ICT - Product Development Manager

The Manager - Product Development is responsible for driving technical excellence and strategic product development across the Cyber Security/Cloud/BAS portfolios. Reporting to the Product Management Lead, this role oversees the entire product lifecycle, ensuring alignment with business objectives. The Senior Expert/Manager ensures product compliance with industry standards, cultivates strong partner relationships, leads project execution, and optimizes product design and pricing to keep the products competitive and responsive to market demands.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Technical Excellence:

• Ensure products and services meet industry standards and technical specifications

Product Lifecycle Management:

• Oversee the full lifecycle of the assigned ICT product portfolio, from conception to retirement, aligning them with the overall B2B strategic goals and market needs

Customer & Partner Relations:

• Manage and ensure accuracy of customer agreement templates; lead partner onboarding/offboarding and maintain strong partner relationships, enhancing commercial opportunities

Compliance & Standards:

• Ensure all the assigned ICT product portfolio meet the required certifications and compliance standards, adapting to market and partner requirements

Project Management:

• Drive planning, execution, and oversight of product development and enhancement projects

Product & Service Design:

• Define and refine product specifications and service levels to meet customer expectations and ensure successful design

Strategic Planning:

• Validate demand forecasts, support infrastructure development, and manage pricing and cost strategies based on market and competitive analysis

Continuous Improvement:

• Implement product enhancements or expansions based on new technologies and customer feedback

Performance Tracking & Reporting:

• Monitor and analyze product performance, preparing detailed reports for the management and ensuring timely and accurate internal coordination

REQUIREMENTS:

HIRING REQUIREMENTS:

• 2+ years proven experience in product management, preferably in within the ICT / Telco industry.
• Proven experience in product management, preferably in ICT / Telco.
• Proven track record of providing new and innovative solutions to enhance product lines;
• Deep understanding of customer needs and behavior in the ICT space. Experience leveraging customer insights to drive product development and enhance user experience. Familiarity with research administration is a plus.
• Knowledge of advanced principles of Product Lifecycle Management, business management, marketing and project management
• Familiarity with one or more the following industry framework: ITIL, TMFORUM Frameworx, COBIT, ISO 20000,  ISO 27001, IFRS 15, IFRS 16
• Ability to conduct market analysis and translate insights into actionable strategies
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships with stakeholders at all levels
• Bachelor's degree in business, engineering or IT related degree or  related field

SKILLS:

Soft:

• Leadership: The ability to inspire and guide cross-functional teams, fostering collaboration and a shared vision for product development.
• Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills to effectively convey ideas, updates, and strategies to various stakeholders, including technical and non-technical audiences.
• Interpersonal Skills: Building and maintaining relationships with stakeholders, partners, and team members is crucial for successful collaboration and feedback integration.
• Problem-Solving: An analytical mindset to identify challenges within the product lifecycle and develop innovative solutions to overcome them.
• Adaptability: Flexibility to adjust strategies and plans in response to changing market conditions, technology trends, and stakeholder feedback.
• Negotiation: Ability to negotiate effectively with partners and stakeholders to align interests and secure necessary resources or agreements.
• Emotional Intelligence: Understanding and managing one's own emotions while empathizing with others, fostering a positive team environment and enhancing collaboration.
• Conflict Resolution: Skills to manage and resolve conflicts that may arise within teams or between stakeholders, ensuring a harmonious and productive work atmosphere.
• Strategic Thinking: The capacity to see the big picture and develop long-term strategies while balancing short-term needs and goals.
• Mentoring and Coaching: Providing guidance and support to team members, helping them grow their skills and ensuring effective use of the playbooks.

Hard:

• Project Management: Proficiency in project management methodologies (e.g., Agile, Scrum, Waterfall) to oversee product development timelines, resources, and deliverables.
• Technical Knowledge: A strong understanding of ICT technologies, platforms, and tools relevant to product development and service delivery.
• Product Lifecycle Management (PLM): Familiarity with PLM principles and tools to manage the entire lifecycle of products, from ideation through to retirement.
• Data Analysis and Metrics: Skills in data analysis to evaluate product performance, customer feedback, and other key metrics, enabling informed decision-making.
• Market Research: Ability to conduct and interpret market research to identify trends, customer needs, and competitive landscapes.
• Documentation Skills: Expertise in creating and maintaining clear, concise, and comprehensive documentation, including playbooks, guidelines, and reports.