Head of Product Development

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); Hybrid; ZAR 1,800,000 - 3,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance bonuses

Remote-first culture

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Head of Product Development to shape the vision, strategy and roadmap of a growing software portfolio. You will lead product managers, designers and engineers across the full development lifecycle, translating market insights into successful product strategies from ideation through launch.

This remote-first role is based in South Africa, empowering leadership with autonomy while driving innovation and product quality.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in business administration, computer science, engineering, or a related field.
• 10+ years in product management or product development, with at least 4 years in a leadership role.
• Proven track record of launching and scaling software products.
• Strong understanding of agile development methodologies and product lifecycle management.
• Experience in a remote-first environment and managing distributed teams.
• Candidates must be legally eligible to work remotely in South Africa.

Responsibilities

• Define and communicate the product vision, strategy, and roadmap.
• Lead the entire product development lifecycle from ideation to launch and iteration.
• Manage and mentor a team of product managers, designers, and engineers.
• Conduct market research and competitive analysis to identify opportunities and threats.
• Collaborate closely with engineering, marketing, sales, and support teams.
• Prioritize product features and development efforts based on business value and customer needs.
• Ensure products meet high standards of quality, usability, and performance.
• Drive product innovation and identify new market opportunities.
• Manage product budgets and resource allocation.
• Communicate product strategy and progress to executive leadership and stakeholders.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Communication

Market research

User-centric design

Agile methodologies

Product lifecycle

Remote team management

Education

Master's degree

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic leader in the software solutions industry, is seeking an innovative and strategic Head of Product Development to drive the creation and evolution of their product portfolio. This is a fully remote position, allowing you to contribute your expertise from anywhere within South Africa. You will be responsible for defining the product vision, strategy, and roadmap, leading cross-functional teams of product managers, designers, and engineers to deliver exceptional products that meet market needs and drive business growth. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of product lifecycle management, a passion for user-centric design, and a proven ability to translate market insights into successful product strategies. We are committed to a remote-first culture, empowering our leadership with autonomy and flexibility. While the company has offices near Nelspruit, Mpumalanga, this position is entirely remote.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and communicate the product vision, strategy, and roadmap.
• Lead the entire product development lifecycle from ideation to launch and iteration.
• Manage and mentor a team of product managers, designers, and engineers.
• Conduct market research and competitive analysis to identify opportunities and threats.
• Collaborate closely with engineering, marketing, sales, and support teams.
• Prioritize product features and development efforts based on business value and customer needs.
• Ensure products meet high standards of quality, usability, and performance.
• Drive product innovation and identify new market opportunities.
• Manage product budgets and resource allocation.
• Communicate product strategy and progress to executive leadership and stakeholders.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Business Administration, Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field.
• 10+ years of experience in product management or product development, with at least 4 years in a leadership role.
• Proven track record of successfully launching and scaling software products.
• Strong understanding of agile development methodologies and product lifecycle management.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and strategic thinking skills.
• Experience in market research, user research, and competitive analysis.
• Ability to translate complex technical concepts into clear product strategies.
• Experience working in a remote-first environment and managing distributed teams.
• Familiarity with the software development process and technologies is essential.
• Candidates must be legally eligible to work remotely in South Africa.

Benefits

This fully remote position offers a competitive executive salary, performance bonuses, and a comprehensive benefits package. You will have the opportunity to lead product innovation for a growing tech company and shape the future of its offerings. Continuous learning, professional development, and career advancement opportunities are strongly supported. Experience the ultimate work-life balance and flexibility that a remote role provides while making a significant impact on product strategy and success.