Director of Product Management and IT Operations

Self Bill Pro, a dynamic startup tackling the complexities of employee benefits billing, is on the lookout for a seasoned leader to head up their Product Management and IT Operations. This pivotal remote role demands a rare combination of strategic product vision, hands-on technical understanding, and robust operational oversight. The successful candidate will be instrumental in shaping the future of Self Bill Pro's innovative software platform, ensuring it meets the evolving needs of the employee benefits sector.

About the Role

This is a high-impact leadership position, central to the organisation's growth and success. You'll be entrusted with guiding the strategic direction of the company's core software product, ensuring its development aligns with market demands and business objectives. Beyond product strategy, you will also be responsible for the seamless execution of IT operations, guaranteeing the stability, security, and efficiency of the company's technological infrastructure. This dual focus requires a leader who can bridge the gap between technical execution and strategic business planning, fostering a collaborative environment across departments.

Your responsibilities will span the entire product lifecycle and operational spectrum. You'll collaborate closely with a global product manager to meticulously define, prioritise, and manage the product roadmap, translating ambitious ideas into actionable plans. This involves overseeing the product development process from its initial conception right through to successful launch.

Key tasks will include:

• **Product Strategy and Roadmap:** Partnering with global product management to shape and execute the product vision.
• **Development Oversight:** Providing critical guidance to the development team on feature enhancements and new product capabilities, ensuring alignment with strategic goals.
• **Compliance and Security:** Championing adherence to stringent security standards, such as SOC 2 and HIPAA, to safeguard sensitive data and maintain client trust.
• **Stakeholder Engagement:** Facilitating clear and effective communication with a diverse range of stakeholders, gathering essential requirements and validating innovative ideas.
• **Cross-functional Alignment:** Working hand-in-hand with the operational teams to translate complex business needs into precise technical specifications.
• **IT Operations Management:** Directing the day-to-day IT operations, including the efficient functioning of helpdesk support and overall system performance.

What They're Looking For

Self Bill Pro is seeking an individual with substantial experience in product management, ideally with a background in the employee benefits or benefits administration technology space. A proven ability to think creatively and develop innovative software solutions is paramount.

Essential qualifications and attributes include:

• Extensive experience in a product management capacity.
• Demonstrable experience within the employee benefits or benefits administration technology sector.
• A talent for creative problem-solving in software development.
• Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Experience in managing global or offshore development teams.
• Practical knowledge of IT operations and cybersecurity principles.
• Familiarity with compliance requirements like SOC 2 and HIPAA.
• A natural, inspiring leadership style capable of motivating a team within a fast-paced startup environment.

For professionals in South Africa, a role like this, demanding both product leadership and operational IT expertise in a tech-focused startup, typically sits at a senior executive level. While salaries vary greatly depending on company size, funding, and specific responsibilities, such positions often command competitive remuneration packages, reflecting the critical nature of the role and the required skillset. Companies in the fintech and benefits tech space are increasingly active in the South African market, offering opportunities for growth and advancement for skilled individuals.

• Extensive experience in a product management role.
• Direct experience in the employee benefits or benefits administration technology space.
• Ability to think creatively about building software solutions.
• Strong communication skills with technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Experience managing a global or offshore development team.
• Practical knowledge of IT operations and cybersecurity principles.
• Familiarity with SOC 2 and HIPAA compliance requirements.
• A natural leader with the ability to motivate a team in a fast-paced environment.