JEFF GOVENDER
Sandy
Summary
Dynamic Solutions Expert with extensive experience at Standard Bank, driving strategic initiatives and system replatforming. Proven track record in product strategy development and stakeholder communication, enhancing operational efficiency and user experience. Adept at leveraging Agile methodologies to deliver impactful results while fostering collaboration across cross-functional teams.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Solutions Expert, Business Lending
Standard Bank
05.2023 - 04.2025
- Led the end-to-end delivery of system implementations as part of the bank's re-platforming strategy, ensuring alignment with strategic business objectives and regulatory requirements.
- Collaborated with cross-functional stakeholders to gather, document, and validate detailed business requirements, enabling targeted system design and efficient delivery.
- Defined and optimized business processes and operational rules to support new platform capabilities and drive operational efficiency.
- Oversaw system integration testing and user acceptance testing (UAT), ensuring solutions met functional requirements and delivered a high-quality user experience.
- Provided post-implementation support and drove continuous improvement initiatives to enhance system stability, performance, and adoption.
- Prioritized and managed high-impact strategic initiatives, balancing technical feasibility with business value to support scalable growth.
- Led a cross-functional technical squad, fostering collaboration between engineering, operations, and business teams to ensure cohesive execution.
- Developed and presented system change proposals and business cases to the Credit Committee, securing buy-in and approval for major initiatives.
- Managed and mentored the lending team, aligning team objectives with operational and strategic priorities.
- Acted as a key liaison between business and technology functions, ensuring clear communication, stakeholder alignment, and successful integration of new platforms.
- Standard Bank is the largest bank in Africa listed on the JSE and A2X, with a market capitalization of USD 19.6bn.
Product Manager
Xpert Decisions Systems
02.2022 - 12.2022
- Led the design, development, and rollout of new decisioning products and solutions, aligning product strategy with business goals and market needs.
- Conducted continuous product proposition analysis using market research, customer feedback, and performance metrics to inform product enhancements and roadmap priorities.
- Delivered regular portfolio performance reports and insights to senior stakeholders, driving data-informed decision-making across the business.
- Streamlined and standardized internal product processes to enhance sales enablement and operational efficiency.
- Defined and owned end-to-end new product propositions, including positioning, feature definition, and go-to-market planning.
- Managed the full product lifecycle across a multi-product portfolio, ensuring relevance, profitability, and customer value.
- Collaborated with IT and development teams to support the successful delivery of system changes, product enhancements, and technical integrations.
Product Manager, Vehicle & Asset Finance
Standard Bank
06.2017 - 04.2021
- Drove execution of the strategic roadmap for the Vehicle & Asset Finance business through the delivery, enhancement, and ongoing management of core product offerings.
- Conducted comprehensive product analysis to support the optimization of existing offerings and the design of targeted campaigns.
- Authored product papers for new product initiatives and updates to existing solutions, ensuring alignment with business objectives and regulatory compliance.
- Partnered with Marketing to plan and coordinate product launches and promotional campaigns, including special event initiatives.
- Managed marketing strategy and execution across Business, Corporate, and Commercial banking segments.
- Reviewed and maintained business rules and process logic across all portfolios to ensure operational accuracy and consistency.
- Held end-to-end ownership of process rules governing product operations and customer interactions.
- Oversaw portfolio performance management across all product lines, with a focus on profitability, risk mitigation, and market competitiveness.
- Drafted media content and managed responses to media inquiries and complaints, safeguarding brand reputation.
- Supported IT development and implementation of product-related system changes through clear requirements and collaborative delivery.
- Led initiatives to optimize operational processes, driving cost efficiencies and minimizing risk of financial loss.
- Standard Bank is the largest bank in Africa listed on the JSE and A2X, with a market capitalization of USD 19.6bn.
Niche Product Manager, Home Loans
Standard Bank
06.2014 - 05.2017
- Supported and executed the home loan strategy within the core product environment through delivery of targeted projects aligned with defined budgets, timelines, and measurable business objectives.
- Conducted ongoing in-depth analysis of customer behavior, needs, and segment opportunities to inform strategy and optimize product performance.
