Mariko, Team Lead Product Management CHECK24 Möbel
Mariko is Team Lead in Product Management at CHECK24 Möbel. For 7 years, his team has been driving innovative features and optimizing the user experience.
Hi Mariko, please introduce yourself briefly.
Mariko:
Hi, I'm Mariko, and I've been at CHECK24 for seven years, where I oversee our shopping marketplace for Home & Living with an integrated price comparison feature. Currently, as a Team Lead in Product Management, I am responsible for all frontend-related topics, particularly our app journey leading up to the purchase completion.
After studying business administration, my path didn’t lead me directly into product management but rather into project and campaign management in the IT and e-commerce industries. Driven by my desire to create my own creative and innovative solutions in the IT sector, I joined CHECK24 in 2018 as a Product Manager.
What exactly are your responsibilities in app product management at CHECK24 Möbel?
Mariko:
My main responsibility is the development of frontend features for the shopping comparison site in our iOS and Android apps, as well as optimizing the user experience for over 20 million CHECK24 customers.
I contribute ideas for new product features, shape the roadmap, and assist in concept and design development, as well as the optimization of existing app functions - always keeping an eye on current market trends and competitors.
As a central interface between our customers, developers, content and partner management, and the management team, I ensure that everyone follows a shared product vision, that requirements are clearly communicated, and our goals are achieved on time.
One particularly exciting aspect is the parallel development of our iOS and Android apps, which allows us to implement features across platforms and make optimal use of synergies in design and coordination.
All in all, my work in app product management is an exciting mix of creative design tasks and technically analytical challenges.
What do you like most about your role and responsibilities?
Mariko:
No day is like the other – I’m constantly challenged with new, exciting tasks, and continue to learn something new every day!
The ability to plan new features and manage the entire product development process, from the initial idea to implementation, makes my work especially motivating and fulfilling. I particularly appreciate the agility and speed with which we work and respond to market seasonality. Since our app team has its own dedicated product management and IT team, we can implement new features in a very short time - something that can take months in some companies.
Additionally, the team spirit and the passion with which we drive the product forward are amazing. Whether it's a working student, intern, or full-time employee, everyone contributes and actively shapes the future and success of our shopping comparison.
Why CHECK24?
Whether it's a working student, intern, or full-time employee, everyone contributes and actively shapes the future and success of our shopping comparison.
Mariko, Team Lead Product Management CHECK24 Möbel
What has made your job at CHECK24 special over the past 7 years?
Mariko:
When I joined CHECK24 Möbel, the comparison was still in its early stages, which allowed me to play a significant role in shaping the structures and building up the app team right from the start. It's incredible to see how our team, which consisted of just 8 people in 2018, has grown - a fantastic development that fills me with great anticipation for everything that lies ahead!
Tell us: What are you most looking forward to this new year? Are there any particularly exciting projects your team is working on right now?
Mariko:
This year is set to be very exciting for our shopping comparison platform.
Not only are we currently working on an app feature that will allow our customers to visualize their desired furniture piece in 3D using augmented reality, but we’re also celebrating the 10th anniversary of our comparison for Home & Living . We’ve planned something very special for our customers to mark the occasion, but I don’t want to reveal too much just yet… 😊
What qualities should a product manager have, and what advice would you give to aspiring product managers?
Mariko:
A product manager should have a strong interest in technical topics and stay informed about current developments and trends. The technology industry evolves quickly, so relying on knowledge learned once is not enough - continuous learning is essential. Equally important is having a keen eye for detail, especially regarding user experience (UX) and user interface design (UI).
For aspiring product managers, my advice is not to be afraid to ask questions. Uncertainties about a feature or its implementation are not a sign of lacking knowledge but could indicate that the feature might also not be intuitive for users. Questioning details is therefore a strength that drives the product forward, not a weakness.
And finally, tell us three fun facts about CHECK24 Möbel!
Mariko:
1. We originally started with products focused on baby and children's toys and furniture - but now we've grown up and so have the furniture pieces. 😊
2. The very first product purchased through CHECK24 Möbel was a black office chair.
3. Goal for CHECK24 Shopping in Berlin: At every party, our team can always be found passionately playing table football!