About Company
RioZim Limited is a wholly Zimbabwean owned diversified mining company with a rich history spanning over six decades. A publicly listed entity on the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange, RioZim is a prominent player in the country’s economic landscape, primarily engaged in gold mining, coal mining, and chrome mining. Our operations are critical to the nation’s development, producing essential resources and fostering local employment. We are committed to sustainable mining practices, environmental stewardship, and uplifting the communities in which we operate through various corporate social responsibility initiatives. RioZim is at a pivotal point, seeking to innovate and expand its product offerings and market reach, transforming traditional mining products into high-value opportunities.
Job Description
RioZim Limited is seeking an visionary and strategic Chief Product Officer (CPO) to lead our product strategy and innovation initiatives across our diversified portfolio. This is a critical leadership role responsible for defining the product vision, strategy, and roadmap, ensuring alignment with the company’s overall business objectives and market opportunities. The CPO will be instrumental in identifying new product lines, enhancing existing offerings, and driving the development lifecycle from concept to launch. You will work closely with executive leadership, operations, and commercial teams to identify market needs, competitive landscapes, and technological advancements to position RioZim for future growth. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of product development within industrial or resource-based sectors, coupled with a strong commercial acumen and a proven track record of bringing successful products to market. This role requires a leader who can inspire and build high-performing teams, champion a culture of innovation, and effectively communicate product strategy to all stakeholders, both internal and external. If you are passionate about transforming industries through strategic product leadership and ready to make a significant impact on a leading Zimbabwean enterprise, we encourage you to apply.
Key Responsibilities
- Define and articulate a compelling product vision and strategy that aligns with RioZim’s corporate goals and market opportunities across all business units.
- Oversee the entire product lifecycle from ideation, research, development, launch, to post-launch performance analysis and iteration.
- Lead and mentor a growing team of product managers and specialists, fostering a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement.
- Conduct comprehensive market research, competitive analysis, and customer feedback analysis to identify unmet needs and potential product innovations.
- Collaborate closely with R&D, operations, commercial, and finance teams to ensure seamless product development, successful market entry, and profitable growth.
- Manage the product portfolio, including prioritization of initiatives, resource allocation, and budget management to achieve strategic objectives.
- Drive the adoption of best practices in product management methodologies, tools, and processes.
- Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) for product success and regularly report on product performance to the executive leadership team and board.
- Identify opportunities for product differentiation and value creation through technology, innovation, and strategic partnerships.
Required Skills
- Minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in product management, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role (VP Product, Head of Product, or CPO).
- Proven track record of defining and executing successful product strategies, particularly within industrial, mining, or diversified resource sectors.
- Exceptional leadership and team-building skills, with experience managing cross-functional teams.
- Strong business acumen, financial literacy, and experience with P&L responsibility for product lines.
- Deep understanding of market analysis, competitive landscapes, and product-market fit.
- Excellent communication, presentation, and negotiation skills, capable of influencing stakeholders at all levels.
- Strategic thinker with a hands-on approach to problem-solving and execution.
- Proficiency in product management tools and methodologies (e.g., Agile, Lean, Design Thinking).
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, or a related field.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA) or a related advanced degree.
- Experience with digital transformation initiatives and the integration of technology into traditional industrial products.
- International experience in diverse market environments.
- Familiarity with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations in product development within the mining sector.
Perks & Benefits
- Highly competitive salary package commensurate with experience and industry standards.
- Performance-based bonuses and incentives.
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance for you and your family.
- Generous retirement savings plan.
- Opportunities for professional development, executive coaching, and continuous learning.
- Relocation assistance for candidates moving to Mashonaland West Province.
- A dynamic and challenging work environment with significant impact potential.
- Annual leave and public holidays as per Zimbabwean labor laws.
How to Apply
Interested candidates are invited to submit a detailed CV and a cover letter outlining their qualifications and experience for this role. Please ensure your application highlights your strategic product leadership experience and why you believe you are the ideal candidate to drive product innovation at RioZim Limited. Click on the link below to apply for the job.