Senior Product Manager

Job Purpose

The Senior Product Manager for Collections is responsible for developing the product vision and strategy for Experian’s software products and propositions in the EMEA and APAC (EMAP) markets in the Collections domain. They turn these into tangible plans for bringing new / updated products and services to market and are accountable for their successful launch and performance against customer satisfaction and financial measures. The role also assumes ownership of the post-release management, maintenance and sunset lifecycle and to optimise the value derived from investment in the product.

There is a strong focus on developing and launching new propositions for different markets, segments and verticals by integrating Experian’s unique assets across data, analytics and software, including our Identity and Fraud solutions and partner services. This role has a particular focus on enabling Experian’s transformation of its on premises PowerCurve Collections software into Collections as a Service model, and to facilitate client migrations and profitable growth into new markets, verticals and segments.

The product manager manages the process through interaction with clients and prospects, and by working with an internal cross-functional team that includes Global Product and Marketing, Regional Marketing, Pricing, Strategy and Partnerships, Sales, Legal, Finance, Software Development and Delivery. The product manager will be the regional SME for their products and have knowledge of competitive solutions. They will act as ambassador, champion and evangelist for the products they manage and have the ability to operate at a range of levels across the business.

Principal Responsibilities

• Development of the regional Collections product strategy, including:
• The creation and maintenance of the associated regional (EMAP) roadmap in collaboration with the Global Product Management organisation and the socialisation of these both internally and with clients
• A migration strategy for transitioning existing on premises clients to the Collections as a Service solution when it is available
• Collaboration with the Global Product Management organisation on the build of the Collections as a Service solution to:
• Ensure the design and functionality meets EMAP market needs
• Help plan and manage the delivery of the new capability to the right markets and right clients at the right time (e.g. Beta client adoption)
• Identify, develop and bring to market new product extensions / propositions that deliver significant value to Experian and its clients
• Own, manage and lead the progression of these new product initiatives through the established EMAP Go To Market planning process and be accountable for its successful execution and on-going performance of the new product / proposition
• Ensure the effective in-life management of existing products to ensure they deliver the quality and value expected of Experian’s clients. Gather product requirements from the market, clients, and other appropriate sources to synthesise into a prioritised backlog in collaboration with Global Product Management and to manage their delivery into the market and client base
• Provide subject matter expertise to the EMAP region in respect of the Collections product suite. Ensure sales teams are sufficiently aware and trained on the product proposition and support significant sales opportunities where appropriate

Required key skills and experience

• 7+ years’ experience of software product management and proposition development of one or more products addressing multiple market and segment needs with a demonstrable track record of innovation in the financial services, telco, payments or closely allied industries
• A practical understanding of how SaaS delivers value to all stakeholders both within Experian and for its clients and how to leverage it to build and enhance new products and services
• Experience in the creation and execution of Go To Market plans for new / updated products or propositions
• Strong commercial acumen, including demonstrable experience in constructing business cases for new product/proposition investment initiatives and a deep appreciation of how to build and articulate the value of propositions into a sustainable pricing model
• A working understanding of one or more of credit originations, customer management, risk management, debt management or collections
• Knowledge of one or more decisioning software solutions, ideally to include PowerCurve or similar Tier 1 solutions is desirable
• Knowledge and understanding of the principles of advanced analytics and modelling including AI and Machine Learning and their application to automated decisioning would be advantageous

Attributes

• Good understanding of the EMAP market for collections and underlying business drivers and trends
• Excellent communication skills (verbal, written and presentation) across different audiences, including senior leadership within Experian and externally
• Exceptional collaboration, influencing and relationship-building skills with colleagues and stakeholders across multiple markets, and an understanding of how to successfully navigate cultural and business differences in those markets
• Detailed understanding of how software products deliver business benefits to our clients and partner organisations
• Good insight of software product development processes
• Very strong organisational and management skills and the ability to work effectively and collaboratively within cross-functional teams and in a complex, matrix environment
• Strong problem-solving ability
• Highly motivated, self-starting and able to work well with limited supervision

Qualifications

• Minimum: Bachelors or higher degree, in a technical field preferred
• Desirable: Master’s degree in business administration
• Desirable: Professional product management qualification e.g. Pragmatic Marketing or NPDP from the PDMA