Madjadji Marcia Dikotla
Executive HOD: Products
Olifantsfontein
Summary
Dynamic and results-oriented Executive Head of Products & Projects with over 20 years of experience in developing impactful products and solutions. Expertise in leading diverse teams and managing complex projects, complemented by an MBA that fuels a passion for leveraging technology to address real-world challenges. Currently dedicated to harnessing cutting-edge AI technologies to create customer-centric solutions that drive business success and enhance customer satisfaction. Inspired by the digital era and committed to pushing boundaries while shaping the future of technology.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
3
3
Certifications
Work History
Executive: HOD (Products & Projects)
Ocean on 76 Collective
08.2022 - Current
- Strategic Leadership:
- Define Vision and Strategy: Develop and communicate the long-term vision and strategy for products and project portfolios in alignment with the organization's goals.
- Market Analysis and Positioning: Oversee market research and competitive analysis to identify opportunities and ensure products meet market demands.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate with executive leadership, clients, and stakeholders to align priorities and secure buy-in for strategic initiatives.
- Product Management:
- Product Roadmap Ownership: Create and manage product roadmaps, ensuring timely delivery and alignment with business objectives.
- Innovation Oversight: Drive innovation by identifying emerging trends, technologies, and customer needs to develop cutting-edge products.
- Product Lifecycle Management: Oversee the end-to-end lifecycle of products, from ideation to launch and continuous improvement.
- Revenue and ROI Accountability: Monitor and improve product performance to achieve revenue, profitability, and customer satisfaction targets.
- Project Management:
- Portfolio Oversight: Manage a portfolio of projects, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities and optimal resource allocation.
- Project Delivery: Ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards.
- Risk Management: Identify and mitigate risks across products and projects to ensure successful outcomes.
- Team Leadership:
- Lead and Inspire Teams: Build and lead high-performing product and project management teams, fostering collaboration and growth.
- Talent Development: Mentor and develop team members, ensuring a culture of excellence and innovation.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Act as a bridge between departments to ensure seamless execution and delivery.
- Operational Excellence:
- Process Optimization: Establish and refine processes for product development, project execution, and performance measurement.
- Budget Management: Oversee budgets for products and projects, ensuring cost-effectiveness and resource efficiency.
- Technology Integration: Advocate for and implement tools and systems to enhance productivity and data-driven decision-making.
- Performance Monitoring:
- KPIs and Metrics: Define and track key performance indicators (KPIs) for products and projects, providing regular updates to stakeholders.
- Customer Feedback Loop: Ensure continuous learning and improvement through customer insights and feedback mechanisms.
- Industry and Competitor Analysis:
- Competitive Insights: Monitor competitors’ activities to identify threats and opportunities.
- Market Trends: Stay updated on telecom industry trends
- Client Advocacy: Position the company as a trusted advisor in the telecommunications space
- Governance and Compliance:
- Ensure Regulatory Compliance: Ensure all products and projects adhere to industry standards and regulatory requirements.
- Reporting and Documentation: Maintain transparency through detailed reporting and documentation for all initiatives.
Product Manager
Telkom
01.2019 - 07.2022
- Strategic Planning:
- Define and align product vision, strategy, and roadmap with business goals.
- Conduct market research to identify trends, customer needs, and competitive landscape.
- Evaluate and prioritize features or improvements based on business impact and feasibility.
- Product Development:
- Work closely with engineering, design, and cross-functional teams to oversee the product development lifecycle.
- Create and manage product specifications, user stories, and acceptance criteria.
- Monitor project timelines and ensure timely delivery of product milestones.
- Stakeholder Management:
- Collaborate with executives to secure buy-in for product strategies.
- Communicate product updates and KPIs to internal stakeholders.
- Act as the customer representative within the organization.
- Customer Engagement:
- Collect feedback through customer interviews, surveys, and usability tests.
- Anticipate customer needs and translate them into actionable product features.
