Product Owner - Forge (Short-Term Borrowing)

About the Role

Join ASB Bank as a Product Owner for Forge, a role central to creating the core platform capabilities that underpin ASB's upcoming lending products and services. This position appeals to those who thrive in handling complex systems, embracing systems thinking, and collaborating closely with engineering teams to solve impactful problems.

About NextLend

NextLend is ASB’s modern lending platform that supports home lending, broker lending, and a diverse range of short-term borrowing products. It aims to transform lending into a simpler, safer, and more intuitive experience for both customers and frontline staff. As NextLend expands, it is positioned to become the comprehensive lending platform for personal banking clients at ASB.

About the Squad

The Forge squad is tasked with building the foundational platform capabilities using Pega technology that enable various lending products on NextLend. Its scope includes integration, decision services, rules management, affordability functions, and lending workflows. The role is focused on ensuring scalability and architectural robustness to support ASB’s future lending growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Establish platform priorities and define the roadmap for delivery outcomes.
• Lead discovery and solution design discussions alongside engineering and business partners.
• Oversee product backlog grooming and manage delivery priorities effectively.
• Balance the technical, customer, and business aspects within delivery goals.
• Collaborate closely with engineers, architects, delivery leads, and stakeholders to ensure alignment.
• Identify and manage risks, dependencies, and governance requirements.
• Drive platform outcomes that enable future product deployments.
• Champion continuous improvement of platform capabilities.
• Integrate operational, risk management, and compliance considerations closely into delivery processes.

Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate is an experienced Product Owner, Technical Product Owner, Delivery Lead, or technology professional with a strong affinity for platform complexity. While engineering expertise is not mandatory, comfort working closely with engineering teams, architects, and technical stakeholders is essential. The candidate must skillfully interpret complex technical details and business needs into clear delivery priorities.

Required Skills and Experience

• Experienced in managing platform, integration, or enterprise-wide technology products.
• Sound knowledge of software delivery methodologies and agile environments.
• Proven ability to collaborate with engineering, architecture, and delivery teams.
• Skilled at translating complex technical challenges into actionable priorities.
• Experienced in managing extensive or multifaceted product backlogs.
• Strong systems thinking and problem-solving capabilities.
• Successful track record of delivery within agile technology projects.
• Confidence in balancing business outcomes with technical foundation requirements.
• Experience in enterprise technology or financial services is advantageous.

Why Join ASB?

You'll play a critical role in establishing the technological foundations for ASB’s future lending innovations, impacting millions of customers indirectly through enhanced lending experiences. ASB nurtures a supportive work environment that values your professional growth and well-being.

Benefits

• Flexible and hybrid working models.
• Competitive remuneration and comprehensive banking benefits.
• Robust opportunities for learning, development, and career advancement.
• Health, wellbeing, and lifestyle benefits.
• A collaborative and inclusive company culture.
• Chance to contribute to products used by New Zealanders daily.