Executive jobs in South Africa

Who are we? IOG is a technology company focused on blockchain research and development.

We are renowned for our scientific approach to blockchain development, emphasizing peer-reviewed research and formal methods to ensure security, scalability, and sustainability.

Our projects include the Cardano blockchain, as well as other products in the areas of decentralized finance (DeFi), governance, and identity management, aiming to advance the capabilities and adoption of blockchain and Web3 technology globally. We invest in the unknown, applying our curiosity and desire for positive change to everything we do.

By fueling creativity, innovation, and progress within our teams, our products and services are designed for people to be fearless, to be changemakers.

IOG's RealFi Tribe is a venture that combines crypto / Web3 / DeFi innovations with traditional finance (TradFi) to make borrowing and lending services more transparent, efficient, and available to a broader population.

The venture aims to build a marketplace to syndicate tokenized debt assets globally in a fully compliant manner.

While the initial focus is on Africa, RealFi has global applicability.

As Group Product Manager, you are responsible for leading the development and execution of the debt management platform at RealFi, as well as supporting the Chief Product Officer (CPO) in the development of the Web3 protocol.

The role involves operating at the intersection of traditional finance and decentralized technologies to ensure the delivery of innovative, compliant, and scalable financial products and solutions.

This position requires extensive expertise in financial services, big data, and asset management, with particular emphasis on private credit and structured debt products.

1. Lead the end-to-end product management of RealFi's debt management platform
2. Support the CPO in overseeing the Web3 credit protocol build
3. Define the product vision, strategy, and roadmap in collaboration with cross-functional teams
4. Drive the execution of product initiatives, ensuring alignment with business goals and stakeholder needs
5. Prioritise product features, balancing technical feasibility, business impact, and regulatory considerations
6. Collaborate with engineering teams to ensure timely and high-quality product delivery
7. Work with underwriters, investors, and legal teams to ensure compliance and optimal product structuring
8. Define and monitor product metrics to assess performance and guide decision-making
9. Oversee product release plans and manage post-launch iterations
10. Engage with the RealFi user base to gather insights and refine product offerings
11. Ensure seamless integration of blockchain technology and decentralized finance (DeFi) elements into the product

The above list of responsibilities is not exhaustive; you will perform different tasks as necessitated by your evolving role within the organization.

Who you are:

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g., Finance, Economics, Computer Science); strong quantitative and qualitative skills required
• CFA, CAIA, or MBA preferred
• Product Management certification (e.g., CPM, AIPMM) is a plus
• Minimum 10 years of experience in Product Management / technical writing / formal methods
• At least 5 years of experience in financial services, with expertise in credit and alternative investments
• Proven experience in leading and mentoring product teams, including direct people management
• Experience in asset management and fund structuring for private assets, including legal and tax considerations
• Familiarity with compliance requirements for cross-border fund flows and product jurisdictions
• Experience working in agile, high-growth, and tech-driven environments, ideally with exposure to blockchain or DeFi ecosystems
• Proficiency in Agile methodologies and tools such as JIRA and GitHub
• Hands-on experience across the full product lifecycle
• In-depth understanding of distributed computing, blockchain, and smart contract technologies
• Familiarity with DeFi protocols and decentralized applications
• Knowledge of legal, tax, and regulatory considerations in private asset structuring
• Strong understanding of capital markets, private debt, and sustainable investment products

• Owns end-to-end product lifecycle, driving vision, strategy, and delivery
• Aligns product goals with business objectives and long-term vision
• Works effectively across engineering, legal, finance, and executive teams
• Balances feasibility, impact, and risk to make informed trade-offs
• Understanding of blockchain and Web3 technologies for seamless integration
• Ensures high-quality, timely delivery through agile product development
• Builds strong relationships with internal and external partners, including investors and underwriters
• Uses metrics and user feedback to guide product improvements and strategy
• Prioritizes user needs through research and continuous feedback loops
• Embeds legal and compliance considerations into product design
• Identifies and applies emerging tech to create scalable, future-ready solutions
• Supports and develops product team members to grow capability and ownership

As a leader, communicate openly with your team, address issues directly, and foster a culture of transparency and growth.

Empowering your team through clear processes and coordinated efforts should be your top priority. Please review our Leadership at IO Global document for more details on your duties and responsibilities as a leader at IOG.

• Remote work
• Laptop reimbursement
• New starter package for hardware essentials
• Learning & Development opportunities
• Competitive PTO

At IOG, we value diversity and are committed to an inclusive environment. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability.

Seniority level: Mid-Senior level

Employment type: Full-time

Job function: Product Management and Marketing

Industries: Non-profit Organizations and Primary and Secondary Education