Principal, Product Management-Technical

Mastercard; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 800 000 - 1 200 000; Full time

Job summary

A global payments technology firm is seeking a Principal for Product Management-Technical to lead technology regulatory resilience initiatives. You will provide consultancy on regulatory matters, educate stakeholders, and drive the execution of resilience objectives across teams. Ideal candidates possess strong problem-solving and communication skills along with a profound understanding of the payments industry. This role is based in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Qualifications

• Proven ability to represent the company as a trusted advisor.
• Strong drive to succeed with analytical and strategic capabilities.
• Deep understanding of payments industry functionality and technology.

Responsibilities

• Educate regulators on the company's technologies and capabilities.
• Collaborate to prioritize and execute objectives.
• Lead problem discovery and risk mitigation efforts.

Skills

Problem-solving skills

Analytical capabilities

Communication skills

Technical consultancy

Understanding of payments industry

Job description

Our Purpose

Mastercard powers economies and empowers people in 200+ countries and territories worldwide. Together with our customers, we’re helping build a sustainable economy where everyone can prosper. We support a wide range of digital payments choices, making transactions secure, simple, smart and accessible. Our technology and innovation, partnerships and networks combine to deliver a unique set of products and services that help people, businesses and governments realize their greatest potential.

Title and Summary

Principal, Product Management-Technical. This role serves as the Tech Regulatory Resilience Principal within the Technology Regulatory Execution (T-Rex) team, within the Mastercard TECH organization, focused on the EEMEA region (Eastern Europe, Middle East, and Africa). The Principal will lead efforts to ensure the resilience of Mastercard’s technology solutions and assets, while enhancing operational efficiency and security.

Key Responsibilities

The role includes partnering with internal Mastercard stakeholders and, where needed, engaging with regulators and external clients to provide strategic technology consultancy on regulatory matters. This includes:

• Educating and advising regulators and government bodies on Mastercard’s technologies and capabilities.
• Influencing emerging regulations through strategic technical input.
• Assessing resiliency gaps and risk controls.
• Collaborating with regional and global development teams.

Technology Regulatory Resilience Heatmap

• Track resilience KPIs.
• Identify gaps and opportunities for improvement.
• Support continuous enhancement of resilience maturity.

Role Responsibilities

• Collaborate with Technology Regulatory Market Leads and other stakeholders to prioritize and execute T-Rex objectives and the Regulatory Resilience Pipeline.
• Partner with internal teams across Program Controls, Operations & Modernization (ProCOM) to identify and drive resolution of resiliency and performance issues.
• Respond to consultative requests from regulators and government mandates, delivering technology assessments and solutions aligned with regulatory and resilience requirements.
• Lead problem discovery, resolution planning, and risk mitigation efforts.
• Utilize technology frameworks, tools, and methodologies to manage pipeline priorities, promote resilient architecture, and align IT strategy with business goals.
• Monitor, record, and report delivery outcomes for executive-level presentations and dashboards.

All About You

• Proven ability to represent Mastercard Technologies as a trusted advisor and brand ambassador.
• High energy, ownership mindset, and a strong drive to succeed, backed by analytical, technical, and strategic capabilities.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to define problem statements and guide stakeholders toward effective solutions.
• Quick learner with the ability to translate complex technical concepts into business and regulatory language—and vice versa.
• Deep understanding of the payments industry, both functionally and technically.
• Experience in technology consultancy and/or the banking industry.
• Excellent communication skills—verbal, written, and presentation—with the ability to lead challenging regulatory and business discussions.
• Comfortable working in a geographically distributed, cross-functional environment.
• Solid grasp of software development methodologies and modern technology principles.
• Familiarity with emerging tech trends such as APIs, Real-Time Payments, and Fintech innovations.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial setting.

Corporate Security Responsibility

• Abide by Mastercard’s security policies and practices;
• Ensure the confidentiality and integrity of the information being accessed;
• Report any suspected information security violation or breach, and
• Complete all periodic mandatory security trainings in accordance with Mastercard’s guidelines.