Head Of Product

Southern Cross Travel Insurance – Auckland, North Island About us Southern Cross Travel Insurance (SCTI) is a proud member of the Southern Cross whānau, shining brightly in the market in both New Zealand and Australia. We’re incredibly proud to be the market leader and it’s an exciting time to join the beating heart of the business and to be there when our customers need us the most. The needs and expectations of our customers are changing faster than ever, and we are right here with them providing assurance on their travels. We have a diverse and inclusive culture where team members are empowered to make decisions and succeed. Together, we are committed to achieving extraordinary results. About the role We're on a transformation journey, and we are looking for a Head of Product who's ready to make their mark. This isn't about managing the status quo; it's about reimagining what our products can be and how they serve our customers when they need us most. As we sharpen our strategy and build out our underwriting team—the heart of the business where decisions are made and value is created—you'll oversee the development and management of our insurance products to meet customer needs and market demands. Lead a product team to identify emerging trends, conduct market research, and design innovative products that resonate with our customers. Take ownership of the product lifecycle, from concept through to launch and ongoing optimisation, ensuring we deliver experiences that work for customers, partners, and the business. This is your chance to be part of a newly shaped team that has clear direction and the backing to build strong product capability. Key responsibilities Develop and execute the product strategy for SCTI's travel insurance portfolio, ensuring alignment with business objectives and market positioning Lead the end-to-end product lifecycle from concept through launch to retirement, including product design, pricing strategy input, and performance monitoring Drive product innovation based on customer insights, market trends, competitive analysis, and claims experience to maintain market-leading propositions Manage product profitability and performance, working closely with Pricing and Portfolio teams to optimise product mix and address underperforming segments Ensure all products meet regulatory requirements including Design and Distribution Obligations (DDO), with robust Target Market Determinations and product governance Lead cross-functional product development initiatives, coordinating with Technology, Operations, Claims, and Distribution to deliver seamless product experiences Manage the product backlog, prioritising enhancements and changes that deliver the greatest customer and business value Build and maintain strong partnerships with distribution channels, understanding their needs and ensuring products are positioned effectively Establish and maintain product management frameworks, processes, and governance routines that enable efficient decision-making and change management Build and lead a high-performing product team, fostering a culture of customer-centricity, innovation, and continuous improvement About you You're an experienced product leader with a strong track record in insurance product management, ideally within travel insurance or similar short-tail products. You have deep understanding of product design, customer segmentation, distribution strategies, and regulatory requirements, with the ability to balance customer needs with business profitability. You'll have: Tertiary qualification in Business, Marketing, Finance, or related field 8-10 years' experience in product management within insurance, with proven track record of successful product launches and portfolio optimisation Deep understanding of regulatory frameworks including DDO, TMDs, and product governance requirements Strong analytical skills with ability to interpret data and translate insights into product strategies Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills with ability to influence across all levels Experience with product management tools, systems, and agile methodologies Customer-centric mindset with passion for innovation and continuous improvement Why work with us Fully subsidised medical insurance for you and your immediate whānau Subsidised pet and travel insurance and special discounts for your whānau Additional parental leave benefits Life & terminal illness insurance Excellent work/life balance, including 5 days of wellbeing leave Opportunity to purchase flexi leave Flexible working options including work from home part of the week Here at Southern Cross Travel Insurance, we recognise that people are as diverse as the places our customers travel to. We are committed to our journey of providing an inclusive culture for our team, where diversity is embraced and celebrated. Applications are welcome from individuals from all walks of life, including diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. Apply If you're energised by taking good to great, thrive in collaborative environments, and want to make a tangible impact on a growing business, send us your cover letter and CV. Please note that applicants for this position should meet legal requirements to work in New Zealand. Successful candidates will also be required to complete pre-employment background checks. #J-18808-Ljbffr