# Valentin Topolovec - Technical Product Owner / Project Manager / Frontend Engineer
Source: https://hello.cv/valentintopolovec
topolovecvalentin@gmail.com | +385953999203 | Brckovljani

## Links
- LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/vtopolovec
- Email | topolovecvalentin@gmail.com
- Phone | +385953999203
- GitHub | https://github.com/topsy72

## About
Highly accomplished Technical Product Owner and Project Manager with over 10 years in web/software delivery, including 3+ years in formal project leadership. Leverages a strong frontend engineering background (React/Next.js) to translate complex business goals into clear, developer-ready requirements and drive successful product delivery. Proven ability to manage technical risks, optimize Agile processes, and foster effective cross-functional communication to achieve impactful outcomes.

## Work
### Project Manager (Hybrid Technical Role) | Kickstage
Led cross-functional teams in delivering multiple client products, focusing on scope definition, roadmap planning, and sprint execution to achieve successful project outcomes.
- Orchestrated end-to-end delivery for multiple client products, defining scope, planning roadmaps, and executing sprints with cross-functional teams to ensure timely and high-quality releases.
- Optimized product backlogs by prioritizing features based on business value, technical feasibility, and risk assessment, resulting in streamlined development cycles and improved resource allocation.
- Translated complex stakeholder needs into precise user stories and technical requirements with clear acceptance criteria, significantly minimizing clarification overhead for engineering teams.
- Facilitated all Agile ceremonies, including sprint planning, backlog refinement, stand-ups, reviews, and retrospectives, ensuring smooth project flow and successful, coordinated product releases.
- Proactively identified and transparently communicated delivery risks, including integration constraints, dependencies, and architectural concerns, enabling early mitigation and preventing late-stage sprint surprises.
- Maintained comprehensive and up-to-date project documentation in Jira/Confluence, including specifications, decision logs, and delivery notes, improving team alignment and knowledge transfer.
### Frontend Developer | Kickstage
Developed and maintained production web applications using React and Next.js, collaborating with backend engineers and designers to deliver scalable and high-performing solutions.
- Engineered and maintained robust production web applications using React and Next.js, collaborating closely with backend engineers and designers to deliver seamless user experiences.
- Enhanced application performance and scalability by implementing advanced SEO strategies, integrating analytics, and developing reusable UI patterns, resulting in improved user engagement and search rankings.
- Supported critical system integrations and data flows (APIs, SFTP) and actively contributed to streamlined release and deployment cycles, ensuring operational efficiency.
### Frontend Developer | Social Wizard
Developed websites and web applications for multiple clients, focusing on WordPress delivery, SEO optimization, and UX improvements.
- Developed and deployed engaging websites and web applications for diverse clients, specializing in efficient WordPress solutions.
- Optimized website performance through SEO enhancements and contributed to significant UX improvements for mobile applications, boosting user satisfaction and engagement.
### Web Developer | House of Code
Contributed to the continuous development of Crozilla.com, delivering key frontend features, optimizing SEO, and implementing digital advertising integrations.
- Spearheaded the continuous development of Crozilla.com, a major real estate portal, delivering key frontend features and improvements that enhanced user experience.
- Collaborated on feature planning and coordination, alongside conducting comprehensive onsite SEO analysis and optimization to increase organic traffic and search visibility.
- Integrated and optimized email templates and digital advertising solutions, expanding user reach and supporting marketing initiatives.

## Volunteer
### Volunteer Firefighter | Dobrovoljno vatrogasno društvo Ivanja Rijeka
Actively contributed to community safety and service as a volunteer firefighter, demonstrating teamwork and responsibility.
- Provided critical community service and emergency response as an active volunteer firefighter since 2007, fostering strong teamwork and accountability.

## Education
### Zagreb University of Applied Sciences (Tehničko veleučilište u Zagrebu) | Information Technology
### Tehnička škola Ruđera Boškovića | Computer Technician

## Skills
### Project & Product Management
Proficient
- Backlog Ownership
- Prioritization
- Roadmap Shaping
- Acceptance Criteria
- Requirements Engineering
- User Stories
- Technical Requirements
- Agile Delivery
- Scrum
- Kanban
- SAFe
- Sprint Planning
- Release Coordination
- Stakeholder Communication
- Risk & Dependency Management
- Documentation
- Jira
- Confluence
- Miro
### Frontend Development
Proficient
- React
- Next.js
- TypeScript
- JavaScript
- HTML
- CSS
- SCSS
- Tailwind
- Web Architecture
- UI Patterns
- SEO Optimization
- Performance Improvements
### Backend & Database Technologies
Proficient
- Node.js
- MongoDB
- SQL
- MySQL
- Linux
- APIs
- Integrations
- SFTP Flows
- Analytics
- CRM
### Version Control
Proficient
- Git
- GitHub
- GitLab

## Projects
### myMünet (Jakob Müller Group)
https://mymuenet.swiss
Modular platform for real-time analytics and operational workflows across thousands of weaving machines.
I joined the project at a time when the team was missing deadlines and the application stability was causing issues for customers due to frequent bugs. I introduced better planning and execution practices, improved prioritization and QA efforts and coordinated delivery to stabilize releases and restore predictability.
### Kickstage
https://kickstage.com/
Next.js + Payload CMS website crafted from custom Figma design. State of the art website implemented with Tailwind and it just rocks with its usability and speed.
### Mavoo - Real estate platform for agents (Germany)
https://mavoo.immo
I gathered and clarified client requirements, translated them into a clear project scope, and proposed an MVP plan for the web application that included Stripe payments. I managed delivery end-to-end by aligning stakeholders, prioritizing work, and keeping the team on track through releases. Successfully delivered an MVP that became a revenue-generating product for the client.
### Crozilla
https://www.crozilla.com/en
worked as a project manager and developer, coordinating scope and delivery while actively contributing to implementation across the platform. Afterward, I led a team of three and drove improvements across frontend, backend, and SEO, focusing on bringing clear business value to customers. The product maturity and delivery credibility supported the company in securing investment and eventually being acquired by Axel Springer Group (Immonet), which later outsourced IT work to Croatia.

## Source
Read this profile on Hello.cv: https://hello.cv/valentintopolovec
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