Product Manager: Fixed Connectivity

At Cell C, we are not just a telecommunications company; we are a people-centric and consumer-focused organization committed to delivering exceptional experiences to our customers. In line with our dedication to customer-centricity, we are seeking a seasoned professional
Product Manager: Fixed Connectivity
to join our dynamic team of
#Unstoppables.

Purpose of the Job:

To create and deliver a positive customer lifetime value, through developing and managing the full product life cycle for new and existing products in alignment with the Fixed Connectivity Product and Services strategy (spanning fibre and fixed wireless technologies, and enterprise connectivity solutions) and relevant consumer and business segment needs in order to ensure profitability and continuous improvement and growth ensuring that customer and revenue growth targets are met, customer experience excellence and maximising returns to shareholders.

To take full accountability for the overall Product roadmap, feature definition, forecasting, approvals, go to market launch and comms, profit & loss revenue including post launch reviews, churn, value perception and product NPS.

Main Responsibilities

New Product Creation & Enhancement

• Fully accountable for all phases of product development from conception, approval, launch, go to market, post launch review, management through to termination
• Identify, Research, Feasibility Studies, Develop, Campaign Management, Input into Training, Go live in market, Monitor the market uptake, ROI, Eliminate or retire products
• Unpack the Product & Services department roadmap and create a product specific dashboard for the year, aligned to overall Commercial Strategy
• Develop products by analysing company key performance indicators and in alignment with Cell C Customer segmentation needs and competitive landscape in accordance with the allocated budget to ensure revenue growth
• Design & develop product promotions to acquire new Customers and retain existing loyal customers
• Design and implement action plans with all stakeholders to drive take up, usage and revenues, promote product sales, and ensure product knowledge and availability
• Develop and implement measures with Customer Retention to reduce churn
• Work alongside marketing, sales, CVM, online, etc. to ensure products are adequately managed and promoted to drive KPI performance

Product & Service Portfolio Management & Delivery

• Manage activities required from all functional Business areas to achieve maximum market growth, penetration, and profitability
• Business Intelligence, Finance, Procurement, Technology, Legal & Regulatory, Marketing, Logistics, Learning & Development, Sales Sectors, Customer Experience Sectors, Internal Communications
• Ad hoc areas and sectors as necessary
• Compile relevant marketing briefs to support new product and service requests
• Present business specification documentations and financial assumptions for product approval
• Support the go-live in market communication and advertising process, and provide input into the most effective position of product to target market
• Monitor market conditions, competitors and technological advancements and propose the development of products and services relevant to target segments
• Manage and optimise the budget, ensuring all expenditure is in line with the agreed budgets
• Provide input into the communication strategy and advertising management process
• Identify new markets for existing and development of new products to enhance value and revenue
• Keep abreast of the product performance against the original business case, continuously measuring the performance against budget
• Keep abreast of local and global market trends
• Keep abreast of competitor activities and communicate implications for Cell C's product positioning in view of these competitor moves and consequently recommend corrective actions, where necessary
• Provide constant updated competitive analysis and insight on Fixed Connectivity products and services
• Support the business planning and forecasting process by providing information on product assumptions through gathering and maintaining history on products
• Ensure that marketing collateral and in-store touch points, as well as all electronic touch points are up to date with regard to product and service offerings
• Provide input into Customer Value Management sector
• Assist with weekly, monthly, quarterly and annual status/performance reporting
• Provide input into MIS reporting design in order to facilitate correct and accurate reporting and data analysis
• Present and influence final decision makers, either integral and or external to obtain buy-in concepts and ideas
• Ensure Cell C, our partners and channels are all appropriately prepared to support the Products and Services

Project Management & Go-To-Market

• Drive the go to market process for products under management to ensure all stakeholders are engaged and that the product launch is effective and impactful. This includes liaison with channel partners through sales
• Project manage the journey of the product (planning, scheduling, controlling and risk management), following brand guidelines, namely in which concerns user experience
• Prepare project mandate, highlighting the scope, resource, milestones and completion date, keeping within budgetary constraints
• Manage products and projects quality and ensure delivery of internal clients and end-user requirements
• Assure proper functioning of all cross-functional processes

Customer First

• Place the customer first in the end-to-end product delivery life cycle, ensuring best value for customer therefore growing revenue
• Ensure customer needs and requirements are satisfied through appropriate systems / processes / procedures
• Understand customer needs and develop and fine-tune product accordingly
• Monitor customer feedback (via formal internal channels such as customer support and social media) on performance of product and implement necessary action plan to correct deficiencies
• Compile contingency plans to prevent delays and enhance the customer experience
• Adopt a proactive approach to prevent problems from arising in the future
• Initiate change to continually improve all aspects of product and services delivery
• Drive continuous improvement as an important element of product and services delivery
• Identify trends / patterns pertaining to customer requests and needs and filter this information through to relevant business areas to continually improve all aspects of service delivery

Virtual, Cross-Functional Matrix Team Management

• Manage a cross functional team to deliver an efficient end-to-end Product Delivery plan
• Ensure alignment of all key functions and entrenchment of the team's deliveries
• Manage vendors and external 3rd parties
• Provide clear instructions pertaining to accountabilities of each team member
• Motivate and support the team to deliver a superior performance to ensure product success

Other ad-hoc duties

Perform any other related duties as requested by management

Qualifications

• BCom / BSc Degree: Engineering, Marketing or Business Management, Commerce, or IT

Experience

• 5+ years' industry experience in ICT or a related technical sector in a medium or large sized company
• At least 5 years' working experience of Relationship Management, New Business and New Product Development, Product Management, Marketing, etc.
• Knowledge and understanding of the ICT market (particularly in the fixed connectivity context across consumer and business segments) and the specific needs around the different market segments
• Knowledge and understanding of fixed connectivity value chains, and demonstrated experience in working with various FNO / last mile service providers in enabling the development of new products and services and aligning GTM activity
• High-level understanding of fixed connectivity supporting platforms and technologies
• Sound financial, project management and product development and reporting knowledge
• Proven track record of successful management of product portfolios and a number of successful product launches

"Cell C is an equal opportunities employer, committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees are treated fairly and with respect, regardless of race, gender, age, disability, or any other protected characteristic."