Divisional Head, Product and Program Management at Interswitch

SUMMARY

• The Divisional Head, Product and Program Management, is a strategic leadership role responsible for defining and executing the overall product vision and strategy for Operations and Technology within Interswitch, while simultaneously overseeing the delivery and operational excellence of the product development lifecycle. This individual will lead a team of product portfolio managers, product managers and program managers, drive product excellence, foster a culture of innovation, and ensure the successful and timely launch of products and technology platforms, directly impacting business growth and customer satisfaction. The role demands a combination of deep technical understanding, strong business acumen, exceptional leadership skills, and a proven ability to manage complex, cross-functional technology projects.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Product strategy and vision

• Strategic vision and roadmap: Develop and champion a clear product vision, strategy, and roadmap aligned with Interswitch’s overall business objectives. This includes defining market opportunities, identifying user needs, and prioritising product initiatives.
• Product management framework: Responsible for creating a robust product management framework and a formal process for assessing market potential, and managing the overall product alignment with the Interswitch strategic goals.
• Product definition and prioritisation: Define detailed product requirements, user stories, and acceptance criteria in collaboration with stakeholders. Prioritise product features and releases based on strategic alignment, market demand, and ROI.
• Market analysis and competitive intelligence: Responsible for conducting regular, in-depth market research, competitive analysis, and identifying unmet customer needs to inform product strategy.
• Product evangelism: Serve as a product champion internally and externally, effectively communicating the product vision and value proposition to stakeholders, customers, and partners.
• Stakeholder management: Collaborate with other Directorates and Business lines within Interswitch to ensure product alignment with business goals and to facilitate successful product launches.
• Innovation and new product development: Identify and evaluate opportunities for research and new product development, ensuring feasibility and alignment with strategic goals.
• Emerging technologies: Responsible for identifying, evaluating, and piloting emerging technologies (e.g., AI, blockchain, Web3), latest trends in fintech/payment and recommending for integration into the product roadmap.
• Strategic partnerships: Develop and manage key strategic alliances to expand product offerings and reach new markets.

Program delivery and execution

• Agile execution: Lead and oversee the implementation of agile methodologies and best practices across product development and technology teams. Ensure rapid and efficient delivery of high-quality products and platforms.
• Program management and governance: Establish and maintain a robust program management framework, ensuring effective planning, execution, monitoring, and control of all product development initiatives.
• Resource allocation and optimisation: Manage and optimise the allocation of resources (personnel, budget, tools) across product development and technology teams, ensuring efficient use of resources and maximising productivity.
• Risk management and issue resolution: Identify and mitigate risks associated with product development, proactively resolve issues, and ensure the timely resolution of roadblocks.
• Performance monitoring and reporting: Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) for product development teams, regularly monitor performance, and deliver clear, concise reports to senior leadership.
• Team leadership and development: Provide leadership and mentorship to direct reports (Portfolio Product Managers and Head Program Managers), fostering a culture of continuous improvement and professional development.

Financial and Revenue

• Revenue target accountability: Accountable for achieving product-specific revenue targets and contributing to overall business revenue.
• Develop and manage the product P&L, ensuring profitability and ROI
• Budget development and management: Develop and manage the annual budget for all product and program initiatives, ensuring alignment with the overall Interswitch strategy.
• Investment appraisal and ROI analysis: Evaluate product investment opportunities and make data-driven decisions. This involves constructing detailed business cases, projecting revenues and costs, and evaluating the potential impact on key metrics.
• Resource allocation and prioritisation: Responsible for the efficient allocation of financial resources across competing product and program priorities, balancing short-term needs with long-term strategic goals.
• Performance Monitoring: Sets and monitors key performance indicators (KPIs) for products and programs, including revenue targets and profitability metrics and identify areas for improvement

Leadership and Influence

• A thought leader within Interswitch and within the payment industry, representing Interswitch as a subject matter expert at industry conferences, workshops and webinars.
• Contribute to industry publications and online forums, establishing Interswitch as a thought leader in product and program management best practices.
• Participate in relevant industry panels and committees to influence industry trends and standards.
• Mentor and coach product managers and program managers across the organisation, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and professional growth.
• Identify development opportunities and training programs to enhance the skills and expertise of the Product and Program Management team.
• Act as a champion for talent development within Interswitch, actively seeking opportunities to promote and recognise high-potential individuals.
• Lead and manage change initiatives related to the product development process and program execution methodologies.
• Develop and implement change management strategies to ensure seamless transitions and minimise disruption to ongoing operations.
• Collaborate with key stakeholders across the organisation to secure buy-in and support for change initiatives.
• Influence senior leadership and external stakeholders to secure resources, gain approvals for critical product and program initiatives, and drive alignment on strategic priorities.
• Negotiate effectively with vendors, technology partners, and internal departments to optimise outcomes and ensure alignment with organisational goals.
• Act as a key advocate for the Product and Program Management function, ensuring its strategic importance is recognised and supported across the organisation.

EDUCATION & CERTIFICATION

• University Degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field.
• Master’s degree (MBA, MSc, or equivalent) in Business, Technology Management, or a related discipline is strongly preferred.
• Relevant professional certifications (e.g., SAFe Agilist, SAFe Product Manager, Design Thinking, Product Leadership, PMP, PgMP, PRINCE2) are an added advantage.

EXPERIENCE

• Minimum of 12 years of progressive experience in product and project management within the fintech or payments industry. At least 7 years of experience managing product or project management teams.
• Deep understanding of product lifecycle management methodologies, including Agile and Waterfall, with proven ability to manage complex, cross-functional projects and deliver on time and within budget.
• Experience in the development and deployment of modern machine learning and AI, as well as experience driving and executing cloud and digital technology strategies, would be an added advantage.
• Experience building and supporting complex, high-concurrency SaaS products from the product manager role.
• Experience working in an infrastructure engineering role would be an added advantage.
• Deep understanding and direct knowledge of software scalability and stability techniques for web-scale products
• Proven experience in developing and implementing AI/ML solutions in a relevant industry
• Strong understanding of AI/ML techniques, including model development, training, and deployment, would be an advantage.
• Exceptional leadership skills with the ability to motivate, mentor, and develop a high-performing product team.
• Advanced analytical skills for interpreting data, identifying trends, and making informed decisions.
• Deep understanding of customer needs, market dynamics, and the competitive landscape. • Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills.
• A strong technical aptitude and understanding of relevant technologies.