How to apply for Data Product Manager

About SES

SES is an AI software company specializing in enhancing eco-friendly Li-Metal battery production, positioning itself at the intersection of advanced materials and artificial intelligence. Working here means contributing to next-generation battery technology that could accelerate the transition to sustainable energy. The Shanghai-based team offers a rare chance to apply data product management to deep-tech manufacturing challenges with global impact.

About the role

As a Data Product Manager at SES, you will own the planning, design, and lifecycle management of battery data and algorithm products that directly optimize Li-Metal battery production. You will bridge business stakeholders and R&D teams to turn complex battery data into actionable product features. This role is impactful because your data products will drive manufacturing efficiency, quality, and innovation in a fast-evolving industry.

A typical day

A typical day might involve meeting with battery engineers to understand data needs, prototyping a new algorithm product feature in Axure, and analyzing production data in SQL to validate assumptions. You could also coordinate with R&D on iteration timelines and present product updates to stakeholders, ensuring alignment with business goals.

Who SES is looking for

• 3+ years of data or algorithm product management experience, ideally in the battery or energy storage industry, with a track record of launching data-driven products.
• Proficient in Axure for prototyping and familiar with data analysis/visualization tools like Tableau, PowerBI, FineBI, and SQL to translate business needs into technical requirements.
• Strong business acumen in battery manufacturing processes, able to conduct market research and competitive analysis to inform product innovation.
• Excellent project management skills, capable of leading cross-functional teams and managing routine iterations to ensure smooth product releases.

Tips for this application

• Highlight any experience with battery or energy industry data projects, even if not directly in Li-Metal, to show domain relevance.
• Quantify your product management impact—e.g., 'led a data product that reduced production defects by X%'—to demonstrate tangible results.
• Include a portfolio or case study of a data/algorithm product you managed, detailing your role in planning, design, and iteration.
• Mention specific tools from the job description (Axure, Tableau, PowerBI, FineBI, SQL) and describe how you used them in past projects.
• Tailor your resume to emphasize collaboration with R&D and business teams, as this role requires strong cross-functional coordination.

What to cover in your cover letter

["Your understanding of how data and algorithm products can optimize battery production, showing you grasp SES's core mission.", 'A specific example of a data product you managed from ideation to launch, including how you handled iterations and stakeholder alignment.', 'Your familiarity with battery industry trends and how you stay updated on domestic and international developments.', 'Why you are excited to work at SES specifically—tie your motivation to their AI-driven approach to eco-friendly Li-Metal batteries.']

Research before applying

• Study SES's technology and product offerings, especially their AI software for Li-Metal battery production, to understand their unique value proposition.
• Research the Li-Metal battery industry landscape, including key competitors, challenges, and recent advancements, to speak knowledgeably about the domain.
• Look into SES's recent news, funding, partnerships, and market expansions to understand their growth trajectory and strategic priorities.
• Explore common data product management frameworks (e.g., OKRs, Agile) and how they apply to manufacturing and R&D environments.

Likely interview topics

Based on the job description, expect questions about:

• How would you approach planning a data product for battery production optimization? Walk us through your process.
• Describe a time you had to manage conflicting priorities from business and R&D teams. How did you resolve it?
• What metrics would you track to measure the success of a data/algorithm product in a battery manufacturing context?
• How do you stay informed about the latest trends in battery technology and data product management?
• Given a scenario where production data is siloed, how would you design a data product to integrate and visualize it for decision-making?

Common mistakes to avoid

• Submitting a generic resume that doesn't highlight battery or energy industry experience—this role requires domain-specific knowledge.
• Focusing only on technical skills without demonstrating business acumen or product strategy experience, as the role emphasizes business research and planning.
• Neglecting to mention cross-functional collaboration, since the job heavily involves working with business parties and R&D teams.