Deutsche Telekom Digital Labs - Senior Product Manager - OTT/Android TV

We are seeking a highly skilled and technically strong Senior Product Manager for our Android TV Custom Launcher. This role combines strategic product ownership with technical expertise, driving the design, development, and deployment of a next-generation Android TV launcher experience.

As the PM, you will own the end-to-end lifecycle of the custom launcher: defining requirements, ensuring seamless integration with backend systems, managing operator-specific needs, and delivering a world-class user experience across devices. You will collaborate with engineers, designers, QA, vendors, and business stakeholders to transform customer needs into impactful product features.

Key Responsibilities

Product Strategy

• Ensure the TV launcher aligns with overall TV product ecosystem strategy and supports business goals (engagement, monetization, retention).
• Stay ahead of Android TV OS/Google TV updates, OEM roadmaps, and industry best practices.

Backlog & Delivery Ownership

• Own, manage, and prioritize the launcher product backlog (features, UX flows, performance improvements, compliance tasks).
• Write technically detailed user stories, and acceptance criteria for engineering teams.
• Ensure backlog balance between new features, platform stability, security updates, and device compatibility.

Technical & Architectural Collaboration

• Work closely with Android engineers to design and deliver scalable launcher solutions.
• Understand Android TV framework, Leanback library, ATV customization, Input Framework, system apps, and OTT integrations.
• Review and validate technical approaches, ensuring feasibility and alignment with product goals.
• Collaborate on performance optimization (memory usage, boot times, crash rate, app switching).

Cross-functional & Vendor Collaboration

• Partner with design teams to define modern, accessible, and intuitive launcher UX.
• Collaborate with backend, BFF, CMS, DRM, and recommendation system teams for seamless integration.
• Manage relationships with hardware OEMs, chipset vendors, and Google certification processes.
• Engage with QA and automation teams to ensure rigorous testing across devices and regions.

Stakeholder & Market Engagement

• Act as the primary point of contact for launcher-related initiatives.
• Present roadmap, progress, and KPIs to leadership and business stakeholders.
• Gather feedback from operators, customers, and partners to guide launcher evolution.

Performance & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with Google CTS/GTS certification, Widevine DRM, and operator requirements.
• Track and optimize KPIs such as crash-free sessions, cold-start time, app-switch latency, and NPS.
• Drive continuous improvements in personalization, recommendations, and monetization surfaces (ads, upsell modules).

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field.
• 12-16 years of experience in Product Management/Product Ownership in TV, OTT, or consumer device ecosystems.
• Proven track record of shipping Android TV or AOSP-based products (launcher, system apps, TV middleware).
• Deep technical knowledge of:

• A. Android TV framework, Leanback UI, Input Framework
• B. Custom Launcher development (AOSP customization, OEM builds)
• C. Streaming protocols (DASH, HLS), DRM (Widevine, PlayReady)
• D. System performance optimization (memory, CPU, GPU constraints)

• Strong understanding of Agile/Scrum, backlog management (Jira, Confluence).
• Experience managing Google certification, OEM/vendor deliverables, and multi-country deployments.
• Excellent Communication Skills and stakeholder management, with ability to bridge business and engineering.
• Analytical and data-driven mindset, comfortable with KPIs, telemetry, and A/B testing.