Branch Manager - Short-Term Insurance

Placements24; Queenstown; On-site; NZD 118,000 - 161,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Branch Manager to lead our Queenstown branch, overseeing sales, underwriting, claims support and daily operations in line with strategic objectives. The ideal candidate has 5+ years in short-term insurance, a proven sales record, strong leadership and financial acumen, and willingness to relocate to Queenstown.

This role emphasizes staff development, customer service excellence, regulatory compliance, and building broker relationships to grow the regional

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years in short-term insurance, with at least 2 in a leadership role.
• Proven track record of achieving sales and growth targets.
• Residency in or willingness to relocate to Queenstown, Eastern Cape.
• Strong leadership and financial acumen, P&L experience.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all branch staff including sales agents, admin personnel, and claims liaison officers.
• Develop and implement strategic sales plans to achieve branch revenue and growth targets.
• Oversee underwriting process to ensure adherence to guidelines and risk appetite.
• Ensure efficient customer service delivery and resolve queries and complaints promptly.
• Monitor branch financial performance including revenue, expenses and profitability; implement cost controls.
• Maintain compliance with regulatory requirements and company policies.
• Foster relationships with brokers, agents and partners in the local market.
• Conduct performance reviews, provide coaching, and identify training needs for staff.
• Oversee smooth operation of administrative functions and proper branch resource management.
• Represent the company within the local Queenstown community and business environment.

Skills

Leadership

Sales leadership

Strategic planning

Communication

Negotiation

Problem solving

Budgeting / P&L

Industry knowledge (SA short-term ins)

Relationship building

MS Office / Insurance software

Education

RE 5 / NQF 4/5

Tools

MS Office Suite

Insurance software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a well-established provider of short-term insurance solutions, is seeking an experienced and dynamic Branch Manager to lead their operations in Queenstown, Eastern Cape . This is a key leadership position responsible for driving branch growth, managing staff, ensuring excellent customer service, and maintaining operational efficiency. You will oversee all aspects of the branch, including sales, underwriting, claims support, and financial performance, ensuring alignment with the company's strategic objectives. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership skills, a deep understanding of the short-term insurance market in South Africa , and a passion for developing a high-performing team. Join a reputable organization and make a significant contribution to the insurance landscape in Queenstown .

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, motivate, and manage all branch staff, including sales agents, administrative personnel, and claims liaison officers.
• Develop and implement strategic sales plans to achieve branch revenue and growth targets.
• Oversee the underwriting process to ensure adherence to company guidelines and risk appetite.
• Ensure efficient and effective customer service delivery, resolving customer queries and complaints promptly.
• Monitor branch financial performance, including revenue, expenses, and profitability, implementing cost-control measures as necessary.
• Maintain compliance with all regulatory requirements and company policies within the Queenstown branch.
• Foster strong relationships with brokers, agents, and other business partners in the local market.
• Conduct regular performance reviews, provide coaching, and identify training needs for branch staff.
• Oversee the smooth operation of administrative functions and ensure the proper management of branch resources.
• Represent the company within the local Queenstown community and business environment.

Requirements

• A minimum of 5 years of experience in the short-term insurance industry, with at least 2 years in a leadership or management role.
• Proven track record of achieving sales and growth targets.
• Strong understanding of short-term insurance products and market dynamics in South Africa .
• Excellent leadership, team management, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong financial acumen and experience in managing budgets and P&L.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and problem‑solving abilities.
• Proficiency in relevant insurance software and MS Office Suite.
• Relevant industry qualifications (e.g., RE 5, NQF Level 4/5) are highly desirable.
• Residency in or willingness to relocate to Queenstown, Eastern Cape .

Benefits

• Competitive base salary with attractive commission and performance bonus potential.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund benefits.
• Opportunity to lead and grow a branch in a key regional market.
• Professional development and training opportunities.
• A supportive and established company culture.
• Contribution to the economic development of the Eastern Cape region.