Head, Product Management & Innovation

Standard Bank Group is a leading Africa-focused financial services group, and an innovative player on the global stage, that offers a variety of career-enhancing opportunities – plus the chance to work alongside some of the sector’s most talented, motivated professionals. Our clients range from individuals, to businesses of all sizes, high net worth families and large multinational corporates and institutions. We’re passionate about creating growth in Africa. Bringing true, meaningful value to our clients and the communities we serve and creating a real sense of purpose for you.

To lead and manage the Product Management & Innovation Function within Personal Lines, developing and implementing effective products and associated product strategies that supports the achievement of business objectives. This role is responsible for ensuring the quality and consistency of product development, product management and product innovation decisions while driving continuous improvement in product development and product management and practices.

Type of Qualification: First Degree

Field of Study: Business Commerce, Risk Management, Actuarial Science, Law, Engineering, or a related field.

Type of Qualification: Post Graduate Degree

Field of Study: MBA, Masters in Finance, Risk Management, or relevant professional qualification. (Preferred)

Experience Required

Progressive experience in the financial services or insurance industry with strong commercial acumen, including understanding of market dynamics and competitive landscape

Expert knowledge of underwriting principles, practices, and risk assessment methodologies across relevant product lines. 

Demonstrable experience in developing and implementing underwriting strategies, managing large underwriting teams, overseeing significant underwriting portfolios, and driving operational excellence and risk management within a complex regulatory environment (preferably South Africa).

Experience across multiple lines of business (e.g., Life, Health, General)

Expert knowledge of South African financial services regulations (e.g., FSCA, TCF, POPIA, FAIS, AML) as they apply to underwriting.

Experience in a senior underwriting leadership or management role.

Proven ability to engage with reinsurers, product development, and actuarial functions.

 

Behavioural Competencies:

• Examining Information
• Generating Ideas
• Exploring Possibilities
• Directing People
• Developing strategies
• Checking Things
• Following Procedures
• Managing Tasks
• Upholding Standards
• Producing Output
• Taking Action
• Pursuing Goals

Technical Competencies:

• Claims Knowledge and Management
• Insurance Principles
• Insurance Products & Services
• Risk Perception & Assessment
• Underwriting and Pricing Risk
• Underwriting Management
• Underwriting Process
• Automation Acumen
• Client Relationship Management
• Coaching and Mentoring Operational Practices
• Continuous Improvement
• Operations Risk Management
• Process Management
• Resource & Capacity Optimization