The Senior Product Specialist plays a critical role in executing and shaping the Vitality strategy by leading the development and enhancement of products and features that drive engagement, customer experience, and business growth. The role is responsible for taking products from concept through to implementation, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives, operational efficiency, and strong return on investment.

Key Responsibilities

Product Strategy and Development

• Contribute to and execute the Vitality and broader Discovery product strategy
• Own a portfolio of benefits and contribute to strategic planning for that portfolio
• Lead cross-functional teams in developing new products and features from concept to launch
• Define product requirements using systems thinking and design thinking principles
• Ensure products are designed for operational efficiency and self-service capability
• Identify risks, failure points, and implement mitigation strategies in product design

Product Delivery and Execution

• Manage product development pipelines to ensure timely delivery and alignment with strategic priorities
• Develop product specifications for new launches, enhancements, and large-scale projects
• Oversee implementation of product features and ensure quality delivery
• Approve system specifications, testing plans, and user journeys
• Ensure all product elements are aligned with business and customer experience objectives

Customer Experience and Engagement

• Drive member engagement strategies and ensure products deliver meaningful value
• Identify and remove barriers to customer engagement across the member journey
• Ensure seamless, rewarding, and simplified customer experiences across all touchpoints
• Monitor engagement performance and implement interventions where required

Stakeholder Management and Collaboration

• Work closely with marketing, systems, UX, operations, finance, and other business units
• Manage strategic relationships with key partners and suppliers
• Present business cases and product proposals to gain approval and alignment
• Communicate and manage change across impacted teams

Performance and Business Impact

• Analyse product performance against strategic objectives and ROI targets
• Identify opportunities for improvement and propose data-driven solutions
• Ensure optimal cost efficiency and system effectiveness in product delivery
• Conduct research to support product innovation and enhancement

Leadership and Team Management

• Manage and mentor product specialists or team members where applicable
• Provide guidance, performance direction, and development support
• Ensure alignment of team output with business priorities and strategic goals

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree (essential)
• Postgraduate degree or business diploma is advantageous
• 3–5 years’ experience in product development, product management, digital marketing, or strategy (5+ years preferred)
• Experience in a managerial or leadership role
• Strong background in digital product ownership and agile environments
• Proven experience leading projects from initiation to implementation
• Strong stakeholder management and cross-functional collaboration experience

Key Competencies and Attributes

Innovation and Thinking Ability

• Strong creative problem-solving skills
• Ability to design and implement innovative product solutions
• Systems thinking with the ability to connect complex requirements

Analytical Skills

• Strong data analysis and interpretation abilities
• Ability to generate multiple solution options based on insights
• Sound decision-making based on structured analysis

Leadership and Collaboration

• Strong leadership and people management capabilities
• Ability to influence, negotiate, and gain stakeholder buy-in
• High emotional intelligence and adaptability in team environments
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment

Personal Attributes

• Highly resilient, proactive, and self-motivated
• Strong ownership mindset with a results-driven approach
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Detail-oriented with the ability to see the bigger picture

Employment Equity
The company’s Employment Equity Plan and targets will be considered during the recruitment process. As an equal opportunities employer, applications from individuals with disabilities are encouraged.