Senior AI Product Manager

Placements24; Stellenbosch; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement savings options

Paid time off

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 in Paarl, Western Cape, seeks a Senior AI Product Manager to lead the strategy and roadmap for the next generation of intelligent products. You will define the product vision, prioritize features, and align engineering, design, and marketing to deliver impact.

The role requires 5+ years in product management with a focus on AI/ML, strong analytical and communication skills, and a proven track record of launching scalable AI products.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in product management, with AI/ML focus
• Strong understanding of AI/ML concepts, algorithms, and development processes
• Excellent analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with ability to influence cross-functional teams
• Experience with agile development methodologies

Responsibilities

• Define and evangelize product vision, strategy, and roadmap for AI-powered products
• Conduct market research, competitive analysis, and customer interviews
• Translate product strategy into detailed requirements, user stories, and product specs
• Prioritize backlog and manage the lifecycle from ideation to launch
• Collaborate with AI/ML engineers, data scientists, designers, and marketing teams
• Define and track key product metrics and iterate based on data-driven insights
• Act as the voice of the customer and represent the product externally
• Stay abreast of AI and ML advancements and applications

Skills

AI product management

Stakeholder alignment

Roadmap planning

Data-driven decision making

Cross-functional leadership

AI/ML concepts

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS/Engineering/Business

MBA or Master's (a plus)

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading innovator in AI-driven solutions, is seeking an experienced Senior AI Product Manager to drive the strategy and roadmap for their next generation of intelligent products. This role, based in Paarl, Western Cape , requires a deep understanding of AI technologies, market trends, and customer needs. You will be responsible for defining product vision, prioritizing features, and working closely with engineering, design, and marketing teams to deliver impactful AI products. The ideal candidate possesses a strong blend of technical acumen, strategic thinking, and exceptional communication skills. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of AI products in the heart of the Western Cape wine region and contribute to significant technological advancements.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and evangelize the product vision, strategy, and roadmap for AI-powered products.
• Conduct market research, competitive analysis, and customer interviews to identify opportunities and validate product ideas.
• Translate product strategy into detailed requirements, user stories, and product specifications.
• Prioritize the product backlog and manage the product development lifecycle from ideation to launch.
• Collaborate closely with AI/ML engineers, data scientists, designers, and marketing teams to ensure successful product development and launch.
• Define and track key product metrics, and iterate on products based on data-driven insights.
• Act as the voice of the customer internally and represent the product to external stakeholders.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in AI and machine learning technologies and their potential applications.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Business, or a related field; MBA or Master's degree is a plus.
• 5+ years of experience in product management, with at least 3 years focused on AI, machine learning, or data science products.
• Proven track record of successfully launching and scaling AI/ML products.
• Strong understanding of AI/ML concepts, algorithms, and development processes.
• Excellent analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Exceptional communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence cross-functional teams.
• Experience working with agile development methodologies.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, innovative environment.
• Experience within the Western Cape technology sector is advantageous.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, performance-based bonuses, and a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement savings options, and paid time off. You will have access to opportunities for professional development, including training, workshops, and conferences. This role is based in our modern office in Paarl, Western Cape , providing a stimulating and collaborative work environment. Join a team that is passionate about building impactful AI products and driving innovation. Our client values work-life balance and offers a supportive culture where employees can thrive and grow their careers.