- Ensure a high level of customer satisfaction with the product.
- Performance Tracking:
- Define and monitor key product metrics (e.g., adoption, retention, revenue).
- Conduct post-launch analysis to measure success and identify areas for improvement.
- Make data-driven decisions for product iterations and future enhancements.
- Team Leadership:
- Mentor and guide junior product managers or associates.
- Foster a collaborative and innovative team environment.
- Resolve conflicts and remove roadblocks for the product team.
General Manager
Pattern Matched Technologies
08.2017 - 09.2018
- Strategic Leadership:
- Business Strategy Development: Define and implement long-term strategies to drive innovation, profitability, and market leadership in telecommunications software.
- Vision and Mission Alignment: Ensure all teams and initiatives align with the company's overarching goals.
- Market Trends Analysis: Monitor industry trends, emerging technologies, and market demands to inform strategic decisions.
- Operational Oversight:
- Process Optimization: Oversee the software development lifecycle, ensuring efficient and high-quality deliverables.
- Team Coordination: Manage cross-functional teams, including development, QA, product management, and sales, to ensure seamless collaboration.
- Resource Allocation: Ensure optimal allocation of resources, including staffing, tools, and budgets, for project execution.
- Product Development and Innovation:
- Product Roadmap Management: Oversee the development and delivery of innovative software solutions tailored for the telecommunications sector.
- Technology Adoption: Promote the adoption of cutting-edge technologies, such as 5G, IoT, and AI, to maintain a competitive edge.
- Customer-Centric Design: Ensure software solutions address client pain points and align with market needs.
- Financial Management:
- Budget Oversight: Develop and manage the company’s budget, ensuring cost efficiency and profitability.
- Revenue Growth: Drive revenue growth through innovative product offerings and strategic partnerships.
- Financial Reporting: Present financial performance metrics and forecasts to stakeholders and the board of directors.
- Sales and Client Engagement:
- Key Account Management: Build and maintain relationships with major telecom clients and partners.
- Sales Strategy: Collaborate with sales teams to develop strategies for client acquisition and retention.
- Client Solutions: Ensure the company delivers scalable, reliable, and secure software solutions that meet telecommunications industry standards.
- Leadership and Team Development:
- Executive Leadership: Lead the management team in decision-making, goal setting, and performance tracking.
- Talent Development: Mentor senior managers and build a pipeline of future leaders within the organization.
- Culture Building: Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and accountability.
- Regulatory and Compliance Management:
- Telecom Regulations: Ensure software solutions comply with industry standards and regional telecommunications regulations.
- Data Privacy and Security: Oversee adherence to data protection laws, such as ISOs’ and cybersecurity protocols. Collaborations with MD and Dev HOD.
- Risk Management:
- Operational Risks: Identify and mitigate risks related to software delivery, resource availability, and technical failures. Collaborations with MD and Dev HOD.
- Market Risks: Develop contingency plans to address market volatility, competition, or client attrition.
- Regulatory Risks: Stay ahead of changing telecom regulations to avoid compliance issues.
- Stakeholder Engagement:
- Board Reporting: Provide regular updates to the board on company performance, growth initiatives, and challenges.
- Investor Relations: Build confidence among investors through transparent communication and results-driven strategies.
- Partnership Development: Forge strategic alliances with other telecom players, software vendors, or industry consortia.
- Performance Monitoring and Reporting:
- KPI Management: Establish and track key performance indicators (KPIs) for operational efficiency, product delivery, and financial performance.
- Continuous Improvement: Implement feedback loops to improve processes, software quality, and customer satisfaction.
- Metrics Reporting: Deliver detailed performance reports to stakeholders and use insights to guide future strategies.
Sales Manager
Telkom Mobile, SMBS
09.2016 - 07.2017
- Sales Strategy Development:
- Market Analysis: Analyze the SMB segment to identify potential markets, trends, and customer needs.
