Product Manager

Role Summary:

The Product Manager is responsible for the full lifecycle of technology products within the agency, from ideation to launch and post-launch analysis. This role involves defining the product vision, developing the product roadmap, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and ensuring alignment with overall business goals. The Product Manager must possess a deep understanding of user needs, market trends, and technical feasibility, with a strong focus on delivering innovative and valuable products to the market.

Key Responsibilities:

• Product Vision & Strategy: Define and articulate a compelling product vision and strategy aligned with company goals. Identify target audiences, understand their needs, and define the product's unique value proposition.
• Product Roadmap Development: Create and maintain a strategic product roadmap outlining the product's development plan, including milestones, timelines, and resource allocation. Prioritize features based on market analysis and user feedback.
• Market Research: Conduct thorough market research to understand user needs, competitive landscape, and emerging trends. Employ various research methodologies, including user interviews, surveys, and competitive analysis.
• Requirements & Prototypes: Translate product strategy into detailed requirements and prototypes, clearly articulating desired functionality, user experience, and technical specifications. Collaborate with design and engineering teams to ensure feasibility and alignment with the product vision.
• Product Development: Collaborate with engineers, UX designers, QA testers, and marketing teams throughout the product development lifecycle. Ensure the product meets requirements and quality standards.
• Product Pricing & Positioning: Develop competitive and data-driven pricing and positioning strategies aligned with the product's value proposition and target market. Analyze market data, competitor pricing, and customer willingness to pay.
• Product Evangelism: Act as a product evangelist, building awareness and understanding internally and externally. Develop compelling messaging and communication materials.
• Customer Engagement: Engage with customers and potential customers to gather feedback on products and services. Solicit insights on user needs, pain points, and competitive offerings.
• Product Releases: Plan and execute product releases, including launch strategies, marketing coordination, and post-launch activities.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Work effectively with teams across the organization, including sales, marketing, customer support, and operations.
• Communication: Effectively communicate product vision, roadmap, and progress to stakeholders, including executive leadership, internal teams, and customers.
• Metrics & Analysis: Define and track key product metrics to measure success and identify areas for improvement. Analyze data to understand user behavior and inform product decisions.

Role Requirements:

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Business, or a related field. MBA is a plus.
• Experience: 3+ years of experience in product management, preferably in a technology-driven environment. Proven track record of successfully launching and managing software products.
• Skills:
  • Strong communication, presentation, and public speaking skills.
  • Excellent organizational, planning, and documentation skills.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects and prioritize effectively.
  • Experience with Agile methodologies (e.g., Scrum, Kanban).
  • Solid technical background and understanding of software development and web technologies.
  • Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
  • Passion for technology and innovation.

Company Overview:

Ogilvy Africa is the largest network agency on the continent, catering to more than 40 countries with a team of 900 people across Central, East, and West Africa. Headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, Ogilvy Africa manages a portfolio of over 100 brands for clients such as AB InBev, Airtel, Bajaj, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Coca-Cola, Diageo, Equity Bank, European Union, KFC, Mastercard, NCBA, Nestle, Philips, PwC, Total Energies, UNICEF, Unilever, and WWF, among others.

Ogilvy Africa's unique operating model, One Ogilvy, allows for seamless omnichannel experiences for clients' consumers. The agency leverages data, content, and technology to create impactful campaigns and strives to be the best-practice agency model for developing and emerging markets. With over 20 years of experience in Africa, Ogilvy has won numerous regional and global awards, including Cannes Lions, Clio awards, Dubai Lynx Festival, SABRE Awards, Loeries, and WARC. Ogilvy is a leading global network of WPP and was ranked the #1 creative network in the world by WARC in 2023.

Ogilvy Beliefs:

• People need regular OS upgrades: Continuous learning and development are essential.
• We need more cows than milkmen: A culture of practitioners who contribute before commenting.
• Creative about creativity: Creativity is the core differentiator, encompassing data, content, and technology.
• Diversity is a competitive advantage: Embracing diversity strengthens the company.
• Collaborative advantage > Competitive advantage: Partnering with experts to leverage skills and scale effectively.
• Team > Individual: Teamwork and collaboration are prioritized.
• Fail often, fail fast: A culture of intrapreneurship, experimentation, and learning from failures.