Great role – new position – superb team – rearing to go!
R HIGHLY NEGOTIABLE PLUS AN ANNUAL PERFORMANCE BONUS
Our client is a South African based financial services group listed on the South African stock exchange. The group operates in the market through multiple client-facing brands including insurance and investment brands. Our client is a global player in financial services operating in Africa, South East Asia, India and the UK. Placing its clients at the heart of the operation, this division within the group is at the forefront of cutting edge technology and innovative thinking thereby creating an environment for its people to collaborate and be the best they can be. The company is a South African based financial services group listed on the South African stock exchange, the JSE. The group operates in the market through multiple client-facing brands including insurance and investment brands, South Africa’s number one cell captive insurer and wellness & rewards programme. The company operates in 14 countries, 12 in the African continent, United Kingdom and India through a direct presence, strategic partnerships and joint ventures. The company’s purpose is to enhance the lifetime financial wellness of people, their communities and their businesses.
They now seek a senior product specialist to join their team.
Key elements for success are
- Strong local LISP experience with solid end-to-end product lifecycle knowledge;
- A CFA designation or an actuarial background or part;
JOB DESCRIPTION WILL INCLUDE BUT NOT BE LIMITED TO:
- You will be responsible for designing, managing and implementing the company’s local product solutions, pricing structures and platform capabilities;
- You will be required to support the South African affluent and high-net worth client base, as well as both independent and tied financial advisers;
- Design and develop product solutions (internal process):
- You will be required to design product solutions that can support clients and advisers in achieving their goals and that are future-fit from a business perspective;
- You will be responsible for ongoing management of the company’s local platform capability solutions set, which can support clients and advisers across all advice segments;
- You will be required to maintain a core role in the implementation of products and changes from a system and experience perspective;
- You will be required to contribute to the positioning, marketing and roll-out of initiatives;
- You will be required to consider solutions holistically from a regulatory, compliance and financial perspective and understand the impact on various areas of the business;
- You will be required to analyse and research opportunities in the market to develop new products or streamline existing product offerings;
- You will be required to assist in implementing the strategic initiatives of the business;
- You will be required to keep abreast of market and regulatory changes and opportunities afforded by these changes;
- You will be required to keep updated on the state of competitor products and pricing models;
- You will be required to monitor the experience of existing solutions as an early indicator of success / warning of changes required;
- You will be required to provide input into analysis and business insights;
- You will be required to present solutions and proposals to governance forums, including product management committee, Manco, Excos, etc, as required;
- You will be required to content specialist of internal client and adviser documentation including terms and conditions, statements, client letters etc.;
- Engage with clients in a client-centric manner (client services):
- You will be required to provide authoritative expertise to clients and stakeholders;
- You will be required to build and maintain relationships with clients and internal and external stakeholders;
- You will be required to make recommendations to improve client service and fair treatment of clients within the area of responsibility;
- You will be required to participating in and contributing to a culture which builds rewarding relationships, facilitates feedback and provides exceptional client service;
- Self-management and teamwork (people):
- You will be required to develop and maintain productive and collaborative working relationships with peers, clients and stakeholders;
- You will be required to positively influence and participate in change initiatives;
- You will be required to continuously develop own expertise in terms of professional, industry and legislation knowledge;
- You will be required to contribute to continuous innovation through the development, sharing and implementation of new ideas;
- You will be required to take ownership of driving career development;
- You will be required to effectively manage time and ensure optimal productivity;
- You will be required to ensure technical product and legislative knowledge is always current to propose the most relevant and innovative client solutions and comply with governance requirements;
- Contribute to financial controls and planning (finance):
- You will be required to identify solutions to enhance cost effectiveness and increase operational efficiency;
- You will be required to provide input into the risk identification processes and communicate recommendations in the appropriate forum.
CORE COMPETENCIES REQUIRED, BUT NOT LIMITED TO:
- You are self-confident, self-motivated and relentlessly pursue targets and goals;
- You have the ability to work with cross-functional teams – this is critical.
CORE QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:
- You have a CFA designation or an actuarial or part background – this is essential;
- You have a minimum of 5 – 10 years current, relevant experience in financial services with at least 4 years’ experience in platform / product enablement-related or product development role;
- You have the ability to interrogate, balance the varying views of stakeholders and think critically are key skills that are required;
- You have experience and in-depth knowledge of the LISP (platform) industry, including regulatory landscape (Regulation 28, Pension fund Act, etc, Long-term insurance Act), products, pricing, etc.;
- You are able to understand how the business operates, what the key issues and risks are that drive business success and how they impact the commercial viability of potential ventures and the profitability of the group.
Great role. Superb team – use your expertise to ensure the continued success of this product unit. Great rewards on performance.