Product Owner

Lets Write Africas Story Together!

Old Mutual is a firm believer in the African opportunity and our diverse talent reflects this.

Job Description

na

Responsible for defining and managing the vision strategy and roadmap for the product team ensuring alignment with customer needs and business goals. This role involves driving the design development and maintenance of innovative product offerings while also contributing to the management innovation and enhancement of existing products throughout their lifecycle. The Product Owner will work closely with stakeholders crossfunctional teams and customers to deliver highquality products that provide value and drive business success.

Key Responsibilities

Managing the Product Backlog:

• Create prioritize and maintain the product backlog improvements and bug fixes that need to be worked on.

• Ensure that the backlog items are clearly defined wellprioritized and aligned with the strategic goals of the product

• Stakeholder Management:

• Maintain contact between key stakeholders and the development team

Clarifying Requirements:

• Provide clear detailed requirements for the development team including user stories acceptance criteria and expected outcomes.

• Work closely with the team to clarify doubts and provide additional context when needed

Supporting the Development Team:

• During sprints the PO is available to the development team to answer questions review progress and ensure that the team is delivering what is expected.

• Provide continuous feedback and support to ensure the team is building the right product

Reviewing and Accepting Work:

• After each sprint or iteration the PO reviews the work completed by the development team and determines whether it meets the acceptance criteria.

• They approve or reject features based on the defined requirements and whether they provide the intended value.

Monitoring Product Progress:

• The Product Owner keeps track of the products progress and makes adjustments to the product backlog based on feedback market changes or new business priorities.

• Help ensure that the product stays aligned with the original vision while adapting to changing circumstances

Conducting Product Demos and Reviews:

• The PO may lead or participate in sprint reviews or product demos to show stakeholders what has been developed and gather feedback.

• This is essential for ensuring transparency and obtaining stakeholder input early and often

Evaluating Market Trends and Competitors:

• The Product Owner must stay informed about industry trends customer preferences and competitor offerings to ensure the product remains competitive and aligned with market needs.

• They use this knowledge to help inform backlog priorities and product decisions

Ensuring Alignment with Business Goals:

• The PO must ensure that the product aligns with the overarching business objectives and strategy driving product development in a way that maximizes value to the organization.

• They are responsible for understanding and balancing both the shortterm and longterm business goals

Managing Risks and Dependencies:

• The Product Owner must identify and manages risks and dependencies related to product development.

• Must work with crossfunctional teams to mitigate risks that may hinder the products progress or quality

Key Skills

• Strong Communication:The ability to communicate effectively with both technical and nontechnical stakeholders.

• DecisionMaking:The ability to make tough calls regarding priorities and tradeoffs.

• Domain Knowledge:Understanding of the industry market and customer needs.

• Collaboration and Leadership:Working closely with teams and guiding them towards the successful delivery of the product.

• Business Acumen:Understanding business goals and translating them into actionable features for the development team.

Competencies & Experience

• Proven experience in product management and agile methodologies.

• Strong leadership communication and collaboration skills.

• Ability to balance strategic vision with tactical execution.

• Expertise in product lifecycle management from concept to endoflife.

• Analytical mindset with the ability to make datadriven decisions and measure product success

• 5 years or more in a Product owner or Product manager role

Education

• BCom degree Preferably in management or similar

Skills

Action Planning Adaptive Thinking Analytical Thinking Business Requirements Analysis Client Needs Analysis Current State Assessment CustomerFocused Data Compilation Developing Creative Solutions Evaluating Information Futures Thinking Gaps Analysis Presenting Solutions Probing Questions Project Resource Management

Competencies

Action Oriented

Business Insight

Cultivates Innovation

Drives Engagement

Drives Results

Ensures Accountability

Manages Ambiguity

Manages Complexity

Education

NQF Level 7 Degree Advance Diploma or Postgraduate Certificate or equivalent

Closing Date

14 May 2025 23:59

The appointment will be made from the designated group in line with the Employment Equity Plan of Old Mutual South Africa and the specific business unit in question.

The Old Mutual Story!