Job Description

Job Advert Summary

Who we are:

PPS Investments is part of the PPS Group, which for over eight decades has been the trusted financial partner for graduate professionals in South Africa. Unlike a company that is listed on a stock exchange, PPS belongs to its members and operates under the ethos of mutuality. This means that qualifying members can exclusively share in the profits of the Group, through the unique PPS Profit-Share Account.



PPS Investments exist to create and grow the wealth of graduate professionals and their families to live the lives they want in a world worth living in. We offer diversified and flexible investment solutions that are mutually beneficial to our clients in the long run because we believe that success is better shared.

Purpose of the job:

The product specialist role will entail supporting the product development team with developing new products or propositions and ensuring that our linked investment platform products solutions remain competitive and compliant.



A successful candidate will be responsible for developing innovative product solution ideas, conducting thorough research and analysis to assess feasibility, preparing detailed business cases for approval, and actively championing the implementation of approved products and product content. Each stage of this process -from ideation and analysis, to business case development and execution - will require strong initiative and a commitment to delivering impactful results.

Minimum Requirements

Ideal experience:

At least 5 years of work experience in the Investment Industry, ideally in linked investment platform or Product Development role.

Demonstrable track record of involvement in developing or implementing new investment product ideas in the retail market.

In-depth understanding of financial services with demonstrable insights into the investment needs or individuals.

A good understanding of the investment industry tax and regulatory framework.

Sound analytical skills and proficiency with analysis of large data sets using Excel and Power BI.

Ideal qualifications:

A Bachelor's degree with a focus on Investments /Economics with demonstrated academic excellence.

A strong analytical degree with or studying towards a post graduate investments qualification (E.g., CFP)

Competencies & ideal personality attributes:

Analytical and enjoy problem solving.

Investigative nature to unpack complicated problems.

Proactive and able to use initiative.

Self-starter with ability to multi-task.

Highly organised and efficient.

Evidence of being able to work collaboratively.

Systems knowledge:

Highly proficient in MS Excel and Power BI.

Key success measurement:

Ability to apply your retail investment knowledge and research ability with the aim of developing and enhancing investment solutions suited to the needs of graduate professionals and their families. A successful candidate should be able to successfully collaborate with multiple business areas on the analysis and research conducted. The candidate should be comfortable with drafting research papers or proposals for submissions to senior managers and executives.

Duties and Responsibilities

Development of integrated product solutions, or changes to existing strategies, in conjunction with investment team and business development teams.

Ensuring the unique mutuality value proposition is enhanced and developed for the linked investment services platform.

Assist with ensuring product offering remains in line with regulatory requirements, through development or amendment of product features.

Conduct research and review of both local and international products and proposition offerings, as well as tracking and analysing trends on linked investment services platforms, to identify gaps, opportunities, and enhancements in line with regulatory and industry standards.

Engage with various business stakeholders to understand strategic requirements and needs from a product and proposition offering perspective.

Data analysis to identify trends and behavior to guide thinking around holistic solutions and personalization opportunities.

Conduct annual and ad-hoc calculations on PPS Members using the linked investment platform and PPS funds to determine qualifying assets for annual profit allocations.

Draft and present business case proposals through relevant Committees for approvals.

Act as a key product knowledge expert in projects to support project management teams to implement new products, propositions and strategies within the business.

* Sign-off on product related content and support to business on product related items