Product and Support Operations Manager

Job Description

The Product Manager will be responsible for the strategic and operational management of all Personal and Private Lending products within the Islamic Banking portfolio across the bank. This includes Shari’ah-compliant lending solutions tailored to both mass affluent and high-net-worth clients. The role requires a strong understanding of Islamic finance principles, product lifecycle management, and cross-functional collaboration to drive product performance, innovation, and compliance.

Key Responsibilities:

Product Development & Management

• Define and maintain product rules, features, and manuals ensuring Shari’ah compliance.
• Develop and update pricing schedules, highlighting key differentiators across segments.
• Oversee linked/associate products to enhance value propositions and cross-sell opportunities, oversee and own the product strategy and stakeholder management
• Lead the switching process and ensure seamless transitions between products.

Market & Competitor Intelligence

• Conduct ongoing competitor landscape analysis to benchmark and identify gaps.
• Develop compelling value propositions and strategic direction for product growth. Internal co-creation with Sales Manager

Sales, Channels & Acquisition

• Collaborate with channel teams to optimize acquisition strategies and sales enablement.
• Design and refine sales/channel fulfilment and onboarding process flows.
• Ensure data extraction and dissemination to frontline teams for targeted engagement.

Credit & Risk Management

• Define and manage credit mandates, collateral requirements, and processing timeframes.
• Monitor risk exposure across all products, including non-performing and overdrawn accounts.
• Partner with Credit to ensure alignment with Islamic principles and operational efficiency.

Operational Excellence & Systems

• Identify and address system and operational deficiencies impacting product delivery.
• Drive efficiency unlocks across product features, processes, and system constructs.
• Ensure system capability supports current and future product needs.

Performance & Analytics

• Input into implementation and monitoring of scorecards to track product performance and client engagement.
• Analyze usage patterns, asset types, and client profiles to inform product strategy.

Marketing & Communication

• Develop and maintain marketing collateral aligned with brand and Shari’ah principles.
• Support internal and external communication strategies to promote product awareness.

People Leadership & Team Management

• Lead and manage two key teams:
• Set clear team objectives, KPIs, and performance scorecards aligned to strategic goals.
• Conduct regular performance reviews, coaching, and development planning.
• Foster a collaborative, high-performance culture across both sales and operational functions.
• Ensure team alignment with Islamic Banking values, compliance standards, and customer-centric delivery.
• Vehicle and Asset Finance Team (Sales-focused)
• Residential Property Finance Team (Operations-focused, including annual recontracting)

Qualifications & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, or related field.
• 5+ years in product management, preferably within Islamic Banking or lending products.
• An understanding of Shari’ah-compliant financial instruments would be preferred
• Proven experience in cross-functional stakeholder engagement and project delivery.

Skills & Competencies:

• Strategic thinking with strong commercial acumen.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Analytical mindset with proficiency in data interpretation.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Ability to navigate complex systems and drive operational improvements.

Job Details

Take note that applications will not be accepted on the below date and onwards, kindly submit applications ahead of the closing date indicated below.

25/09/25

All appointments will be made in line with FirstRand Group’s Employment Equity plan. The Bank supports the recruitment and advancement of individuals with disabilities. In order for us to fulfill this purpose, candidates can disclose their disability information on a voluntary basis. The Bank will keep this information confidential unless we are required by law to disclose this information to other parties.