- Sales Planning: Develop and implement sales plans to achieve revenue and growth targets.
- Segmented Approach: Tailor strategies to address the unique needs of SMBs, such as cost-effective solutions or scalability.
- Client Acquisition and Retention:
- Prospecting: Identify and approach potential SMB clients through networking, cold-calling, or lead generation tools.
- Relationship Building: Build long-term relationships with SMB clients to foster loyalty and repeat business.
- Retention Programs: Develop initiatives to reduce churn and improve customer satisfaction.
- Product and Solution Selling:
- Telecom Solutions: Promote telecom products and services such as VoIP, broadband, mobile plans, or cloud solutions tailored for SMBs.
- Needs Assessment: Conduct detailed consultations to understand client needs and recommend appropriate solutions.
- Customized Proposals: Create and present proposals that highlight the benefits and ROI of telecom solutions for SMBs.
- Team Management and Development:
- Sales Team Leadership: Lead, mentor, and motivate a team of sales representatives focused on the SMB sector.
- Training: Provide training on telecom products, sales techniques, and customer engagement strategies.
- Performance Monitoring: Set KPIs for the team and regularly review performance against targets.
- Sales Operations Management:
- Pipeline Management: Oversee the sales pipeline to ensure a steady flow of leads, opportunities, and closed deals.
- CRM Utilization: Leverage CRM tools to track customer interactions, sales activities, and progress.
- Reporting: Provide regular sales reports to senior management, including forecasts and performance metrics.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration:
- Marketing Coordination: Collaborate with marketing teams to design campaigns and generate leads for the SMB segment.
- Product Teams: Provide client feedback to product development teams to refine telecom offerings.
- Customer Support: Work closely with customer support teams to resolve client issues promptly.
- Budget and Revenue Management:
- Revenue Targets: Develop and execute plans to meet or exceed revenue goals.
- Cost Control: Ensure efficient use of resources while maximizing profitability.
- Incentive Programs: Design sales incentives and commission structures to drive performance.
- Market Expansion and Business Growth:
- New Market Entry: Identify opportunities to expand telecom services into untapped SMB markets.
- Partnerships: Build relationships with local chambers of commerce, business associations, or other SMB networks.
- Upselling and Cross-Selling: Promote additional telecom services or upgrades to existing clients.
Head (Key Account & Product Management) WASP
Telkom Mobile, WASP & Mobile Advertising
01.2011 - 03.2017
- Relationship Management:
- Build and maintain long-term relationships with key clients.
- Serve as the main point of contact for assigned accounts.
- Regularly meet with clients to discuss goals, challenges, and opportunities.
- Client Retention and Growth:
- Identify opportunities to upsell or cross-sell products and services.
- Develop strategies to deepen client engagement and loyalty.
- Proactively address client concerns to ensure satisfaction.
- Account Planning:
- Create and implement account plans tailored to each client’s needs.
- Align account objectives with the company’s broader strategic goals.
- Set and track revenue targets and other KPIs for key accounts.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration:
- Work with internal teams (e.g., sales, marketing, product development) to deliver on client expectations.
- Advocate for client needs within the organization to ensure alignment.
- Facilitate smooth communication between clients and other teams.
- Problem-Solving:
- Identify and resolve issues impacting client relationships or deliverables.
- Anticipate potential challenges and take proactive measures to mitigate risks.
- Provide creative solutions to meet client needs while aligning with company capabilities.
- Reporting and Analysis:
- Prepare account performance reports and present them to clients and management.
- Analyze customer data to identify trends and opportunities for growth.
- Report on account profitability, satisfaction scores, and renewal rates.
Project Manager & BDO
Proconse Consulting
01.2008 - 01.2011
- Project Planning:
- Define Project Scope: Clearly outline objectives, deliverables, and constraints.
- Develop a Project Plan: Create detailed plans covering timelines, milestones, resources, and budgets.
