Location: Centurion/Bryanston

Salary Market: related CTC

Company Overview:

Lightstone is an intelligent solutions company with strong, industry-specificexpertise and core capabilities in data management, GIS, analytics, andsoftware development.

We specialize in delivering integrated, online knowledge solutions, batchand real-time data quality solutions, and a broad range of geo-spatial andanalytic projects to a range of property, business to consumer, government,and financial services clients.

We hire exceptional people and provide them with the environment wherethey can excel. Our non-corporate culture encourages flexibility,collaboration, and innovation.

We pride ourselves in our core values to Encourage Participation, Respondto Changing Needs and Win Together, which are reflected in eachdevelopment, project, product, or service we undertake to deliver.

Role overview

The Head of Product is a newly formed role and requires the successfulcandidate to establish and lead a Product function in Lightstone, in serviceof all the business units and functions serving our clients. The Head ofProduct will oversee product development, lifecycle and discontinuation,manage other team members and ensure products align with the company’sproduct and business strategies.

This is a Leadership role and you will form part of the Management Team,leading the business in setting and executing on strategy to fulfil Lightstone’sperformance, growth and client focused objectives.

The successful candidate will be highly experienced in leading a technicalteam and have a proven track record of technical expertise, strategicthinking, business acumen and change management.

Role requirements:

  • Leadership and management: This role requires strong people leadershipskills to form a team from employees currently reporting into otherstructures and, where relevant, to recruit highly talented new teammembers. The Head of Product should be able to provide mentorship andguidance, foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, accountability andcontinuous learning, lead a diverse team to a common goal, and wherenecessary attract top talent. A strong collaborative approach to work withkey stakeholders – leaders of other business teams and of technical teams is critical. Effective communication and the ability to influence and inspireothers are crucial for driving product initiatives and gaining stakeholderbuy-in.
  • Strategic vision: The Head of Product must possess a strategic mindsetand the ability to design, align, and prioritise product work with the overallbusiness objectives. Spearhead the development and execution of ourproduct strategy, focusing on innovation, customer centricity, and marketleadership. Drive the re-evaluation of our current product suite, consideringproduct life cycles and identifying growth opportunities. They should havedemonstrated cross-functional collaboration, working closely with businessleads to ensure strategic alignment and successful products.
  • Customer focus: This role requires an extremely customer-centric mindset,placing the customer at the centre of product consideration. Embedcustomer-centric practices in all product development activities, ensuringproducts deliver exceptional value and user experiences, through theproduct lifecycle. Establish strong relationships with key customers togather insights and feedback, and strong industry and client knowledge.
  • Product thinking: Champion product thinking methodologies andapproaches, embedding these principles into the product developmentprocess. Ensure a deep understanding of customer needs, market trends,and technological advancements to inform product strategy and design.The Head of Product will be able to demonstrate a proven track record inleading successful turnaround strategies, revitalising products, andcapturing new market opportunities.

Qualifications:

Any strong relevant qualification such as:

  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Business, Product Design,Engineering, or a related field.
  • Preferably training in Agile values and principles.
  • Ideally also a business degree or qualification, or suitable length ofpractical experience as below.

Experience:

  • 5-10 years relevant product management experience, preferably in the data and analytics or SaaS sector
  • At least 5 years of people management and team leadership experience
  • Experience with Agile
  • Preferably, experience with Behavioural Design and Design Thinking
  • Large-scale project management experience
  • Experience effecting business practice change

Technical skills:

  • Business case development, research (all types), prototyping, A/B testing, analysis, and data collection
  • Experience with product management tools including product analytics software, development tracking tools, customer survey tools, and project management tools

Non-technical skills:

  • Excellent time management, organisational, delegation, and influencing skills
  • Self-development skills to keep up to date with fast-changing trends and tools
  • Strong communication skills (of all types)
  • Others as per Role Requirements section