Director of Product Management at Network Recruitment

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership:

• Develop and execute the overall product strategy in alignment with the company’s business goals and objectives.
• Provide thought leadership and insights on emerging trends in the insurance sector, especially in the Kenyan and broader East African market.
• Collaborate with senior management to align product development with the company’s strategic vision.

Product Development & Management:

• Lead the end-to-end product development process, including ideation, design, development, and market introduction.
• Oversee the entire product lifecycle, from market research and concept development to product launch, maintenance, and retirement.
• Ensure products meet customer needs, are competitive in the market, and comply with local regulatory standards.

Market Analysis & Competitive Intelligence:

• Conduct thorough market research and competitive analysis to identify opportunities and threats in the insurance landscape.
• Analyze customer needs, market trends, and competitor offerings to inform product development and innovation.
• Maintain a strong understanding of the regulatory environment and ensure all products comply with local and international standards.

Team Leadership & Development:

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing product management team.
• Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement within the product development team.
• Set clear goals and expectations for the team, providing regular feedback and performance evaluations.

Cross-functional Collaboration:

• Work closely with other departments, including Sales, Marketing, Underwriting, Operations, and IT, to ensure successful product launches and ongoing product management.
• Collaborate with the actuarial team to ensure product pricing and profitability align with business objectives.
• Partner with the technology team to drive digital transformation and innovation in product offerings.

Financial Management:

• Oversee the product budget, ensuring effective resource allocation and cost management.
• Monitor product performance, including sales, profitability, and customer satisfaction, and make data-driven decisions to optimize product offerings.
• Provide regular reports to the CEO and board on product performance, market conditions, and strategic initiatives.

Customer & Stakeholder Engagement:

• Engage with key stakeholders, including customers, brokers, agents, and regulators, to gather feedback and ensure product relevance and satisfaction.
• Represent the company at industry conferences, seminars, and events to promote the company’s product portfolio and thought leadership.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Insurance, or a related field. An MBA or relevant master’s degree is preferred.

Experience:

• At least 10 years of experience in the insurance industry, with a strong background in product development and management.
• Proven track record in a senior leadership role, preferably as a Director or VP of Product in a reputable insurance company.
• In-depth knowledge of the Kenyan insurance market, including regulatory requirements and market dynamics.
• Strong financial acumen and experience with P&L management.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to think strategically and translate business goals into actionable product strategies.

Skills:

• Strategic thinking and business acumen.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Market research and analytical skills.
• Customer-focused mindset with a strong sense of market demands.
• Ability to innovate and drive change.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills