Product Lead – Value Added Services (VAS)-External /Internal

At Safaricom Ethiopia, we are a purpose-led technology company dedicated to transforming lives through digital connectivity and inclusive financial services. In under four years, we have grown to serve over 10 million customers, with our network now reaching 55% of Ethiopia’s population – a testament to our bold vision and trusted partnerships.

Guided by core values such as customer obsession, innovation, integrity, and getting it done together, we are building a workplace that is dynamic, inclusive, and empowering. We believe our greatest strength lies in our people. That’s why, for two consecutive years, we have proudly get earned the Top Employer Award – in recognition for our unwavering commitment to fostering a supportive, innovative, and inclusive environment to people.

Join Safaricom Ethiopia and be part of a team that is shaping the digital future of Ethiopia. Here, your work has meaning, your voice matters, and your growth is our priority. Together, we are transforming lives for a digital future

Key accountabilities and decision ownership:

• Define and communicate the VAS product strategy, roadmap, and vision, ensuring alignment with overall business objectives.

• Conduct market research and competitor analysis to identify opportunities and threats, informing product decisions.

• Collaborate with Technology and other teams to develop, launch, and maintain VAS products, ensuring they meet customer needs and business requirements.

• Negotiate and manage relationships with VAS vendors, ensuring quality and cost-effectiveness.

• Develop and track revenue targets for VAS products, ensuring profitability and growth.

• Monitor VAS product performance, identify areas for improvement, and report on key metrics to stakeholders.

Interact with customers to understand their needs and feedback, contributing to product improvements.

• Maintain up-to-date documentation of VAS products, processes, and procedures.

• Initiate and coordinate the launch of new products and services with the marketing team and ensure successful go-to-market and market activation of products and services.

• Ensure all products information is properly documented and approved as defined by the products business gate process and the Consumer Products & Innovation Lifecycle Management framework.

• Lead, coordinate and motivate the VAS team to achieve common goals Strong understanding of VAS products and services in the telecommunications industry including familiarity with platforms, technologies, and market trends.

• Experience in vendor management and negotiations: This includes the ability to build and maintain strong vendor relationships.

• Product Management: Ability to define and execute a product strategy that aligns with the company’s goals and customer needs and deep understanding of customer needs and pain points.

• Analytical, Problem Solving and Data Driven: must be able to understand and interpret large amounts of data and derive actionable insights.

• Change Management & Adaptability: continuously evolve product strategies and managing change within the team and organization.

• Communication Skill: strong communication skills when gathering information, interpreting data, and presenting results to stakeholders

• Bachelor’s Degree in a Technical or Commercial discipline from a recognized university

• Experience of 6 years in a high result-oriented organization with at least two in a mid-level managerial role in a commercial setting driving growth through products and innovation.

• Understanding of GSM and related Telecom Technologies and Platforms

• Ability to project manage cross functional teams with experience in leading agile squads to deliver a common mission.

• Problem solving and decision-making skills with customer first focus

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills coupled with good listening, critical reasoning and analytical skills

• Team player with excellent influencing skills and high level of initiative and self-drive