Global Product Development Specialist (AOEXLN-1C2BEB3E) at Robert Walters

• A leading financial services provider is seeking a Global Product Development Specialist to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of their international investment platform. This role offers the opportunity to be based in either the Johannesburg or Cape Town office.
• As the Global Product Development Specialist, you will work at the heart of strategic product design, enhancement and execution, where your expertise will directly influence the evolution of wealth solutions for clients and advisers across South Africa and select global markets.

Qualifications and experience required for the Global Product Development Specialist:

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance or Actuarial Sciences or a related field is required
• CFA designation or Actuarial background is essential
• 5 - 10 years’ experience within financial services, specifically in international LISP (Linked Investment Service Provider) or investment platform environments
• Comprehensive understanding of the South African LISP landscape including regulatory frameworks, tax implications and competitive dynamics
• Proficiency in managing end-to-end lifecycle of investment products from concept through launch/review/optimisation/retirement stages
• Proven track record working collaboratively across functions such as IT, marketing, distribution, compliance or operations

Key duties of the Global Product Development Specialist:

• Design, enhance and manage international investment platform products aligned with client needs and business strategy.
• Evaluate product solutions across regulatory, compliance, risk and financial perspectives to address business impacts.
• Optimise platform features to ensure competitiveness and compliance in South African and international markets.
• Create engaging product communications, including marketing materials, thought leadership and formal documentation.
• Research local and global market trends to identify opportunities for product development or improvement.
• Develop actionable product roadmaps and support cross-functional implementation of strategic initiatives.
• Monitor feedback and experience metrics to refine products and drive innovation.
• Prepare analysis and content for governance submissions to boards and committees.
• Provide expert product guidance to advisers, clients, and stakeholders while resolving complex queries.
• Build strong relationships with internal teams and external partners to deliver effective solutions.

Key personal skills:

• Demonstrated ability to engage with diverse internal/external stakeholders
• Exceptional critical thinking skills
• Strategic thinking paired with strong business acumen
• Client-centric mindset
• Comfortable making data-driven decisions