Vice President: Product

Qualifications, Skills, and Experience:

Educational Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Technology, Engineering, or a related field. A master’s degree, especially in Business Administration or a relevant field, is an advantage.

Experience:

• A minimum of 15 years in product development, management, or leadership, preferably within the fintech space
• Familiarity with the payment sector in emerging markets is crucial.
• Deep understanding of fintech technologies, including but not limited to payment systems, blockchain, and digital banking.
• Familiarity with financial regulations across African markets.
• Demonstrated ability to lead sizable product teams and to launch successful products.
• A rich portfolio showcasing successful product launches and growth strategies.
• Demonstrated experience in stakeholder management and C-level collaboration.

Skills:

• Robust understanding of the FinTech B2B ecosystem and the needs of both online and offline clientele.
• Stellar communication abilities, essential for cross-team collaboration and stakeholder management.
• Acumen in market analysis and competitive benchmarking.
• Strategic thinking, ensuring alignment of product development with broader business goals.
• Adaptability and resilience are vital to the dynamic landscape of emerging markets.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Leadership: Define, develop, and implement a robust product strategy that aligns with the company's overarching goals and objectives.
• Product Lifecycle Management: Oversee the entire product lifecycle, ensuring timely innovations, iterations, and improvements.
• Collaboration & Coordination: Work closely with fellow C-suite executives to ensure that product strategies and directions are in synergy with overall company objectives. Drive Agile product development practices to ensure rapid iteration, feedback incorporation, and market readiness. Collaborate closely with technology, sales, and marketing teams to ensure cohesive go-to-market strategies.
• Team Management & Development: Lead and nurture product management, design, and associated teams to foster innovation and efficiency.
• Market Insight: Conduct in-depth market analyses to remain ahead of trends and competition and ensure customer-centric product development. Customer focus and orientation. Advocate for the customer within the organisation, ensuring user-centric design and functionality in all products.
• Monetisation & Growth: Identify and capitalise on avenues for revenue growth, exploring new products, partnerships, and market opportunities.
• Regulatory & Compliance Oversight: Ensure all product offerings comply with relevant financial regulations in our operational countries.

Desired Qualities and Attributes:

• Visionary mindset with an ability to forecast and adapt to industry shifts.
• Strong decisiveness coupled with data-driven decision-making abilities.
• Empathetic understanding of both customer needs and team concerns.
• Exceptional communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Cultural awareness and sensitivity given our diverse operational landscape.

Key Matching Criteria for Success:

• Demonstrated history of product success in similar or adjacent industries.
• Change leadership – the ability to drive product innovation and steer teams through product lifecycle changes.
• Mastery in people management, cultivating talent, and fostering collaboration.
• Experience navigating the unique challenges and opportunities of emerging markets.
• Deep customer empathy, ensuring products resonate with end-users.
• A balance of big-picture thinking and meticulous attention to product details.