AI Product Manager - Innovation & Strategy

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); Hybrid; ZAR 750,000 - 1,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health benefits

Professional development

AI-focused portfolio

Flexible working options

Job summary

Placements24 in Mpumalanga invites an experienced AI Product Manager to lead the development of AI-powered products from Nelspruit. You will bridge business goals, user needs and technical feasibility, collaborating with engineering, research and marketing to shape the product vision and roadmap.

You will own strategy, prioritize features, define go‑to‑market plans and track KPIs to measure impact. The role offers a dynamic, growth‑oriented environment in a forward‑looking tech company with

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Business, or related field.
• MBA or Master's degree is a plus.
• Minimum of 5 years in product management with AI focus.
• Strong AI/ML understanding and product lifecycle management.
• Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Identify market opportunities and define AI product strategies.
• Translate needs into product specs and roadmaps.
• Collaborate with AI researchers, data scientists, and engineers.
• Prioritize features and manage the backlog.
• Develop go-to-market strategies with marketing and sales.
• Define and track KPIs to measure success.
• Manage lifecycle from ideation to launch and iteration.
• Stay updated on AI trends.

Skills

Product management

AI/ML

Roadmap planning

Cross-functional teams

Agile development

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS/Engineering/Business

MBA or Master’s degree

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a forward-thinking technology company, is seeking an innovative AI Product Manager to join their team in Nelspruit . This role is responsible for identifying, defining, and guiding the development of new AI-powered products and features that align with the company's strategic vision. You will bridge the gap between business objectives, user needs, and technical possibilities, working closely with engineering, research, and marketing teams. This is an excellent opportunity to drive the future of AI product development in a key economic region of Mpumalanga . The position is based in Nelspruit , a gateway to the scenic Lowveld.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify market opportunities and define product strategies for new AI-driven products and features.
• Translate user needs and business requirements into detailed product specifications and roadmaps.
• Collaborate closely with AI researchers, data scientists, and engineers throughout the product development lifecycle.
• Prioritize product features and manage the product backlog effectively.
• Conduct market research, competitive analysis, and user research to inform product decisions.
• Develop go-to-market strategies in partnership with marketing and sales teams.
• Define and track key product metrics (KPIs) to measure success and inform iteration.
• Act as the product evangelist, communicating the vision and value proposition to internal and external stakeholders.
• Manage the product lifecycle from ideation through launch and iteration.
• Stay informed about the latest trends and advancements in AI and its applications.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Business, or a related field.
• An MBA or Master's degree is a plus.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in product management, with a significant focus on AI, machine learning, or data-driven products.
• Proven ability to define product strategy, develop roadmaps, and manage product lifecycles.
• Strong understanding of AI/ML concepts and their practical applications.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Exceptional communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience working with cross-functional teams, including engineering, design, marketing, and sales.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Familiarity with Agile development methodologies.
• Passion for innovation and a deep understanding of user needs.
• Experience in the South African technology landscape is an advantage.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based bonus.
• Comprehensive health and retirement benefits.
• Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning in AI.
• Be at the forefront of AI product innovation.
• Work in a collaborative and inspiring environment in Nelspruit .
• Flexible working options.
• Contribute to shaping the company's AI product portfolio.