SVP, HNW Business Development Manager

Singlife; Singapore; On-site; SGD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Singlife is seeking a results-driven Business Development Manager (Team Lead) to drive high-net-worth business growth through strategic partnerships and robust distribution channels. You will manage a team of BDMs, set targets, and coordinate with operations and product to deliver superior client experiences.

The role requires 8+ years in business development or sales, ideally within insurance or wealth management, with strong leadership and stakeholder skills.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership in business development or sales leadership.
• Strong stakeholder management across partners, advisers and channels.
• Strategic thinking with ability to translate market insights into growth plans.
• Track record of achieving sales targets and leading teams.
• Experience in insurance, financial services, wealth management or HNW distribution preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute business development strategies to grow HNW business and partnerships.
• Onboard and manage strategic partners, introducers, intermediaries and distribution channels.
• Lead, coach, and mentor a team of Business Development Managers and executives to meet KPIs.
• Monitor market trends and client needs to identify opportunities and optimize partner journeys.
• Collaborate with Operations, Compliance, Marketing and Product to achieve business objectives.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Strategic thinking

Sales management

Team coaching

Education

Bachelor's in Business/Finance/Insurance

Job description

Singlife is a leading homegrown financial services company, offering consumers a better way to financial freedom. Through innovative, technology-enabled solutions and a wide range of products and services, Singlife provides consumers control over their financial wellbeing at every stage of their lives.
In addition to a comprehensive suite of insurance plans, employee benefits, partnerships with financial adviser channels and bancassurance, Singlife offers investment and advisory solutions through its GROW with Singlife platform. It also offers the Singlife Account, a mobile-first insurance savings plan.
Singlife is the exclusive insurance provider for the Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Home Affairs and Public Officers Group Insurance Scheme. Singlife is also an official signatory of the United Nations Principles for Sustainable Insurance and the United Nations-supported Principles for Responsible Investment, affirming its commitment to finding a better way to sustainability.
The merger of Aviva Singapore and Singlife was announced in September 2020 and created one of the largest homegrown financial services companies in Singapore in a deal valued at S$3.2 billion. It was the largest insurance deal in Singapore at the time. Singlife was subsequently acquired by Sumitomo Life in March 2024, one of Japan’s leading life insurers, which valued Singlife at S$4.6 billion, making the transaction one of the largest insurance deals in Southeast Asia.

Key Appointments

The Business Development Manager (Team Lead) is responsible for driving HNW business growth, developing strategic partnerships, managing key distribution channels, and leading a team of Business Development Managers. The role focuses on driving business growth, expanding market presence, and ensuring the successful execution of business development strategies.

Key Responsibilities

Business Development & Sales

• Develop and execute business development strategies to achieve revenue and business growth.
• Identify, onboard, and manage strategic partners, introducers, intermediaries, and distribution channels.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders and clients.

Drive new business acquisition and increase market penetration.

• Monitor market trends, competitor activities, and customer needs to identify growth opportunities.
• Prepare business proposals, presentations, and partnership agreements.

Relationship Management

• Maintain strong engagement with strategic partners and key accounts.
• Resolve escalated partner and client issues promptly and professionally.
• Organise regular business reviews with partners to identify opportunities and address challenges.
• Strengthen long-term partnerships to improve retention and business growth.

Strategic Planning & Execution

• Develop annual business plans and sales strategies.
• Track and analyse business performance metrics and provide management reporting.
• Recommend improvements to sales processes, customer journeys, and operational efficiency.
• Collaborate with Operations, Compliance, Marketing, and Product teams to deliver business objectives.

Team Leadership & Management

• Lead, coach, and mentor a team of Business Development Managers and Executives.
• Set individual and team sales targets and monitor performance against KPIs.
• Conduct regular performance reviews and provide development plans for team members.
• Foster a high-performance and collaborative team culture.
• Support recruitment, onboarding, and training of new team members.

Compliance & Governance

• Ensure all business development activities comply with regulatory requirements, company policies, and industry standards.
• Maintain proper documentation of partner agreements and business activities.
• Promote a strong culture of risk management and compliance awareness within the team.

Key Requirements

• 8+ years of experience in business development, sales, or partnership management experience.
• Experience in insurance, financial services, wealth management, or HNW distribution preferred.
• Proven track record in achieving sales targets and leading high-performing teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's in business, Finance, Marketing, Insurance, or a related discipline.
• Relevant industry certifications are an advantage.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• Excellent stakeholder management and relationship-building abilities.
• Strategic thinking and commercial acumen.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.

Technical Competencies

Strong Understanding Of

• HNW life insurance products (e.g., whole life, ILPs, universal life)
• Wealth structuring concepts (trusts, succession, premium financing)
• Familiarity with cross-border HNW client considerations
• Knowledge of underwriting processes for large cases