Company Description

We started Bboxx to tackle a major global problem: energy poverty. Currently, 840 million people live without access to energy, of which 650 million are in Africa. An additional billion people are connected to an unreliable grid.

We design, manufacture, distribute and finance decentralised energy solutions.

We are a vertically integrated business and our business model is based: our physical (distribution network) and digital (Bboxx Pulse) highways, our bold technology (hardware and software), and our partnerships.

Our Bboxx Pulse® platform enables next generation utility businesses to scale and reach their customers that are dispersed across remote locations.

We are expanding and scaling by forging strategic partnerships with governments and world-class corporates.

Job description

Role brief

The Product Manager Connect is responsible for setting up pay-as-you-go smartphones as a new line of business for Bboxx by building an ecosystem of partner companies to allow our customers to connect to the mobile internet in an affordable and reliable way. The Bboxx Connect product offering consists of four elements:   

  • Hardware: smartphones or other devices such as tablets and accessories.
  • Software: which enables the locking/unlocking of the phones.
  • SIM Card: with a data plan allowing daily access to the internet.
  • Content: through a Bboxx customer app and/or partnerships.

The PM Connect should have a deep passion for understanding customer needs and translating those into attractive and competitive products.  The person in this role must have a versatile skill set which includes project management, market analysis and basic business modeling.  He/she should be an excellent communicator and equally comfortable presenting to Bboxx executives in a boardroom as to talking to customers in rural areas. 

Key Interactions

The PM Connect will be responsible for end-to-end product management (from idea to launch) coordinating across all teams at Bboxx including Market Research, Sourcing, Supply Chain, Finance and the operational local teams across our African markets. He/she will also work closely with the other members of the Product Innovation team which are responsible for Bboxx’ Power, Cook and VAS business lines, and with the Pulse team which will facilitate the integration of the locking software and the development of the Bboxx customer app.

 

About the role

Set a roadmap for the project scale up to grow the business line in a sustainable manner (including all stage gates such as business model approval, requirements definition, final pilot report and launch package)  

  • Manage technical and commercial pilots to test products, services and offers and learn about the market response.
  • Coordinate with the Market Research team to generate customer and competitor insights that will allow us to identify relevant use cases and product features.
  • Coordinate with the Finance team to develop a profitable business model for the Bboxx target markets, using assumptions validated through pilots, when possible.
  • Work with Product Marketing, Customer Success, and the local teams in all Bboxx markets to agree on the go-to-market plan (including sales strategies, training materials, installation, and repair guides).
  • Support Bboxx markets in solving local challenges to launch pilots or scale up successfully, maintaining a trusted relationship.
  • Evaluate the success of new product or feature rollouts and provide support as required.
  • Evaluate locking software and hardware providers based on price, technical benefits, etc. making strategic recommendations.
  • Define and design a Bboxx customer app and coordinate the product from idea to launch.
  • Manage the Product Analyst helping him/her grow and develop while achieving the project objectives.
  • Keep documentation up to date and facilitate and/or attend regular progress meetings at Group and market level, ensuring a smooth communication flow.

 

About you

  • At least 3-5 years of experience as a commercially driven product manager or equivalent experience (preferably in the mobile communications industry).
  • Bachelor's degree in business administration or another relevant field (Master's degree preferred).
  • Excellent project management skills and the ability to coordinate many moving parts across cross-functional teams.
  • Top-notch verbal and written communication skills at all levels of the organisation and with people who are not co-located.
  • Experience conducting quantitative and qualitative customer research, both in the form of surveys and in-person interviews.
  • A strong understanding of business fundamentals, with some experience creating and using business models and doing basic financial analysis.
  • Data analysis skills, particularly in Excel, and ability to generate insights from data.
  • Experience working in East and/or West Africa (strongly preferred) Some knowledge in visual design, human-centered design (a plus, but not required).

We look to recruit individuals from all different backgrounds and encourage you to apply to roles you are passionate about, even if you are still developing your skills.   We strive to create an inclusive environment and regularly celebrate the diversity of our people through events arranged by our Culture Committee.  Bboxx provides a workplace where you can be your authentic self and focus on our mission of transforming lives and unlocking potential through access to energy!

Source

Deadline:

As soon as possible