Product Manager (Data)

Mr D, a prominent division within the Takealot Group, is on the hunt for a skilled Data Product Manager to join their innovative team in Cape Town. This pivotal role is central to Mr D's strategic vision, focusing on unlocking the immense potential of data to shape business direction and achieve meaningful outcomes. The successful candidate will collaborate extensively across various departments, working hand-in-hand with business stakeholders, engineering experts, and data scientists to meticulously craft, develop, and implement a forward-thinking data product roadmap. Mr D fosters an open, inventive, and results-driven work environment, offering a platform for individuals to make a tangible impact on both the business and the daily experiences of their customers.

The Scope of the Role

As a Data Product Manager at Mr D, you will be instrumental in defining and driving a cohesive strategy for data utilisation to meet overarching business objectives. This involves proactively identifying opportunities where data-driven solutions can deliver significant value, and subsequently prioritising these projects for inclusion in the product roadmap. A key aspect of this position is the ability to skilfully balance a long-term product vision with the delivery of achievable short-term wins, ensuring value is realised incrementally.

You will also act as a champion for data across the organisation, educating stakeholders on its capabilities and the profound value it can bring. This includes assisting teams in defining and monitoring Objectives and Key Results (OKRs) for data-focused initiatives, ensuring they are tightly aligned with the company's broader goals. Close partnership with engineering teams will be crucial for prioritising, planning, and executing the development of new data products and functionalities.

Furthermore, you will be involved in making informed decisions regarding whether to build solutions internally or procure them externally, carefully weighing factors like cost, speed to market, and strategic alignment. The role encompasses the full lifecycle management of data products, from initial concept and development through to launch and ongoing iteration, incorporating feedback and adapting to evolving requirements. Upholding data governance, quality, and compliance standards within the organisation will be a fundamental responsibility. You will be tasked with defining and analysing key metrics to rigorously measure the success of data products and initiatives, and proactively exploring new problem areas and opportunities to advance the product vision and roadmap.

What Makes a Strong Candidate

To excel in this position, a Bachelor’s degree or an Advanced Diploma in a relevant field is preferred, though equivalent industry experience will also be considered. A minimum of three years of proven experience as a Product Manager, or in a similar capacity, is essential, with a preference for candidates who have worked within e-commerce or data-intensive organisations.

Exceptional stakeholder management skills are paramount, enabling you to effectively navigate complex organisational structures and build consensus among diverse groups. Familiarity with agile development methodologies and experience working collaboratively with technical teams is also a key requirement.

The ideal candidate will possess a strategic mindset, coupled with a sharp analytical approach to problem-solving and a pragmatic outlook. The ability to make sound, timely decisions, while expertly balancing business needs with technical feasibility, is crucial. Outstanding communication abilities, both written and verbal, will be necessary to articulate complex ideas clearly. Finally, a high degree of accountability for meeting deadlines and consistently delivering results is expected.

In South Africa, Product Manager roles, particularly those with a data focus, are highly sought after. While salaries can vary significantly based on experience, company size, and specific responsibilities, individuals in such positions often command competitive remuneration packages. Major e-commerce players, established technology firms, and large financial institutions are common employers for this type of role. Career progression typically involves moving into more senior product management positions, leading larger teams, or specialising in specific product areas.

• Bachelor’s degree or Advanced Diploma in a relevant field, or equivalent industry experience.
• 3 years proven experience as a Product Manager or similar role, ideally within an e-commerce or data-centric organisation.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills, with the ability to navigate complex organisational structures and build consensus.
• Familiarity with agile development methodologies and working with technical teams.
• Strategic thinker with an analytical mindset and a pragmatic approach to problem-solving.
• Ability to make informed decisions quickly, balancing business needs with technical feasibility.
• Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal.
• High accountability for meeting deadlines and delivering results.