Product Director, Databases

Open source is our beating heart and it’s something that fuels our work and our culture. It’s where we began. It’s where we’ll always be. Our vision is to become the trusted open-source data platform for everyone.

We are a Cast of over 400 individuals (‘Crabs’) located across the globe. Why Crabs? Because we believe in thinking sideways.

You will have the opportunity to collaborate with world-class tech people solving the toughest problems, where almost every project you work on is more complex and technically challenging than the previous one.

If you relish pushing your technical boundaries, come join us. Because if you can truly think sideways, you’ll never look back.

Who We Are:

So, how do we become the trusted open-source data platform for everyone? By listening closely to our customers and taking action to ensure they achieve their business goals. You see, the software we create is merely a means of delivering value. Our thinking is customer-first. That’s why our customers are at the front and center of all we do. And in the spirit of sideways thinking, we’re by their side as well. Actively helping them solve their challenges. Collaborating. Sharing. And innovating.

In other words, it really isn’t just about who we are. It’s about who our customers are – and where they want to be.

Our Values:

We want individuals who can embody our values of ownership, courage, and openness.

What does that mean in practice?

We take ownership of the problems we solve. We improve life for our customers, enabling them to meet their goals. We own our decisions and mistakes. Sometimes that takes courage. But we don’t falter – we take on challenges with confidence. And right at our heart is openness. We’re always open to new ideas – from wherever and whoever they come.

The Role:

Aiven has an opportunity for a strategic leader to join us as Product Director, Databases, and shape the future of our database portfolio.

We are looking for someone to continuously drive innovation and position Aiven as “the” go-to solution provider for four of the fastest-growing and most popular engines, along with LLM hosting and GenAI Ops.

You will work closely with our Head of Developer Experience, to enhance and optimize our Product-Led Growth (PLG) strategy, and take ownership of Aiven’s largest business stream, with the ambitious goal of 50% growth over the next 3 years.

What You'll Do:

• Thought Leadership: Establish Aiven as a thought leader in the database space by engaging with customers and industry influencers to shape the broader data narrative.
• Strategic Leadership: Steer the strategic vision and outcome-focused roadmap, informed by customer insights, proactive monitoring of market trends, and competitive analysis.
• Partnerships: Forge strategic partnerships to expand our market reach and impact.
• Business Growth: Share responsibility for revenue growth goals at the domain level with the Head of the Domain and the Engineering Director.
• Team Leadership: Lead, inspire, and develop a team of talented technical Product Managers, responsible for other products and revenue streams in the domain portfolio.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Collaborate closely with Sales and Marketing to drive product marketing, lead generation, and sales success. Partner with organizational leaders to overcome business challenges and drive growth.
• Accountability and Impact: Take ownership of work and understand how individual contributions affect the entire team.
• Autonomy: Thrive in a collaborative environment, yet capable of focused, independent work.
• Resourcefulness and Persistence: Proactively and creatively seek out the necessary information to complete tasks.
• Empathy and Support: Demonstrate empathy and actively help colleagues overcome obstacles.

What We're Looking For:

Don’t worry if your experience doesn’t line up perfectly – we still encourage you to apply! We believe in investing in our crabs’ professional growth.

• Experience: 7+ years in a product management role for enterprise software, ideally with database, analytics, or security. Any LLM or GenAI experience is welcome.
• Strategic Vision: A seasoned professional with a long-term perspective, capable of thinking beyond immediate features and empowering your team to explore new possibilities.
• Market Understanding: Strong knowledge of the enterprise database market, application development, and analytics.
• Leadership: Proven experience leading 2+ product managers directly.
• Execution: Track record of leading multiple product teams to consistently deliver high-impact projects on time, within scope, and with high rates of revenue growth.
• Technical Acumen: Comfortable with technical complexity and collaborating with engineering teams on prioritization.
• Organizational Skills: Excellent administrative and organizational skills with a focus on results. Ability to manage multiple cross-functional teams and collaborate with stakeholders across the organization.
• Analytical Mindset: Proficiency in statistical analysis, using data to set OKRs, monitor product health, and evaluate company-wide analyses.
• Interpersonal Skills: Ability to work effectively with diverse personalities and navigate complex situations with composure, setting a positive example for the team.
• Communication Skills: Excellent presentation and communication skills, capable of engaging large audiences and clearly articulating and defending strategic decisions.
• Adaptability: Ability to embrace change and our team’s existing practices while proactively suggesting improvements and thriving in a dynamic environment with shifting priorities.
• Global Mindedness: Enjoy working across different time zones and participating in cross-functional team meetings.

Our Offer:

If you ask us what’s the best thing about working for Aiven, many will probably say it’s the high concentration of talent from around the world that we have here. Enjoy the agile environment of a hyperscale scale-up where you can truly make an impact and have fun while at it.

We Invest in You:

• Participate in Aiven’s equity plan.
• With Aiven locations spanning the globe, we want all our crabs to find the right balance with our hybrid work policy.
• Get the equipment you need to set yourself up for success.
• Step up your career game with real employer support (use one of our learning platforms, annual learning budget, and more).
• Get holistic wellbeing support through our global Employee Assistance Program.

Make a Difference at Aiven:

• Contribute to open-source projects that you find meaningful outside of work - and get paid for it! Our Plankton program recognizes extra work to the open-source ecosystem for developers and non-developers alike.
• Use up to 5 days per year to volunteer for a good cause of your choice.
• Join one of our team member resource groups - empower yourself and others in missions that resonate with you.

Also:

• Your wellbeing matters: we provide professional massage at the office as well as health and fitness benefits through Urban Sport Club membership
• Love breakfast? So do we! Join us at our monthly team breakfast
• Know someone who would be the perfect fit for Aiven? You can benefit from our referral bonus programme as soon as you join.

Amazing! What’s next?

If you think Aiven is the place for you, send us your CV, and we’ll get in touch!

How to Recognise and Avoid Employment Scams:

There has been a rise in fake job postings used by scammers to get personal information. Please familiarise yourself with the red flags of a potential scam.

Here at Aiven, all of our emails relating to recruitment come from an @aiven.io, @greenhouse.io or @eu.greenhouse.io domain and all of our interviews are conducted over video call or in person, our interviews will never occur over text or chat. If you’re unsure of the legitimacy of a job opportunity/offer pertaining to Aiven, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at recruitment@aiven.io.

Equal Opportunities:

Aiven provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants for employment without regard to age, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, religion, sexual orientation, physical and mental ability, marital and family status or without regard to any other similar personal attributes. Aiven complies with applicable local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company operates. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, training and any other terms and conditions related to employment.

At Aiven, we are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities or special needs in our working environment and job application procedures. We make all reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities or who otherwise need support to thrive in the workplace. We are committed to continuously improving workplace accessibility. There is an option to request a discussion in the application process but if you have any questions before applying please write to us at recruitment@aiven.io.