We are searching for a visionary leader to step into the role of Chief Product Officer at one of South Africa’s leading digital innovation agencies. This isn’t just another job - this is an opportunity to shape the future of our company. We’re looking for the best of the best - a true innovator who can help us build a globally recognisable brand.

Who is Specno?

We are a value-driven company at the forefront of innovation, specialising in designing and developing cutting-edge mobile and web applications. Our solutions empower businesses to grow, achieve their goals, and unlock their full potential.

We pride ourselves on building exceptional teams and combining global talent across product, design, development, and business operations to deliver excellence in every project. With a prominent presence in South Africa’s venture and innovation ecosystem, we’ve partnered with over 200 businesses in the past six years, including renowned brands like Pepkor, Takealot, Wellness Warehouse, Planet Fitness, Quicket, Standard Bank, and Capitec.

Our solutions leverage leading technologies like AI, and we are deeply committed to shaping a future that puts Cape Town and Africa on the global map of digital innovation.

Your role

As Chief Product Officer, you will be at the intersection of leadership, innovation, and client engagement. Your mission is to lead and inspire teams to create exceptional products that exceed client expectations while driving strategic growth across the organisation. This role combines entrepreneurial spirit with product leadership.

Your responsibilities

1. Client Engagement & Product Vision
2. Revenue & Strategic Growth
3. Company Culture

Minimum Requirements

1. At least 10 years of experience in product management, digital innovation, or a similar role.
2. Bonus: 5+ years of experience in the consulting space.
3. Minimum of 5 years of client experience, interacting with stakeholders and building relations.
4. Minimum of 5 years of leadership experience, including mentoring and developing teams.
5. Demonstrated ability to build and scale teams while fostering a high-performance culture.
6. Experience in driving revenue growth through innovative product strategies.
7. Proven ability to align product goals with broader business objectives.
8. Strong understanding of emerging technologies, especially in AI, cloud-based solutions, and digital transformation trends.

Qualities We Look For In This Role

1. A leader who thrives under pressure and excels in high-performance environments.
2. Ability to navigate a dynamic, fast-paced environment while maintaining focus on long-term goals.
3. Adaptable, with unmatched organisational skills and the ability to juggle diverse priorities.
4. A visionary passionate about innovation, collaboration, and driving continuous improvement.
5. A mentor who uplifts teams and transfers knowledge effectively.
6. A strategic thinker with a proven track record in scaling products and leading cross-functional teams.
7. Exceptional communication and collaboration skills to articulate concepts and decisions across teams.
8. A deep understanding of emerging technologies like AI and their practical applications.
9. The ability to hire, onboard, and offboard team members, staying empathetic but firm and disciplined.

What You Can Expect Working For Us

1. Growth. This role allows you to unlock unimaginable opportunities for personal and professional development. If you aspire to be the best, this is your opportunity to work alongside top-tier talent, learn from each other, and grow together.
2. Trust and freedom. While we are very adamant about people following processes that allow our team to be more effective, we allow for a lot of autonomy and give you space to create the environment that maximises your output. We value your opinions and insights.
3. Hybrid setup but an awesome office culture. The majority of our team chooses to come in every day. We have a fully stocked breakfast and snack kitchen and cook lunch for the whole team. You feel the ambition and buzz in the air when you are in the office.
4. Generous leave policy. Enjoy ample leave to recharge, including time off for your birthday. We also include flexible working hours - just do what is best for your team and your customers.
5. Group experiences. From cooking classes and rollerblading to sunset cruises and themed office gatherings, we know how to make every event memorable. It's our way of rewarding hard work while boosting team spirit and morale.
6. Flexible working hours. Even though we prefer our team to be available during office hours, we trust our employees to manage their time effectively. Do what is best for your team and your customers.

Availability

This is a high-priority role, but we don’t have a specific start date. What matters most to us is finding the right person - someone who is not only qualified but also excited to take on this opportunity and fully understands what they are signing up for. We are committed to making the right choice and ensuring a perfect fit for both you and the team.

Job Type

Permanent position. Competitive salary with growth far above market.

Next Steps

1. Submit your CV and application.
2. Meet and greet to learn more about each other and to understand if we’re a mutual fit.
3. You interview our people - you should want to work here and get an honest view of why this is the best place for you. Come eat lunch with us, and meet our team. Go from department to department interviewing different people.
4. A founders interview. Let’s talk openly - cards on the table.
5. Undergo reference checks.
6. Review and sign your contract, and get ready to unlock your full potential with us.
7. Given the high volume of applications, please allow 2-4 weeks for us to process your application. We appreciate your patience and are thrilled about the possibility of having you on our team.