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Baleseng Mkabela

@balesengmkabela

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Experienced Product Manager specializing in card issuing and transactional products.

South Africa

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What I'm looking for

I seek a dynamic role that fosters innovation and collaboration in product development.

I am a seasoned professional with over 17 years of experience in the financial services industry, specializing in card issuing and payment technologies. My career began at Standard Bank South Africa, where I contributed to the launch of the first EMV chip cards in the country. I have since advanced my expertise at Idemia, focusing on chip card profile development and providing expert knowledge to financial service providers across Africa.

Currently, I serve as a Product Manager for Card Issuing and Transactional Products at Bidvest Bank. My role involves managing the card issuing portfolio, conducting market research, and driving sales and marketing initiatives. I have a proven track record in product management, having successfully led projects that enhance card functionality and improve customer experience. My strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills have enabled me to build lasting relationships with key industry players, including Visa and Mastercard.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Product Manager – Card Issuing and Transactional Products

Current

Bidvest Bank

Aug 2023 - Present (1 year 11 months)

As a Product Manager, I manage the Card Issuing portfolio, ensuring sustainability and competitiveness through feature development, market research, and driving sales initiatives. I also oversee the income statement to drive revenue and reduce costs.

Product Management EMV Fleet Card Issuance Data Analysis Microsoft Office Agile Methodology Market Research Stakeholder Engagement Business Case Development Revenue Management

Senior Business Analyst – EMV and Card Acquiring

First National Bank

Sep 2022 - Jul 2023 (10 months)

In my role, I focus on business analysis for card acquiring, participating in project planning, and improving efficiencies in eCommerce and POS functionalities. I act as a subject matter expert in the EMV Fleet Migration program.

Business Analysis Ecommerce Microsoft Office Agile Methodology Process Design PCI Compliance Project Management

Senior Business Analyst – Change Management

SA Taxi Development Finance

Sep 2019 - Sep 2022 (2 years 11 months)

As a Senior Business Analyst, I provided business analysis for change management projects, documenting requirements and ensuring high-quality delivery of customer requirements.

Business Analysis Project Management Documentation Stakeholder Engagement Microsoft Office Agile Methodology Risk Management Process Improvement

Director - Operations

Papercut Office Supplies

Jan 2019 - Oct 2019 (9 months)

As Director of Operations, I managed product supply and customer relations, provided quotations, and handled invoicing and delivery logistics.

Product Management Invoicing Supply Chain Management Microsoft Office Sales Strategy Cold Calling Market Analysis

Product Specialist – Card Issuing

Tyme Bank

Sep 2018 - Jan 2019 (4 months)

In this role, I managed card issuing products, ensuring compliance with industry standards and conducting competitor analysis to enhance product offerings.

Product Management Card Issuing Compliance Microsoft Office Agile Methodology Market Research Risk Management

New Product Development Manager – Debit Card Business

Absa Bank

May 2017 - Sep 2018 (1 year 4 months)

I led new product development initiatives for the Debit Card business, ensuring alignment with product development frameworks and stakeholder engagement.

Product Development Project Management Stakeholder Engagement Microsoft Office Agile Methodology Business Case Development Risk Mitigation Process Management

New Development Systems Analyst – EMV & Payments

Absa Bank

Jan 2013 - May 2017 (4 years 4 months)

As a Systems Analyst, I served as a subject matter expert for EMV and payments, managing projects to migrate multiple countries to EMV standards.

Systems Analysis Project Management Microsoft Office Process Management Requirements Gathering Technical Support

Local Technical Support Consultant

Idemia South Africa

Jan 2009 - Jan 2013 (4 years)

I provided technical support for card personalization and managed multiple EMV migration projects, ensuring compliance with industry standards.

Technical Support Project Management Microsoft Office Process Management Market Research

Test Engineer

Standard Bank South Africa

Dec 2006 - Jan 2009 (2 years 1 month)

As a Test Engineer, I was responsible for analyzing specifications, writing test cases, and managing defect tracking for card-related projects.

Testing Test Management Microsoft Office Analysis Quality Assurance Documentation

Teaching Assistant

University of Pretoria

Jan 2006 - Dec 2006 (11 months)

As a Teaching Assistant, I assisted in marking assignments and supporting students in their practical work within the Informatics Department.

Teaching Student Microsoft SQL Server Microsoft Office Assignment Communication Team Collaboration

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

Bytes

Business Process Redesign, Business Process Management

2016 - 2016

Completed a course in Business Process Redesign, focusing on improving business processes through innovative strategies and methodologies.

Cranefield College of Project Management

Advanced Diploma in Project Management, Project Management

2012 - 2012

Achieved an Advanced Diploma in Project Management, enhancing skills in project planning, execution, and management methodologies.

University of Pretoria

BCom Informatics, Informatics

2002 - 2006

Completed a BCom Informatics degree, focusing on the integration of information technology and business processes, preparing for a career in the financial services industry.