Personal Investments Product Manager

To ensure that the Personal Investments fund range (both local and global) is fit for purpose and competitively positioned. The role combines strategic product thinking with hands-on analytical rigour, spanning local and global markets and working at the intersection of investment management, client needs, competitor dynamics, and operational execution to deliver a world-class retail fund offering. 

Ideal Experience

• 8+ years of relevant experience in asset management, product development, or financial services.
• Demonstrated product management or product development experience within a fund manager, LISP, multi-manager, or life insurer.
• Strong understanding of the South African retail savings and investment industry.
• Experience with unit trust fund structures, fee models, and product lifecycle management.
• Exposure to global product structures (UCITS experience highly advantageous).
• DFM (discretionary fund management) or multi-manager experience would be a strong differentiator.
• Track record of using data and analytics to drive product decisions.
• Proven ability to work cross-functionally across investment, distribution, and operations teams.

Ideal Qualifications

• Relevant postgraduate degree (e.g. BCom Honours, MCom, MBA, Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Planning, or equivalent).
• CFA designation or actuarial qualification would be advantageous but is not required.

Most Important Attribute

• An ownership mindset - someone who treats the fund range as their own business, combining strategic vision with relentless attention to detail and a drive for continuous improvement.

Systems Knowledge

• Microsoft Office Suite (advanced Excel essential).
• Experience with data and analytics tools advantageous (e.g. Power BI, Bloomberg, Morningstar Direct, or similar).
• Familiarity with fund administration and platform systems advantageous.

Job Specification

Fund Range Integrity and Product Management:  

• Process ownership of the maintenance and evolution of the Personal Investments fund range, encompassing the local collective investment scheme range and the UCITS range.
• Continuously assess each fund’s fit for purpose, market relevance, and alignment with investor needs.
• Evaluate competitive positioning relative to peers and industry benchmarks using third party and proprietary data.
• Contribute to the market positioning and messaging for each fund - working with the investment team, distribution and marketing to ensure funds are clearly and compellingly articulated to gatekeepers, advisers and investors.
• Shape how funds are presented across factsheets, due diligence documents, platform descriptions, and other client-facing materials, ensuring consistency and strategic alignment.
• Identify and act on opportunities arising from industry or market developments that could strengthen the offering.
• Maintain accurate governance records across the full fund range (ZAR and UCITS) — covering fees, share classes, benchmarks, and fund documentation. 

  New Product Development:  

• Coordinate the end-to-end process for new fund launches - from concept and business case through to approval and go-to-market.
• Research product structures, fee models, and wrapper strategies suited to the retail market, both locally and offshore.
• Design and propose appropriate fee structures, including performance fees where warranted.
• Coordinate with investment teams, legal, compliance, and operations to bring new products to market.

Global Product Strategy:  

• Maintain the UCITS fund range in conjunction with Coronation’s Dublin and London offices.
• Track global product trends and innovations that could inform or reshape the retail fund offering.
• Evaluate international product structures and distribution models for applicability to the local and offshore ranges.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with the Group Product Actuary, Dublin and London teams to ensure alignment on product strategy and execution.

Pricing & Fee Strategy:  

• Track material fee trends across the retail fund management industry in South Africa and globally.
• Benchmark TERs and transaction costs against competitors and industry norms.
• Recommend pricing adjustments to maintain competitiveness while protecting margins.
• Produce fee analysis and modelling to support strategic decision-making.

  Data, Analytics & Reporting:  

• Build competitor intelligence, and analyse market trends to inform product strategy.
• Deliver regular reporting to the Head of Personal Investments and broader PI leadership team.
• Use data to identify risks, opportunities, and early warning signals across the fund range.

Strategic Projects:  

• Lead or contribute to special projects of strategic importance to the Personal Investments business.
• Work cross-functionally with investment, distribution, operations, and technology teams as required.
• Provide thought leadership on product innovation and the future shape of the retail fund range.

PI Manco & Stakeholder Engagement:  

• Operate as a core member of the Personal Investments Management Company (Manco) team.
• Ensure consistency of process between Personal Investments and Institutional products by coordinating with the Product Development Actuary.
• Contribute to Manco governance, decision-making, and strategic planning processes.
• Serve as the product interface with LISP platform & CIS manco partners, ensuring smooth fund onboarding and maintenance.
• Stay abreast of regulatory developments (CISCA, FSCA, ASISA) that may impact on the product offering.
• Serve as Coronation’s rep on the ASISA Fund Classification Committee.