Senior Product Manager - Digital at The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC)

JOB PURPOSE  

• The Senior Product Manager: Digital acts as the business owner of SABC’s digital ad portfolio, ensuring all products are market-leading, commercially viable, and aligned to advertiser demand. This role provides strategic leadership across product, pricing, governance, and enablement, working with internal sales teams and external reseller partners to deliver growth while safeguarding profitability and compliance. 

MAIN OBJECTIVES (KEY PERFORMANCE AREA)  

JOB OUTPUTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THIS POSITION  

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATOR 

PRODUCT STRATEGY & DEVELOPMENT  

• Own and lead the digital ad product roadmap (display, video, native, programmatic, sponsorship, branded content, data-driven solutions).  
• Translate audience insights, market demand, and competitor benchmarks into monetisable, differentiated solutions.  
• Scope and launch new formats across OTT/CTV, websites, apps, and cross-platform bundles in collaboration with Technology, Content, and AdOps. 
• Define and enforce pricing models and packaging frameworks in consultation with Sales Intelligence and Finance. 
• Ensure first-party data products and audience-led offerings are developed and monetised effectively.

REVENUE GROWTH & ENABLEMENT  

• Drive adoption of digital products through reseller partners (MediaMark, MediaNorth, 365Digital) and internal Sales Specialists. 
• Develop high-impact sales collateral, training programmes, and pitch materials to empower frontline sales. 
• Partner with Creative Solutions and AdOps to ensure campaigns deliver on product promises. 
• Track and optimise product performance to achieve revenue targets, yield improvement, and market share growth. 

MARKET RESEARCH & INTELLIGENCE  

• Continuously scan OTT/CTV, programmatic, and local publisher markets (News24, Arena, IOL, etc.) to identify opportunities, threats, and trends.  
• Benchmark against global leaders (YouTube, Netflix Ads, TikTok, Spotify, Showmax).  
• Provide insights to the Head of Sales and Executive Team to guide digital transformation and strategy. 
• Anticipate shifts in advertiser demand (e.g., privacy, data, programmatic trading models). 

GOVERNANCE, RISK & COMPLIANCE  

• Ensure all digital ad products comply with SABC policies, PFMA requirements, and industry regulations. 
• Build and maintain pricing governance, approval workflows, and audit-ready controls across sales channels. 
• Proactively identify and mitigate revenue leakage risks, ensuring contractual and reporting integrity. 
• Partner with Finance and Legal on trade deals, rate cards, and reseller agreements. 

STAKEHOLDER & CLIENT MANAGEMENT   

• Build strong relationships with agencies, advertisers, and adtech partners to co-create innovative digital solutions. 
• Represent SABC Digital at industry forums, client workshops, and trade marketing events to position SABC as a digital leader.  
• Champion client-first innovation and ensure feedback loops are embedded in product design. 
• Collaborate with Radio, TV, and Sport Product Managers to design integrated cross-platform packages.

LEADERSHIP & COLLABORATION  

• Provide product leadership across Sales, AdOps, Strategy, Marketing, and Tech. 
• Mentor Product Managers and Digital Sales Specialists in product knowledge and market positioning.  
• Foster a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement. 
• Champion cross-platform bundling and ensure alignment with SABC’s commercial strategy. 

INHERENT REQUIREMENT  

FORMAL QUALIFICATIONS: 

• NQF 6/7 degree/diploma in Marketing, Media, Digital Business, or equivalent.  
• Supplementary training in Digital Advertising, Programmatic, OTT/CTV, or AdTech preferred. 

EXPERIENCE: 

• 5-7 years in digital media product management, adtech, or digital sales leadership. 
• Proven track record in developing, launching, and commercialising digital ad products at scale. 
• Strong knowledge of OTT/CTV, website monetisation, programmatic ecosystems, and first-party data strategies. 

KNOWLEDGE:

• Deep understanding of digital media trading (direct, programmatic guaranteed, PMP, open auction). 
• Familiar with ad servers, SSPs, DSPs, DMPs, and CRM platforms. 
• Strong commercial acumen, analytical ability, and ability to translate data into product strategy.  
• Influential communicator with established networks in agency, advertiser, and adtech ecosystems. 
• Strong leadership and stakeholder management skills, able to influence at senior levels.