Hybrid Ai Product Manager — Shape Next-Gen Ai Solutions

Placements24; Gauteng; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Job summary

Aon South Africa is recruiting a Commercial Product Manager based in Sandton, Johannesburg, with a hybrid working arrangement from our head office. The role focuses on managing binder/outsource products and insurer shelf products, overseeing underwriting risk acceptance, and coordinating product updates with insurers and the business.

The ideal candidate will have at least 10 years of commercial insurance experience, strong negotiation and analytical skills, and be registered as a FAIS

Qualifications

• A minimum of Grade 12 or equivalent.
• A Bachelor’s degree is preferable.
• Registered as a representative with the FAIS Act.

Responsibilities

• Manage binder/outsourced products and insurer shelf products.
• Oversee underwriting agreements and risk acceptance with insurers.
• Coordinate product updates and client communications.
• Support audits, data integrity, and risk mitigation activities.
• Collaborate with product owners, colleagues and insurers.
• Lead workshops and support business change initiatives.
• Provide product expertise and go-to-market support.

Skills

Commercial insurance

Negotiation skills

Analytical skills

Interpersonal skills

Risk underwriting

Communication skills

English fluency

Education

Grade 12

Bachelor's degree

FAIS representative registration

Tools

MS Word

Excel

Job description

Commercial Product Manager – Johannesburg, South Africa

Are you able to navigate complex underwriting issues to make informed decisions? Do you have 10 years commercial insurance experience as a Key Account/Portfolio Manager? Read on!

Aon South Africa is recruiting a Commercial Product Manager based, on a hybrid basis, from our Head Office in Sandton. The role of a Product Manager is integral to business and its value proposition. This is a centralized national role to manage the operational responsibility of products under binder/outsource as well as volume based Insurer shelf products.

Aon is in the business of better decisions

At Aon, we shape decisions for the better to protect and enrich the lives of people around the world.

As an organization, we are united through trust as one inclusive team, and we are passionate about helping our colleagues and clients succeed.

What the day will look like

• Manage a suite of Aon binder/outsourced products with specific reference to:
• Underwriting Agreements Overseeing the implementation, documentation and communication of the underwriting & risk acceptance provided by insurers ensuring the these are regularly and appropriately communicated with the business.
• Underwriting Management Underwriting & risk acceptance and any underwriting queries and escalating underwriting queries to the insurer that fall outside of our mandate and negotiating acceptable terms with insurers.
• Communication with colleague on all product updates. Develop and update client standard letters as required.
• Branch Liaison Overseeing any underwriting or product concerns from the branches.
• Policy administration system ensure that the system aligns with the policy wordings, endorsements, excesses, limits, schedules and fulfilment policy documentation. Logging and testing of calls as required.
• Product Changes Providing IT with the specification of changes required to be implemented in the policy management system as well as managing the UAT for sign off of such changes.
• Accounting dealing with queries; Insurers bordereaux, Insurers payment and premium allocation queries.
• Bulk Communication project management end-to-end process of bulk communications. Arranging bulk communication of client communications.
• Managing and operationalizing any projects in respect of risk mitigation and data integrity.
• Facilitation of audits conducted by Insurers.
• Internal audits and Root cause on errors: Analysis, response, and management of corrective action in respect of weaknesses identified in internal audit reports.
• Building excellent working relationships with Product owners, colleagues and insurers. Ensuring high quality, efficient and compliant delivery of all administrative and transactional activities:
  • Identify and implement mechanisms to ensure that insurer mandates are adhered to
  • Participate in workshops to support ongoing business change and improvement initiatives.
  • Provide product expertise, knowledge and information completely and accurately as required.
  • Support/facilitate product testing (UAT) with the business.
  • Build the Aon Avenue Commercial library.
  • Build compulsory assessment questions i.r.o ABS product (and others as may be required).
  • Participate in ad hoc business and system projects as required.

How this opportunity is different

This is your opportunity to sell the role! What makes Aon and the role different, and more attractive, than our competitors? Bring the role to life by outlining who they will be collaborating with, and equally who will be supporting them.