- Managed the full portfolio of niche home loan products, including Vacant Land, Building Loans, Self-Employed, Liberator, Foreign Nationals, Juristic Entities, and Small Holdings.
- Led portfolio optimization initiatives, including remediation of underperforming vintages and risk segments.
- Contributed to the annual fee pricing strategy by providing data-driven insights and recommendations for the pricing paper.
- Oversaw delivery of IT projects and work requests to support home loan operations and strategic initiatives.
- Reviewed and refined business rules across all portfolios to ensure alignment with risk, compliance, and operational efficiency goals.
- Minimized portfolio losses through process mapping, risk measurement, and implementation of effective mitigants.
- Streamlined operational processes to reduce turnaround times and costs while maintaining customer protection and risk standards.
- Held accountability for Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) compliance implementation and maintenance within the home loan portfolio.
- Managed reactive media responses and developed proactive media releases aligned with broader business strategy and reputational objectives.
- Standard Bank is the largest bank in Africa listed on the JSE and A2X, with a market capitalization of USD 19.6bn.
Campaign Manager, Home Loans
Standard Bank
02.2013 - 05.2014
- Led the delivery of key home loan campaigns to maximize return on equity and customer potential, ensuring alignment with budget constraints.
- Coordinated internal resources across functions to support planning, creation, and delivery of campaigns.
- Managed end-to-end execution of integrated campaigns, from briefing and approval to delivery and results analysis.
- Executed test-and-learn programs, including A/B testing, creative testing, and segmentation analysis to optimize campaign effectiveness.
- Ensured comprehensive campaign planning, accounting for all necessary resources, strategic planning, UX, mobile needs, and post-live services.
- Developed and maintained detailed project timelines, collaborating with creative teams and department heads for input.
- Oversaw the creation and approval of production specifications, ensuring all technical requirements were met prior to campaign launch.
- Standard Bank is the largest bank in Africa listed on the JSE and A2X, with a market capitalization of USD 19.6bn.
Pricing Manager Arbitrations, Mortgage
Standard Bank
02.2009 - 01.2013
- Optimized revenue generation within the home loan portfolio, driving growth and profitability.
- Managed home loan weighted average concession to ensure competitive pricing and margin management.
- Implemented and maintained home loan pricing matrices to streamline pricing strategies.
- Planned and proposed annual home loan fee pricing, aligning with business objectives and market conditions.
- Audited concession compliance reports to ensure adherence to pricing and discount policies.
- Conducted system testing to ensure accuracy and functionality of home loan pricing tools.
- Identified training gaps and performed trend analysis to improve team performance and knowledge.
- Drove home loan revenue while maintaining a focus on customer retention and satisfaction.
- Built and nurtured strong relationships with clients and stakeholders to support business objectives and growth.
- Standard Bank is the largest bank in Africa listed on the JSE and A2X, with a market capitalization of USD 19.6bn.
Education
BACHELOR OF COMMERCE -
University of South Africa
Skills
- In-house OS2
- In-house CredLens
- Agile experience
- Product strategy development
- Strategy implementation
- Systems replatforming
- System integration
- User acceptance testing
- Business process optimization
- Product lifecycle management
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Problem solving
- Team leadership
- Change management
- Executive presentation design
- Effective communication
- Microsoft Office Suite
References
Available upon request
Accomplishments
Standard Bank - Mark of Excellence Award Winner 2013
Affiliations
Sports fan
Golf fanatic
Astronomy
Physics
Avid reader
Golf fanatic
Astronomy
Physics
Avid reader
Timeline
Solutions Expert, Business Lending
Standard Bank
05.2023 - 04.2025
Product Manager
Xpert Decisions Systems
02.2022 - 12.2022
Product Manager, Vehicle & Asset Finance
Standard Bank
06.2017 - 04.2021
Niche Product Manager, Home Loans
Standard Bank
06.2014 - 05.2017
Campaign Manager, Home Loans
Standard Bank
02.2013 - 05.2014
Pricing Manager Arbitrations, Mortgage
Standard Bank
02.2009 - 01.2013
BACHELOR OF COMMERCE -
University of South Africa