Chief Product Owner

Santam Insurance; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 80 000 - 150 000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in Southern Africa's insurance market is seeking a Chief Product Owner to lead transformative initiatives within the organization. This pivotal role involves overseeing the integration of a new policy administration system, managing stakeholder engagement, and ensuring compliance throughout the process. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in financial services, particularly in short-term insurance, and demonstrate strong leadership in managing complex system redesigns. Join a forward-thinking company committed to fostering an inclusive workforce and driving innovation in the insurance sector.

Qualifications

• 10 years' experience in Financial Services, particularly in Short-term insurance.
• 5 years' senior management experience in Short Term Insurance.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the implementation of the policy administration system for Outsourced Business.
• Define and prioritize work to ensure features support strategic objectives.

Skills

Stakeholder Management

Analytical Skills

Communication Skills

Agile Methodologies

Business Acumen

Education

Business or Technology Degree

Job description

Santam has a role available for a Chief Product Owner, reporting to the Chief Operations Officer at Santam Broker Solutions.

WHAT WILL YOU DO

Develop and oversee the implementation of the change of the policy administration system for Outsourced Business. This includes participation in system build, integration into new PAS, and migration strategy, managing the delivery and governance of the programme to ensure a seamless transition for business partners and stakeholders, aligning with strategic objectives.

WHAT WILL MAKE YOU SUCCESSFUL IN THE ROLE

The CPO or PO's responsibilities span business product, platform/channel, and system (IT solution), covering the full development lifecycle: prioritization, definition, design, development, testing, training, delivery, and benefits realization.

This role works closely with Business leadership to contribute to Santam's profitable growth. Responsibilities include defining, prioritizing, evaluating, and inspecting work to ensure features support objectives, contributing to product design, participating in change initiatives, and creating business requirements.

Key involvement includes business case development, project planning, and architecture related to Outsourced Business roadmap. Oversee user training, migration, and integration of Outsourced Business to Policy Centre, ensuring compliance and effective stakeholder engagement. Act as a point of escalation for system integration issues and ensure governance frameworks manage risks effectively.

Process and Strategy

Identify future capabilities (People, Product, Process, Technology), define multi-year delivery roadmaps, and lead planning for releases. Create a single prioritized backlog of value-based outcomes and facilitate collaboration across business areas.

Lead change management initiatives, manage risks, and ensure effective stakeholder communication. Develop relationships with business partners and internal teams, identify opportunities for cost efficiency, and manage stakeholder expectations across regions and departments.

Qualifications and Experience

• Business or Technology Degree
• Ten years' experience in Financial Services (Short-term insurance)
• 5 years' senior management experience in Short Term Insurance
• Experience in complex system redesign and enterprise delivery
• Knowledge of Agile methodologies, business and IT strategic delivery, and business partnership management

Knowledge and Skills

• Regulatory & Compliance
• Business processes and acumen
• Analytical, networking, stakeholder management, communication skills

Personal Attributes

• Collaborative, client-focused, results-driven, adaptable
• Critical thinking, decision-making, emotional intelligence, strategic thinking

About Santam

Santam is a market leader in Southern Africa's general insurance industry, committed to transformation, diversity, and delivering "Insurance Good and Proper." We value people, fostering an inclusive, diverse workforce aligned with societal demographics, and prioritize employment equity in our hiring practices.