Head of Strategy, Product

Who are we?- Sanlam Fintech is a newly established digital first business within the Sanlam Group on a mission to democratise financial advice and solutions for everyone across the African continent. We exist to pioneer inclusive financial confidence helping people build strong foundations to bridge the gap in generational wealth. Our culture is that of agility and constant deployment, we believe in learning fast, learning cheap and learning forward. Our aim is to provide a work environment where knowledge workers can accelerate the development of their ideas and bring innovation to market, at the same time provide compelling career and development proposition that will enable them to realise their dreams.- Position overview- Sanlam Rewards & Loyalty is seeking a visionary and results-oriented leader to head our Strategy, Product & Business Development function for our exciting Coalition Rewards program serving the Financial Services and Retail industries. You will be responsible for defining the program's strategic direction, shaping its product roadmap, and identifying and executing growth opportunities through innovative partnerships and business ventures. This role demands a blend of strategic thinking, product design expertise, and business acumen, with a clear understanding of the evolving financial services and retail landscapes. If you are passionate about building successful programs and possess a keen eye for growth opportunities, we encourage you to apply.**What will you do?**
- **Product Vision and Roadmap Setting**:

- **Jointly Define Product Vision**:The Head of Strategy collaborates with product managers to translate the overall program strategy into a product vision that defines long-term goals and desired member experiences. This joint effort ensures product portfolios align with strategic objectives.
- **Prioritize Product Features**: Through collaborative discussions and data analysis, they prioritize features across portfolios based on member needs, business objectives, and potential impact. This ensures resources are allocated effectively to deliver maximum value.
- **Competitor Analysis and Market Insights**:

- **Share Industry Trends and Research**: The Head of Strategy shares findings from market research and competitor analysis, informing product managers of emerging trends and potential threats/opportunities. This empowers them to adapt their portfolios and stay ahead of the curve.
- **Gather Product Manager Feedback**: Product managers provide valuable insights into member trends, pain points, and competitor offerings. The Head of Strategy gathers and integrates this feedback into strategic planning, shaping future product decisions.
- **Product Development and Iteration**:

- **Review Product Prototypes and Designs**:The Head of Strategy provides strategic feedback on product prototypes and designs, ensuring alignment with overall program goals and brand identity. This collaboration refines product offerings before launch.
- **Analyse Product Performance and User Data**: After launch, they collaborate with product managers to analyse user data and performance metrics, identifying areas for improvement and informing future iterations of product portfolios.
- **Cross-Portfolio Innovation and Collaboration**:

- **Facilitate Knowledge Sharing and Best Practices**:The Head of Strategy encourages knowledge sharing sessions and joint brainstorming between product managers to foster cross-portfolio innovation and collaborative problem-solving.
- **Identify Synergies and Joint Initiatives**:They collaborate with product managers to identify opportunities for cross-portfolio initiatives that leverage combined strengths and create enhanced member experiences. This collaborative approach maximises the potential of the program as a whole.
- **Communication and Stakeholder Management**:

- **Align Messaging and Communicate Product Roadmaps**: The Head of Strategy works with product managers to develop consistent messaging and communicate product roadmaps to internal and external stakeholders, ensuring transparency and alignment.
- **Support Product Managers in Presenting and Negotiating**:They provide mentorship and coaching to product managers, supporting them in effectively presenting their portfolios and negotiating with partners or other stakeholders.
- By fostering these collaborative practices, the Head of Strategy acts as a guiding force, empowering product managers to lead their portfolios while ensuring alignment with the broader program vision and strategic objectives. This collaborative approach drives innovation, optimizes resources, and ultimately strengthens the overall success of the Coalition Rewards program.- Other Key Responsibilities- **Develop and define the program's overall strategy**: Conduct market research, analyse trends, and develop a comprehensive strategy that aligns with business objectives and delivers compelling value to members and partners.
- **Lead the pro