Chief Product and Tech Officer

About Talk360

Talk360 is all about breaking down barriers and connecting people across the globe, with a special focus on bridging connections to and from Africa. We’re driven by a clear purpose: to make international calling simple, reliable, and affordable for everyone, no matter where they are or what device they use. Whether you're calling family or friends, Talk360 ensures your voice reaches them, even if they don’t have internet access. As we look to the future, we plan to diversify our offering with relevant services tailored to the needs of African communities, and we value your input to help shape these services. Together, we’re committed to making meaningful connections easier and empowering people through accessible communication.

Role Overview

As the Chief Product and Technology Officer (CPTO) at Talk360, you will be responsible for driving the technical execution and product development that powers our international calling service. You will oversee the development team, ensuring that product and technology initiatives are executed efficiently and in alignment with our company’s goals. The CPTO will be a key member of the executive team, working collaboratively across departments to ensure the success and growth of Talk360.

Key Responsibilities

Product Development Delivery, Roadmap & Strategy:

You will define and drive the product development strategy, aligning it with Talk360’s mission to deliver affordable, high-quality calling services. Owning the product and tech roadmap, you’ll oversee and collaborate on the development from concept to launch, prioritize key initiatives, and ensure efficient, agile project delivery for maximum impact.

Customer Research and Insights

Lead efforts in customer research and user experience studies to understand customer needs, market trends, and competitive landscape. Use insights to guide product development priorities and ensure a customer-focused approach.

Cross-Functional Leadership:

Collaborate with the Executive Team to align product development priorities with company goals and work closely with Marketing, Data, Sales, and Operations teams to ensure a cohesive product and go-to-market strategy.

Team Management and Development:

Manage and mentor the product and tech team of 9, ensuring they have clear goals, support, and opportunities for professional growth. Foster a culture of collaboration and continuous learning, while overseeing recruitment, training, and performance management to build and retain a high-performing team.

DevOps & Project Management

Oversee and manage software delivery practices, from work planning and code reviews to testing/QA and release management, while driving automation and efficiency. Additionally, take a hands-on approach in leading important or strategic projects, managing their execution to ensure timely delivery and alignment with business goals.

System Architecture and Platform Stability:

Lead the technical strategy for Talk360. Oversee the development and maintenance of the Talk360 platform to ensure the right outcomes are delivered, product capabilities are enhanced and the platform stability continuously improved.

Qualifications and Experience

Proven Experience:
10+ years in product development and engineering, with at least 3 years in a product leadership role (Lead, Head of Product, VP, or CPO). Start-up experience is essential.

Technical Proficiency:
Basic understanding of framework: mobile app development (iOS & Android), cloud architecture (AWS), backend frameworks (Ruby on Rails, Node.js), and database systems (MySQL, MongoDB, Redis)

Product Leadership:
Proven success in defining product strategies and leading teams to deliver impactful products, with a strong focus on data-driven decision-making.

Team and Stakeholder Management:
Experience managing cross-functional teams and collaborating with C-level executives, demonstrating strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.

Agile Methodologies:
Expertise in Agile development practices, with experience in implementing and optimizing workflows.

Problem-Solving and Adaptability:
Pragmatic, adaptable leader with a collaborative approach, capable of balancing tactical execution with strategic vision and thriving in a dynamic environment.

Personal Attributes

• Passionate about Talk360’s mission of connecting Africa to the world

• Pragmatic approach to problem-solving, balancing tactical execution with strategic vision

• Collaborative team player who can lead by example and influence others

• Adaptable and resilient, with the ability to thrive in a dynamic and evolving environment

• Highly organized, with a strong ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects

Did we mention these other great things?

• Growth and learning opportunities in a high-growth environment.

• Personal development budget, also for non-job-related opportunities.

• Company laptop

• Monthly phone allowance

• 25 vacation days annually

• Commute allowance

• Weekly Thursday lunches, with spontaneous gatherings in between.

• Loads of ownership

• Work in a diverse & multicultural company - we have Talketeers all over the world, such as Suriname, Turkey, Estonia, Egypt, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, and the Netherlands.