems.
- I led the dev team, managed project plans, and worked with stakeholders.
- I managed the extension of the existing SSO and paywall solution for mobile apps.
- I coordinated multiple vendors and the client.
- I continuously monitored and controlled progress against time, budget, and quality targets.
Mar 2015 - Mar 2018
3 years 1 monthSenior Project Manager for a Digital Prospect Advertising Platform
Agency / RP-Online / MhN Digital
- As Senior Project Manager, I created concepts, defined client product requirements, and aligned product and project goals with stakeholders.
- I coordinated the publisher, IT vendors, and UI/UX teams for smooth project delivery.
Dec 2014 - Aug 2022
7 years 9 monthsScrum Master for the iKiosk.de Platform (Web, iOS and Android Apps)
iApps Technologies GmbH, Axel Springer SE / Schweitzer Fachinformationen
- As Scrum Master for iKiosk.de, I coordinated the SCRUM dev team for platform enhancements.
- By introducing SCRUM, collaboration improved and dev could respond faster and more efficiently to changing PO and stakeholder needs.
- I facilitated stand-ups, planning meetings, sprint planning, reviews, and retrospectives.
- I managed the backlog and prioritized sprints with the PO and stakeholders.
- I worked with dev teams in Poland, Ukraine, India, and QA teams in Germany and Romania.
- I implemented agile best practices for continuous improvement.
Nov 2014 - Jun 2015
8 monthsStrategy Consultant – Mobile Online Services & Apps for Hamburg.de
Hamburg.de and the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg
- As Strategy Consultant for Hamburg.de and the public administration of the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg, I focused on mobile online services and apps.
- My work centered on developing strategies to improve services and leading workshops.
- I crafted optimization strategies for mobile online services and applications.
- I identified and designed solutions for public administration.
- I collaborated closely with teams and stakeholders.
- I implemented measures that boosted user and partner satisfaction.
Oct 2014 - Nov 2018
4 years 2 monthsLecturer for “Location Based Services as a Business Model”
Leipzig School of Media / University of Leipzig
- As lecturer for the course “Location Based Services as a Business Model” at Leipzig School of Media / University of Leipzig, I shared expertise in the fast-growing LBS field with students.
- Through interactive lectures and practical workshops, I helped students understand the potential of this technology as a business model and its impact across industries.
- I developed curricula and materials.
- I led lectures and seminars.
- I supervised project-based learning.
- I prepared and conducted exams.
Oct 2014 - Jun 2018
3 years 9 monthsGeneral Manager & Senior Consultant for a Start-Up Joint Venture
Axel Springer SE / Deutsche Bahn AG / Content Fleet (Ströer SE & Co)
- As Senior Consultant and GM for a startup JV of Axel Springer SE and Deutsche Bahn AG, I was responsible for strategic direction and overall success of the new product innovation.
- My extensive consulting and leadership experience enabled me to launch the JV’s product successfully within five months.
- I developed and executed product strategy and reorganized the team.
- I drafted business plans and implemented cost-saving measures.
- I conducted market analysis and research.
- I managed stakeholders including project sponsors and senior management.
Jul 2010 - Sep 2014
4 years 3 monthsBerlin, Germany
Head of Product Management / Platform Management BILD
Bild GmbH & Co. KG
- As Head of Product and Platform Management at BILD GmbH & Co. KG, I oversaw BILD’s product and project management.
- I applied strategic thinking, leadership, and passion for innovation in a fast-paced environment.
- I developed and implemented the product roadmap.
- I supervised platform optimization and integration.
- I managed IT program and CI/CD product management.
- I steered external vendors and service providers, prepared contracts and tender documents.
- I led cross-functional teams.
- I identified and leveraged market trends.
Sep 2009 - Jun 2010
10 monthsHead of Portal BILDmobil
Axel Springer SE
- As Head of Portal BILDmobil at Axel Springer SE, I led the portal and app management team.
- We maintained and enhanced the mobile portal and developed iOS and Android apps.
- The role required deep knowledge of digital media and mobile tech, plus agility in driving innovation.
- I designed and optimized iOS and Android apps for BILD.
- I continuously advanced the mobile portal.
- I managed external vendors and service providers.
- I applied and expanded my broad digital media and mobile tech expertise.
Sep 2007 - Jul 2009
1 year 11 monthsHead of Business Development WELT Group / Berliner Morgenpost
Axel Springer SE
- As Head of Business Development at WELT Group / Axel Springer SE, I identified and executed new growth opportunities to boost revenue.
- I led a team of product managers on innovation projects and oversaw digital spin-offs like mobile portals, apps, and Smart TV apps.
- I developed and implemented strategic plans for revenue and reach growth, transactional partnerships, content syndication, and portal management for B2B clients such as AOL and MSN.
- I crafted growth strategies.
- I expanded market reach through partnerships, led IT service tenders, and managed contracts.
- I increased revenues via new business opportunities.
- I managed external vendors.
- I led a team in executing strategic plans.
Aug 2006 - Aug 2007
1 year 1 monthSenior Product Manager Content Syndication & Mobile for WELT Group / Berliner Morgenpost
Axel Springer SE
- As Senior Product Manager for Content Syndication and Mobile at WELT Group / Axel Springer SE, I developed and implemented a new content syndication strategy and mobile platforms.
- I devised and launched a content syndication strategy.
- I designed and introduced a mobile platform.
- I managed external vendors and contracts and led tenders.
- I negotiated contracts and oversaw service providers.
Jun 2005 - Jul 2006
1 year 2 monthsKey Account & Project Manager for International B2B Clients
Jamba GmbH
- As Key Account and Project Manager for international B2B clients at Jamba GmbH, I gained valuable experience leading complex global projects.
- I built and maintained relationships with clients like O2 Germany, Vodafone Netherlands, Proximus Belgium, and Vodafone UK.
- I managed projects from concept to completion.
- I developed the first music flat-rate service with over 3 million tracks.
Feb 2002 - Nov 2009
7 years 10 monthsEntrepreneur / Self-Employed
- As an independent entrepreneur focusing on developing and hosting social media platforms like Gratis-Forum.de, Free-Guestbooks.de, and Bulletin-Boards.de, I ran one of Germany’s largest social media hosting platforms.
- I also provided custom software development and hosting solutions using PHP, HTML, CSS, MySQL, and Debian.
- I planned, developed, and maintained e-commerce projects, handling software development independently.
- I developed, implemented, and enhanced custom software solutions.
- I hosted and administered my platforms with system redundancy and database replication across multiple on-premise data centers.
- I founded social media platforms with over 118,000 connected sites.
- I conducted extensive software development using PHP, Perl, HTML, CSS, and MySQL for responsive, user-friendly web applications and admin systems.
Summary
With over 19 years of experience in product and project management, and roles as CPO, Product Owner, Product Manager, and Senior Project Manager, I have successfully designed and delivered projects and solutions such as content management systems (CMS), SSO & paywalls, backend applications, B2B/B2C portals, and iOS and Android apps.
In my previous roles as Head of Product Management at BILD, where I also oversaw project management, and as Head of Business Development at the WELT Group, I led complex digitalization projects with eight-figure budgets and managed teams.
My knowledge of agile software development methods like SCRUM and Kanban, as well as my proficiency with project management tools, enables me to drive projects to successful completion.
Languages
German
NativeEnglish
AdvancedEducation
Jun 2022 - Sep 2023
Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena
Diplom-Kaufmann · Business Administration · Jena, Germany
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