Product Development Specialist at M&G Investments Southern Africa

Overview

• A vacancy has arisen within the Product business unit of M&G Investments Southern Africa. The vacancy is for a Product Development Specialist that will work within an established but expanding product team. We are looking for a dynamic and innovative candidate to join our team. This role is integral to our mission of developing and enhancing our product offerings to meet the evolving needs of our clients. This position reports to the Head of Product.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive market research and competitive analysis to inform product development decisions.
• Develop new product proposals for consideration by the firm’s Product Committee.
• For specific product developments, manage the development lifecycle from product specification, regulatory approvals, and launch, while working with internal stakeholders such as the investment team, distribution, marketing, compliance, and operations.
• Monitor and evaluate existing products, including recommending and driving the implementation of any identified required redesigns.
• Technical ownership of performance fee models and modelling support to the firm’s Fee Committee.
• Provide ongoing support and training to client-facing teams on new and existing products, which includes the firm’s range of global funds.

Qualifications, skills and experience

• An appropriate finance-related tertiary qualification (e.g. BBusSc, BAcc, BComm) - CFA charterholder will be an added advantage
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in the asset management industry, ideally in product development roles.
• A good understanding of financial markets, investment strategies, client segments, and regulatory environments (South Africa and EU).
• Expert proficiency in MS Office and general data analysis, while working knowledge of Morningstar and other fund databases will be an added advantage.

Competencies and personal attributes

• Analytical skills: Strong analytical and critical thinking skills, with the ability to interpret complex data and make informed decisions.
• Numerical skills: High proficiency with numbers, quantitative analysis, and financial modelling.
• Attention to detail: High level of accuracy and thoroughness.
• Innovative thinking: Ability to think creatively and identify new opportunities for product development and improvement.
• Multi-tasking and time management: Strong ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritise tasks effectively, and meet tight deadlines.
• Written and oral communication skills: Excellent communication skills, with the ability to present ideas clearly and persuasively, both in writing and verbally.
• High levels of initiative and a strong work ethic: proactive with the ability to take initiative and drive projects forward independently, self-motivated, and capable of working autonomously.
• People skills: The ability to work collaboratively with colleagues across various functions and areas of the business.