Skills and experience that will lead to success

Qualifications.

• A minimum of Grade 12 or equivalent
• A Bachelors degree is preferable
• Registered as a representative with the FSB in terms of the FAIS Act

Knowledge

• Commercial insurance technical knowledge.
• Above average fluency in written and spoken English.
• Be computer literate with experience in MS Word & Excel

Skills and Attributes

• Well-developed written and spoken communication skills.
• Good interpersonal and organisational skills.
• Risk underwriting skills
• Strong negotiation skills
• Possesses analytical, technical and problem-solving skills and abilities

Experience

• Minimum 10 years commercial insurance experience
• Well-developed knowledge of FSCA requirements and standards;
• A proven record of successful business experience in a similar or related environment.

How we support our colleagues

In addition to our comprehensive benefits package, we encourage an inclusive workforce. Plus, our agile environment allows you to manage your wellbeing and work/life balance, ensuring you can be your best self at Aon. Furthermore, all colleagues enjoy two Global Wellbeing Days each year, encouraging you to take time to focus on yourself. We offer a variety of working style solutions for our colleagues as well.

Our continuous learning culture inspires and equips you to learn, share and grow, helping you achieve your fullest potential. As a result, at Aon, you are more connected, more relevant, and more valued.

Aon values an innovative and inclusive workplace where all colleagues feel empowered to be their authentic selves. Aon is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace.

Aon provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran, marital, domestic partner status, or other legally protected status.

We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities and fostering an inclusive workplace. If you require accommodations during the application or interview process, please let us know. You can request accommodations by emailing us at or your recruiter. We will work with you to meet your needs and ensure a fair and equitable experience.

About the Role

Our client is a leading innovator in the field of autonomous systems, developing cutting-edge AI solutions for a variety of applications. We are seeking an experienced and visionary AI Product Manager to lead the strategy, roadmap, and execution of our autonomous systems product line. This critical role, based in our Randburg, Gauteng office, involves bridging the gap between cutting-edge AI research and market needs. You will define product requirements, collaborate closely with engineering and research teams, and drive the successful launch and adoption of our AI-powered products. This is an exceptional opportunity to shape the future of autonomous technology and work within a dynamic, fast-paced environment. We are looking for a product leader with a deep understanding of AI, a strategic mindset, and a passion for bringing innovative products to market from our Randburg hub.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and own the product strategy, roadmap, and vision for AI-powered autonomous systems.
• Conduct market research, competitive analysis, and customer interviews to identify market opportunities and unmet needs.
• Translate customer needs and business requirements into detailed product specifications and user stories.
• Collaborate closely with AI/ML engineers, software developers, researchers, and designers throughout the product development lifecycle.
• Prioritize product features and development efforts based on business value, technical feasibility, and strategic alignment.
• Manage the product backlog and ensure timely delivery of high-quality products.
• Develop go-to-market strategies and collaborate with marketing and sales teams for product launches.
• Track product performance, gather user feedback, and iterate on products to ensure customer satisfaction and market success.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in AI, autonomous systems, and relevant industry trends.
• Act as the primary product evangelist, communicating the product vision and value proposition to internal and external stakeholders.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Business, or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in product management, with a significant focus on AI/ML products or autonomous systems.
• Proven track record of successfully launching and managing complex technology products.
• Deep understanding of AI concepts, machine learning, and autonomous system technologies (e.g., robotics, computer vision, sensor fusion).
• Experience working with engineering teams in agile development environments.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to make data-driven decisions.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to effectively influence cross-functional teams and stakeholders.
• Strategic thinking and a strong understanding of market dynamics.
• Experience in user research and experience design is a plus.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Generous paid time off and company holidays.
• Opportunities for professional growth, leadership training, and conference attendance.
• Exposure to cutting-edge AI technology and groundbreaking projects.
• Dynamic and collaborative work environment in Randburg.
• Contribution to shaping the future of autonomous systems.
• Stock options or equity in a rapidly growing company.
• Company-sponsored social events and team-building activities.