Lead Product Owner

Absa Group; Johannesburg; Hybrid; ZAR 800 000 - 1 200 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the banking sector is seeking a Lead Product Owner to drive the development of intelligent process automation solutions. The role involves leading a team, managing product backlogs, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure successful delivery. Candidates should have a strong background in banking or technology, with proven experience in product ownership and agile methodologies.

Benefits

Hybrid working environment

Collaborative, multi-disciplinary team

Excellent employee benefits

Opportunities for professional growth

Qualifications

• 8+ years experience in Banking, Technology, or Financial Services.
• Proven experience as a Product Owner or similar role.
• Experience with agile methodologies such as Scrum, Kanban, SAFe.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of business analysts to deliver RPA solutions.
• Define and manage the product backlog based on business objectives.
• Collaborate with technology teams to guide development.

Skills

Communication

Organization

Stakeholder Management

Analytical Skills

Problem Solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science

Bachelor's degree in Information Technology

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration

Tools

Jira

Confluence

Job description

time left to apply End Date: May 30, 2025 (5 days left to apply)

job requisition id R-15975657

Empowering Africa’s tomorrow, together…one story at a time.

With over 100 years of rich history and strongly positioned as a local bank with regional and international expertise, a career with our family offers the opportunity to be part of this exciting growth journey, to reset our future and shape our destiny as a proudly African group.

Job Summary

As a Lead Product Owner, you will be responsible for translating business needs into specific technical requirements for intelligent/robotics process automation solutions. You will lead a team of business analysts whilst collaborating closely with cross-functional teams including process engineers, programme managers, scrum masters, solution designers, developers, and business stakeholders, to ensure the successful delivery of high-impact Intelligent Process Automation (RPA) solutions. You will act as a bridge between business stakeholders and the technology team, contributing to the overall RPA vision and strategy within the organization.

Job Description

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Serve as the primary contact regarding the pipeline, development, and delivery of RPA solutions that deliver measurable value.
2. Define, refine, and manage the product backlog based on business objectives and user needs.
3. Lead the exploration process to gather business needs and translate them into features and user stories, including benefit hypotheses and acceptance criteria.
4. Coordinate with program managers for budget management and resource requirements.
5. Manage resources to meet project, squad, and BAU goals within budget, quality, and time constraints.
6. Collaborate with technology teams to guide development and ensure successful sprints.
7. Represent the voice of the customer throughout the product lifecycle to align solutions with business expectations.
8. Participate in program meetings and team ceremonies to ensure alignment and buy-in.
9. Engage stakeholders to develop relationships and address their needs and concerns.
10. Analyze business processes to identify automation opportunities.
11. Assess technological advances in RPA that could benefit operations.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, business administration, or related field
• 8+ years experience in Banking, Technology, or Financial Services
• Proven experience as a Product Owner or similar role
• Experience with agile methodologies such as Scrum, Kanban, SAFe
• Technical background in RPA or close collaboration with tech teams
• Excellent communication, organization, and stakeholder management skills
• Familiarity with agile tools like Jira, Confluence
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

WHAT’S ON OFFER:

• Hybrid working environment
• Collaborative, multi-disciplinary team
• Autonomy to achieve results and satisfy colleagues and customers
• Excellent employee benefits
• Opportunities for professional growth and career advancement

Education

Bachelor’s Degrees and Advanced Diplomas in Physical, Mathematical, Computer, and Life Sciences are required.

Absa Bank Limited is an equal opportunity employer. In line with the Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998, preference will be given to candidates from designated groups to promote workforce diversity.

Absa Bank Limited reserves the right not to fill the position.