Product Manager (On Demand Delivery Execution)

Takealot.com, South Africa's premier online retailer, is on the hunt for a skilled Product Manager to steer the development of their on-demand delivery execution systems. This is an opportunity to join a fast-paced, innovative company that values intelligence, creativity, hard work, and integrity. If you're passionate about building efficient, cutting-edge logistics solutions that keep pace with a hyper-growth environment, this role could be the perfect fit.

About the Role

As the Product Manager for On-Demand Delivery Execution, you will be instrumental in shaping the future of Takealot's delivery capabilities. Your primary focus will be to define, guide, and execute the strategic roadmap for the features and services that underpin the company's on-demand logistics platform. This involves a deep understanding of both the technical intricacies and the operational realities of getting goods to customers quickly and efficiently. You'll be at the forefront of enhancing the systems that empower drivers and streamline logistical operations, ensuring a seamless experience from order placement to final delivery.

Your responsibilities will be varied and impactful, requiring a blend of strategic thinking and hands-on execution. You will collaborate closely with diverse teams, including engineering, design, operations, and executive leadership, to translate complex business needs into tangible product initiatives.

Key aspects of the role include:

• **Roadmap Development:** Defining and driving the product roadmap for features and services that power the on-demand logistics execution platform.
• **Cross-Functional Collaboration:** Working hand-in-hand with engineering, design, operations, and executive teams to refine driver and logistics systems.
• **Project Translation:** Transforming business requirements into actionable, measurable projects with clear objectives.
• **Process Improvement:** Championing a culture of continuous improvement within product management practices.
• **Metrics and Analysis:** Defining and monitoring key performance indicators (KPIs) to inform product decisions and assess success.
• **Requirements Gathering:** Conducting workshops with stakeholders to elicit detailed functional requirements and understand project scope.
• **Technical Vision:** Partnering with technical leads and subject matter experts to establish a clear technical direction.
• **Project Delivery:** Coordinating cross-functional teams, including engineers, BI analysts, and UI designers, to ensure timely project delivery.
• **Quality Assurance:** Collaborating with QA teams to guarantee high-quality product releases and conducting user acceptance testing (UAT) to validate functionality.

What They're Looking For

Takealot is seeking a candidate with a strong foundation in product management or a related analytical field. A relevant Bachelor's Degree or Advanced Diploma in Information Systems, Computer Science, Engineering, or Commerce is a prerequisite. You should possess a minimum of four years of experience in product management, business analysis, or a similar role.

Ideal candidates will also demonstrate:

• **Experience:** Prior experience in logistics, on-demand delivery platforms, or the e-commerce sector is highly advantageous. Familiarity with agile or iterative project management environments will be beneficial.
• **Analytical Prowess:** Strong analytical skills coupled with a commitment to a data-driven approach to decision-making.
• **Communication & Organisation:** Exceptional organisational skills and the ability to communicate effectively with various stakeholders.
• **Detail Orientation:** A keen eye for detail and a consistent focus on delivering excellent customer experiences.

This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a dynamic environment and is eager to contribute to a leading South African e-commerce player. Roles like this within the South African tech and logistics sector often offer competitive remuneration packages, reflecting the specialised skills required. Advancement can lead to more senior product roles or management positions within operations or technology.

• Relevant Bachelor's Degree or Advanced Diploma (Information Systems/Computer Science/Engineering/Commerce).
• At least 4 years of experience in product management, business analysis, or a related role.
• Experience in an agile/iterative project management environment is beneficial.
• Prior experience in logistics, on-demand delivery platforms, or e-commerce is highly preferred.
• Strong analytical skills with a data-driven approach.
• Exceptional organizational and communication skills.
• Attention to detail and customer-focused mindset.