API Product Owner Job in Kenya

The API Product Owner leads the development, lifecycle management, and delivery of our API products. This role acts as the bridge between business needs and technical execution, ensuring our API offerings are scalable, reliable, and deliver real value to our partners and customers. The role owner will oversee implementation, manage product backlogs, guide cross-functional squads, and ensure adherence to API governance, release planning, and compatibility standards.

KEY responsibilities (DUTIES)

Oversee API Product Implementation: Own the end-to-end implementation of API products, from ideation and design to deployment and monitoring.
Backlog Management: Maintain and prioritize product backlogs, working closely with delivery squads to ensure timely and high-quality feature releases.
Manage Full API Lifecycle: Oversee all phases of the API lifecycle — design, development, testing, deployment, versioning, support, optimization, and retirement.
Plan Releases: Develop and execute API release plans, including internal testing, beta testing with early adopters, and phased general availability rollouts.
Optimize APIs: Continuously evaluate API performance, usability, and adoption, identifying areas for improvement and optimization.
Ensure Backward Compatibility: Define and enforce policies for backward compatibility to ensure a smooth developer experience and minimize service disruption.
Manage API Deprecation: Establish and execute structured deprecation and sunsetting plans, including clear customer communication, support timelines, and migration paths.
Developer Experience Support: Work closely with technical writers and developer relations to ensure API documentation, tutorials, and support content are accurate and developer friendly.
Analytics & Reporting: Track API usage metrics, customer feedback, and incident reports to inform product decisions and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

Experience:

5+ years in software development, systems integration, or API-focused roles.
Minimum 2–3 years of experience in a product owner or product management role, preferably with API platforms or digital products.
Demonstrated experience in managing cross-functional agile squads and backlogs.
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or a related field.

Technical Skills:

Strong understanding of RESTful API design, OpenAPI/Swagger specs, API gateways, and developer ecosystems.
Familiarity with CI/CD, DevOps practices, microservices architecture, and cloud-native platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure, GCP).
Experience with API lifecycle tools like Postman, Apigee, Kong,WSO2, Mulesoft, or similar.
Product & Agile Skills:
Proven track record in translating business needs into technical requirements and managing a product backlog.
Skilled in Agile/Scrum methodologies, user story writing, and iterative product delivery.
Strong analytical, prioritization, and stakeholder management capabilities.