Product Owner: Commodities

Findojobs South Africa; Gauteng; On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the financial sector is seeking a Product Owner to enhance trading operations and technology alignment. The role requires deep knowledge of trading conventions and extensive experience in financial services. You will be responsible for ensuring customer value and effective product delivery through collaboration and leadership within a diverse team.

Qualifications

• 5-10 years in financial services trading with at least 3 years in a product owner role.
• Experience focused on operations or technology.

Responsibilities

• Manage product delivery to maximize business value through stakeholder engagement.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams on prioritization and project scope.
• Champion the Product Owner role in Agile processes.

Skills

Proficiency in software applications

Deep knowledge of trading conventions

Ability to build relationships

Education

Degree in Commerce, Engineering, or IT

Product Owner certification

CFA

Registered Stockbroker certification

Job description

Job category: Banking, Finance, Insurance. Stockbroking

Contract: Permanent

Remuneration: Market Related

EE position: Yes

About our company

The JSE recognises that its success and strength depend on the quality of its employees. We are committed to fostering a culture of continuous learning and high standards of performance. Our employee wellness programme is designed to encourage work-life balance for employees. We naturally seek to empower staff and encourage diversity and opportunities for all.

Introduction

To maximise business value (including optimisation of ROI) through representing the voice of the customer and acting as an ambassador for trading operations and technology to ensure the right products are delivered to customers (internal and external).

Results Delivery

• Ensure a shared vision for trading across front office, operations, and technology, and champion its realization by delivering the right products to customers.
• Coordinate prioritization of the Product Backlog based on business value and customer needs.
• Develop a consolidated technology roadmap and business processes for efficient delivery aligned with trading strategies.
• Help team members understand what to build and why, including clear communication of customer requirements.
• Accept the delivered product increment at each iteration based on agreed criteria.
• Manage the release plan.
• Contribute to the development of trading and related business strategies.
• Draft and coordinate feedback on project documentation for prioritization sessions.
• Provide subject matter guidance for business-as-usual activities.
• Champion the Product Owner role in Agile processes at the JSE.
• Maintain continuous communication with stakeholders and clients, managing expectations and making trade-offs as needed.
• Ensure customer adoption and understanding of solutions' value.
• Manage client relationships, focusing on delivery and prioritization to maximize business value.
• Assist Scrum Master with Sprint Review Meetings and ensure team effectiveness.
• Participate in sprint planning and motivate the team.
• Inspire and motivate a diverse team to deliver innovative solutions with urgency.
• Identify problems and implement effective solutions for ongoing delivery.
• Coordinate with project managers and technical leads on scope and priorities.
• Identify and mitigate risks.
• Contribute to budgets and business cases, ensuring ROI and productivity targets are met.
• Participate in industry committees to align with industry standards.
• Provide expertise for projects to ensure market quality and integrity.
• Conduct Remote Disaster Recovery testing periodically.
• Test new system enhancements for business efficiency and customer satisfaction.
• Maintain client-facing system documentation and provide training on new systems.
• Collaborate with IT Trading teams on system configurations.
• Work with divisions on initiatives to meet client needs and requirements.
• Draft and coordinate system changes, representing the CDM team at Service Forums.
• Alert management of scope or effort changes affecting delivery schedules.
• Perform ad-hoc duties as assigned.
• Manage own delivery plans, identify obstacles, and ensure business continuity.
• Report progress and quality against plans, and implement corrective actions.

Stakeholder Relationship Management

• Engage with EXCO, peers, and stakeholders to promote openness and trust.
• Lead cross-functional teams and manage relationships with business partners and clients.
• Understand customer needs, industry trends, and market developments.
• Manage stakeholder expectations and influence outcomes within constraints.
• Maintain effective communication and relationship networks.
• Build trust with customers and gauge satisfaction through feedback and surveys.
• Act as an ambassador for enterprise trading solutions.
• Represent product areas operationally and technically with service providers.
• Coordinate communication during crises and system initiatives.
• Conduct training on system applications and enhancements.

Process Management

• Develop detailed specifications for product features.
• Understand end-to-end customer experience and dependencies.
• Translate stakeholder requirements into functional specifications.
• Ensure product features add value and meet customer needs.
• Engage with market product specialists to understand evolving client needs.
• Coordinate with other product owners for integrated solutions.
• Manage system changes and releases, including testing.

Self-Management

• Enhance personal and professional capabilities aligned with JSE objectives.
• Share knowledge and research findings with team members.
• Uphold JSE values and professional standards.
• Contribute to team success by removing obstacles.

Transformation and Innovation Contribution

• Research and implement innovative ideas and solutions.
• Participate in product development and innovation efforts.
• Qualifications: Degree in Commerce, Engineering, or IT; certifications like Product Owner, RPE, CFA, Registered Stockbroker (preferred but not essential).
• Experience: 5-10 years in financial services trading, with at least 3 years in a product owner or specialist role focused on operations or technology.

Knowledge and Skills required

• Proficiency in software applications (Outlook, Word, Excel, Access, Internet, Email)
• Understanding of business principles, decision-making, industry trends, and international standards.
• Knowledge of financial market infrastructure, compliance, assurance, and audit practices.
• Deep knowledge of trading conventions in equity, bonds, derivatives, currencies, commodities, and interest rates markets.
• Ability to build relationships, resolve conflicts, interpret information, and understand market dynamics.