Senior Product Owner - Director at VML South Africa

At VML, we are a beacon of innovation and growth in an ever-evolving world. Our heritage is built upon a century of combined expertise, where creativity meets technology, and diverse perspectives ignite inspiration. With the merger of VMLY&R and Wunderman Thompson, we have forged a new path as a growth partner that is part creative agency, part consultancy, and part technology powerhouse.

Our global family now encompasses over 30,000 employees across 150+ offices in 64 markets, each contributing to a culture that values connection, belonging, and the power of differences. Our expertise spans the entire customer journey, offering deep insights in communications, commerce, consultancy, CRM, CX, data, production, and technology. We deliver end-to-end solutions that result in revolutionary work.

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Director of Product Management to lead the strategy, roadmap, and execution of the Composable Content Engine, a critical tool within VML’s portfolio. As the product owner, you will be the driving force behind the success of this tool. You will work closely with cross-functional teams, including development, design, and client engagement, to ensure our Proprietary Tool delivers exceptional value to our customers and achieves its full potential. This role requires a strategic thinker with a deep understanding of customer needs, market trends, and the ability to translate that knowledge into a clear and actionable product roadmap.

Responsibilities:

• Product Strategy & Vision: Define and champion the product vision, strategy, and roadmap for CCE, ensuring alignment with overall company goals and objectives. This includes defining the long-term vision of the platform and its application across diverse client needs.
• Product Development Lifecycle: Oversee the entire product development lifecycle for CCE, from ideation and discovery to launch and post-launch optimization. Collaborate closely with engineering, design, and QA teams to ensure timely and high-quality product delivery.
• Customer Focus: Develop a deep understanding of our target customer segments and their unique needs. Ensure all product development efforts are aligned with delivering exceptional customer value and addressing their specific pain points.
• Roadmap Management: Develop and maintain a prioritized product roadmap, balancing short-term deliverables with long-term strategic initiatives. Communicate roadmap updates and progress to stakeholders across the organization.
• Go-to-Market Strategy: Work with leadership on the go-to-market strategy, including product positioning, messaging, and launch plans. Contribute to the development of materials and resources that effectively communicate the value proposition to potential clients.
• Collaboration & Communication: Foster strong relationships and collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including development, design, and customer support. This includes managing communication and expectations between technical and non-technical teams. Communicate product updates, roadblocks, and successes clearly and regularly to all stakeholders.
• Team Leadership: Manage the product manager and lead the cross-functional team towards the common goal of delivering exceptional client value. Foster a collaborative environment, set clear expectations, and champion a culture of continuous improvement.

Desired Skills and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as business, engineering, or computer science.
• 7-10+ years of experience in product management, with at least 3+ years in a leadership role.
• Proven track record of successfully managing the full product lifecycle for B2B SaaS products.
• Strong leadership skills, with the ability to motivate and inspire teams to achieve ambitious goals.
• Experience working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver results under pressure.
• Experience with data analytics tools, GitHub, and APIs is a plus.
• Demonstrated track record of successfully planning and managing small and medium-scale project implementations from start to finish.
• Strong strategic thinking and analytical skills, with the ability to translate data and insights into actionable product decisions.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills, with the ability to effectively communicate with technical and non-technical audiences.

Additional Information:

• This is a full-time position reporting to the VP of Product Management for the Proprietary Tools team.
• This role requires a deep understanding of the technology product management landscape and the ability to identify opportunities for innovation and differentiation.
• This role works closely with the Chinese market and requires attending meetings during off hours.
• The ideal candidate will be a self-starter with a strong sense of ownership and a passion for building great products.

If you are a passionate and experienced product leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is eager to make a significant impact, we encourage you to apply!

The base salary range for this position at the time of this posting is indicated below. Individual compensation varies based on job-related factors, including location, business needs, level of responsibility, experience, and qualifications. We offer a competitive benefits package.

Salary: $75,000 — $180,000 USD

At VML, we are committed to fostering an all-inclusive work environment that is both rewarding and career-forward. Our Inclusion, Equity & Belonging initiatives, alongside the VML Foundation, reflect our dedication to giving back and making a positive impact in our communities and beyond.