- Stakeholder Alignment: Engage stakeholders to align on project goals and expectations.
- Team Management:
- Team Formation: Identify and assemble a team with the required skills and expertise.
- Role Assignment: Assign roles and responsibilities to team members.
- Motivation and Leadership: Foster collaboration, resolve conflicts, and keep the team motivated.
- Budget and Resource Management:
- Budget Allocation: Allocate and manage financial resources effectively.
- Resource Planning: Ensure adequate allocation of tools, technology, and human resources.
- Cost Control: Monitor expenses and adjust prevent budget overruns.
- Risk Management:
- Risk Identification: Identify potential risks to the project’s success.
- Mitigation Planning: Develop and implement strategies to mitigate risks.
- Contingency Planning: Prepare backup plans for unforeseen challenges.
- Communication and Reporting:
- Stakeholder Communication: Maintain regular communication with stakeholders to provide updates and gather feedback.
- Meeting Facilitation: Organize and lead project meetings to review progress and address challenges.
- Status Reporting: Provide clear and concise reports on project status, risks, and key metrics.
- Execution and Monitoring
- Project Execution: Oversee the implementation of project plans and ensure tasks are completed as scheduled.
- Performance Monitoring: Track progress against goals and KPIs using tools like Gantt charts or Agile boards.
- Problem Resolution: Address roadblocks and issues promptly to keep the project on track.
- Quality Assurance:
- Quality Standards: Define and maintain quality standards for deliverables.
- Testing and Review: Ensure deliverables are tested and reviewed before approval.
- Client Satisfaction: Confirm that project outcomes meet stakeholder and client expectations.
- Change Management:
- Scope Adjustments: Manage and document changes in project scope, schedule, or budget.
- Impact Analysis: Assess how changes will affect project timelines and outcomes.
- Stakeholder Approval: Secure buy-in for any significant changes to the project plan.
- Documentation
- Project Documentation: Maintain thorough records of plans, progress, decisions, and deliverables.
- Lessons Learned: Document insights and best practices to improve future projects.
- Compliance: Ensure all project documentation complies with organizational and regulatory standards.
- Project Closure:
- Final Deliverables: Ensure all deliverables are completed, approved, and handed over.
- Stakeholder Review: Conduct a final review meeting with stakeholders to confirm project objectives were met.
- Post-Project Evaluation: Evaluate project performance, successes, and areas for improvement.
- Closure Report: Prepare a comprehensive project closure report.
Education
Bachelor of Laws - LLB
05-2026
- Year of study- Third
- Current (part-studies)
Master of Business Administration - MBA
01-2015
BA Honours - Industrial Psychology
01-2012
B Phys ED - undefined
01-2003
Skills
Strategic business oversight
Operational efficiency management
Product innovation
Team development
Guidance and support
Stakeholder engagement
Service excellence
Project management
Sales and marketing strategy
Workforce development skills
Certification
Richfield Graduate Institute of Technology: Higher Certificate in Systems Engineering (Completed)
PERSONAL INFORMATION
Surname: Dikotla First Name(s): Madjadji Marcia D.O.B: 05/10/1982
Timeline
Executive: HOD (Products & Projects) - Ocean on 76 Collective
08.2022 - Current
Product Manager - Telkom
01.2019 - 07.2022
General Manager - Pattern Matched Technologies
08.2017 - 09.2018
Sales Manager - Telkom Mobile, SMBS
09.2016 - 07.2017
Head (Key Account & Product Management) WASP - Telkom Mobile, WASP & Mobile Advertising
01.2011 - 03.2017
Project Manager & BDO - Proconse Consulting
01.2008 - 01.2011
MANCOSA Johannesburg - Master of Business Administration, MBA
Unisa Sunnyside Campus - BA Honours, Industrial Psychology
University of the Witwatersrand - B Phys ED,
UKZN - Bachelor of Laws, LLB