Product Manager - Johannesburg at FNB South Africa

Purpose
Responsible for providing the direction and managing the creative process of a specialist team.
Experience and Qualifications
      Minimum qualification : Relevant BCom Degree in Finance or related 
      Experience : 3 to 5 years’ experience in a similar environment, of which 1 to 2 years ideally at junior (entry level) management level.

Additional requirements
Core functions of the role:

• Driving execution and implementation of life insurance risk products and initiatives
• Liaise with the data analytics and pricing team for insights critical to the products
• Preparing and presenting product proposals and reports for senior management and other stakeholders
• Have access to and engage with the FNB Banking businesses
• Challenge and review of current product features
• Regular engagement with the distribution and other business units within FirstRand group
• Keeping abreast of changes and new legislation and developments in industries that may affect areas of specialization
• Drawing on own technical and/or professional knowledge and experience to proactively develop alternatives and identify optimal best practice solutions for tactical problems

Ideal fit for the role:

• Nearly or qualified Actuary with experience in financial industry
• Strong technical, analytical and communication skills
• A minimum of 3 years experience in the financial industry, with a preference for the life insurance industry
• Preference will be given to candidates who are either qualified actuaries or only 1 or 2 exams outstanding
• Curiosity and passion for continuous learning and development
• Ability to combine conceptual thinking with pragmatic solutions In accordance with National Credit Act (NCA) candidates applying for this role will require a credit record check.

Responsibilities

• Establishment, alignment and management of target and budget goals whilst ensuring effective control of costs for a range of functional areas to increase cost efficiency.
• Deliver exceptional service that exceeds customers’ expectations through proactive, innovative and appropriate solutions.
• Cultivate and manage objective working relationships with a variety of stakeholders, including end-users, SME’s, project managers and senior staff members.
• Maintenance of expert knowledge on relevant legislative amendments industry best practices and provision of proactive advice and solutions to relevant stakeholders.
• Develop a product strategy aligned to business strategy to ensure business growth and sustainability.
• Translate strategies into actionable goals and execute relevant projects / initiatives aligned to strategic objectives with specific performance measures and control systems to track progress.
• Implement and maintain sound business processes that minimise FNB risk and deliver quality requirements specifications. Findings that area as a result of internal or external audit and client management and risk.
• Manage designated product development projects from inception to final execution, including post implementation evaluation.
• Initiate and manage market research, data mining and quantitative analysis to ensure sustainability and future competitive growth.
• Explore local and international markets for new products and trademarks in order to expand and strengthen the business' market position.
• Facilitate the conversion of knowledge and ideas into new or improved products, processes and services.
• Manage own development to increase own competencies