Product Manager: Group Data Platform

Sanlam; Bellville; On-site; ZAR 800,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

Sanlam seeks a Product Manager to lead transformative digital initiatives across the organization. You will drive product development focused on data, optimize information flow, and create scalable technology solutions. The ideal candidate will have significant experience in leading data-platform teams and proven capabilities in stakeholder management and product visioning.

Qualifications

• Matric and relevant higher education (IT or quantitative fields) are required.
• Over 7 years in data platform leadership, with a focus on cloud environments.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate internal user research to enhance satisfaction.
• Develop product vision to transform user experiences.
• Create roadmaps and manage budgets for data initiatives.
• Write detailed PRDs to ensure timely delivery.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Stakeholder collaboration

Problem-solving

Innovative mindset

Scalable solutions

Education

National Diploma in IT

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science

Job description

Who are we?

Sanlam Group Technology is responsible for providing a digitally enabled technology service as a group COE, driving business transformation and offering group-wide digital and data architecture. We operate various technology platforms and shared services, ensure Cyber and Information Security resilience, and act as technology governance and risk orchestrator for Sanlam.

What will you do?

We are on a transformation journey to become an innovative leader at the forefront of the financial services industry's digital transformation. Leveraging advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML), we aim to redefine the financial landscape with intelligent, advice-led solutions. Our goal is to be a net producer of technology, not just a consumer, and Product Managers are pivotal to this mission.

This is an internal product leadership role focused on empowering and accelerating autonomous value creation across the Sanlam Group. With your expertise in Product Management, data ingestion, sharing and processing technologies, and leading high-performing, autonomous teams, you'll enable business units to leverage data as a competitive advantage.

What will make you successful in this role?

In the next 12 months, you will:

• Facilitate seamless information flow: Conduct internal user research to understand data consumers’ needs and willingness to pay, enhancing satisfaction and adoption. Success is reflected in higher user satisfaction scores and adoption metrics.
• Develop a compelling product vision: Clearly articulate how your products will transform user experiences and benefit Sanlam, based on user research. Success is measured through internal surveys and approval of OKRs by users and leadership.
• Create and secure funding for a transformative roadmap: Develop a comprehensive product roadmap, gain buy-in from key stakeholders, and lead budget discussions to fund data initiatives. Success is marked by roadmap approval and accurate budgeting.
• Provide clarity and context to your team: Write detailed PRDs that specify 'the what' for development, ensuring timely delivery aligned with group needs. Success is on-time delivery and positive team engagement.
• Define and track team success: Establish success metrics and SLOs, fostering ownership and continuous improvement. Success is reflected in improved performance metrics and team approval of these measures.

Qualifications

• Matric
• National Diploma in IT or a bachelor's degree in computer science, Statistics, Informatics, Information Systems, or a related quantitative field.

Experience

• 7+ years leading data platform teams, with at least 2 years in cloud and autonomous team environments.
• Experience managing budgets, resource planning, and cost control.
• Proven track record of high impact and personal development.

Skills & Thinking Preferences

• Excellent leadership and communication skills.
• Effective stakeholder collaboration.
• High ownership and proactive problem-solving attitude.
• Innovative mindset, turning obstacles into opportunities.
• Fast-paced, learning-oriented approach.
• Ability to create scalable solutions that impact millions.
• Valuing diverse perspectives for better outcomes.

Additional Responsibilities

Leading and transforming digital workplace services, managing team financials, ensuring service availability, and driving operational excellence in digital technology management.

Personal Attributes

• Stakeholder balancing, technological savvy, business insight, strategic planning.

Career Growth

We prioritize building strong relationships and supporting your personal and professional development through opportunities across our diverse business clusters.

Core Competencies

• Resilience, collaboration, innovation, customer focus, results-driven.

Turnaround Time

The shortlisting process begins after the application deadline. Duration depends on progress and manager availability.

Our Commitment to Transformation

Sanlam is committed to diversity, inclusion, and transformation, aligning with our employment equity goals to foster a thriving, equitable workplace.