Bram Bouwmeister

I'm a

About

Hi, my name is Bram. I'm an experienced Product Manager with a proven track record at fast-paced SaaS start-ups and scale-ups.


Ideas come from anywhere. It is my job to find out which ones work for both business and customer, and to strategically set priorities. I research user needs, map out opportunities, ideate possible solutions, and run small experiments to find out early if people want and understand the solution, if we can build and maintain it, and if the business can market and support it, so time and effort is spent on building the right solutions for valuable opportunities.


This is often easier said than done, as peoples' decisions (me included) are affected by cognitive biases. Our brains are wired to confirm our existing beliefs, emphasise recent information, and we struggle to let go of projects we already invested. This is why researching and experimenting what to build is cruccial, instead of replying on our own assumptions.


In addition to being a Product Manager, I'm a proud father of my daughter Bo. I enjoy seeing her explore her world and try new things every day. To stay fit (and sane) I cycle, run, swim, and hike. Currently training for my first triathlon. I’m available for small freelance projects. If you're a start-up or business making the world a better place, feel free to contact me or book a slot in my calendar.

Resume

I'm a Product Manager with a strong business background. I started in Sales (SaaS for SME's) where I learned that listening and askings questions is crucial to succeed. Leveraged my understanding of the customer and transitioned to Product where we solved customers' most valuable problems. Switched to a video-calling start-up (SaaS for Enterprise Banking) during pandemic when the need for remote solutions peaked. Managed and hired team of 8 engineers and designers. Responsible for product vision, strategy, roadmap and day-to-day operations. Acquired by Messagebird, where we're building a new video product.

Professional Experience

Product Manager Video at Messagebird

Oct 2021 - Present

Introducing video as a new communication channel to Messagebirds' new Engagement Platform.

  • Set vision and strategy for Messagebird Video
  • Product Discovery
  • Supported high-value (ARR 1mil+) customers in exit-plan & complex data migrations

Product Manager at 24sessions

Sep 2020 - Oct 2021

SaaS Video Call solution for Enterprise Banking, Finance & Insurance Sector to talk to their clients over video. Secure, branded and seamlessly integrated in user journey. Acquired by Messagebird (2021)

  • Manager of 7-person product squad. Responsible for hiring and performance. Reporting to C-level.
  • Defining product vision, strategy and roadmap for Video Platform and Integrations.
  • Implemented video communication solutions for large financial, healthcare and governmental instituation
  • Defined and implemented product metrics and analysis tooling
  • Implemented integrations with Salesforce, Genesys CX, Microsoft and workshops 365, Azure ADFS

Product Manager at Teamleader

Oct 2017 - Aug 2020

B2B SaaS Work Management Solution: CRM, Sales, Project Management, Invoicing for 15.000+ SMEs. Winner Deloitte Fast50. Acquired by Visma (2022)

  • Member of 8-person scrum team. Responsible for key area "Agency Work Management". Leading retro’s, reviews, and sprint planning.
  • Successfully launched several features from conception to delivery
  • Analysed data, interviewed users and stakeholders, managed backlog andd stories.
  • Facilitated design sprints and workshops. Measuring and improving on product KPI's.
  • Together with 4 other PM’s responsible to align with vision with management, present to organisation, report to C-level.
  • Certificates: CSPO I, CSSC Yellow Belt, Agile & Scrum (iLean)

Sales Consultant at Teamleader

Sept 2015 - Sept 2017

B2B SaaS Work Management Solution: CRM, Sales, Project Management, Invoicing for 15.000+ SMEs. Winner Deloitte Fast50. Acquired by Visma (2022)

  • Consistent top-3 performer. Driven by good fit and retention, rather than short-term quota’s.
  • Closed 400+ deals in 2 years.
  • Trained new colleagues and optimised techniques of SDR’s
  • Certificates: Huthwaite SPIN selling, Winning By Design

Education

VU Amsterdam

2012 - 2014

Master of Science (MSc) - Business Administration

Hogeschool Utrecht

2008 - 2012

Bachelor of Science (BSc) - Commerce

Skills

Languages

  • Dutch (native)
  • English (advanced)

skills

  • Communication skills: Public speaking, presenting, documenation.
  • Customer interviews, user testing, wireframing
  • Technical expertise
  • Data analytics and research skills
  • Feature prioritization and roadmap planning
  • Strategic thinking
  • Defining and tracking success metrics

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