Head of Strategy - Commercial and Partnerships

Rand Mutual - RMA; Parktown (NC); Hybrid; USD 154,000 - 247,000; Full time

Job summary

Rand Mutual Assurance seeks a strategic leader to develop and refine its commercial strategy and partnerships ecosystem, guiding executive leadership and shaping enterprise direction for long-term growth. The role delivers value through partnerships, innovation, and data-driven decisions across COIDA, Life Insurance, and AIT Administration portfolios.

The incumbent champions transformation initiatives, fosters a customer-centric approach, and leads a high-performing team to sustain societal

Qualifications

• Postgraduate degree in Strategy, Business Management, Commerce, Economics, Finance, Insurance, Actuarial Science or related field.
• MBA or equivalent master’s degree (preferred).
• Experience leading enterprise-wide strategic initiatives and partnerships.

Responsibilities

• Develop and refine Rand Mutual Assurance's commercial and partnership strategy.
• Identify growth opportunities and manage strategic partnerships.
• Lead annual and multi-year planning and define strategic measures.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Partnership development

Commercial strategy

Executive communication

Governance & risk

Education

Postgraduate degree in Strategy/Business

MBA (preferred)

Tools

Data-informed decision making

Job description

THE JOB AT A GLANCE

To provide strategic leadership and direction for the development, execution, and continuous refinement of RMA's commercial strategy and partnership ecosystem, ensuring alignment with the organisation's mandate as a social insurer. The role is responsible for identifying growth opportunities, strengthening strategic partnerships, enhancing customer value propositions, and translating market, customer, and data-driven insights into sustainable organisational outcomes across COIDA, Life Insurance, and AIT Administration portfolios.

Job Description

THE JOB AT A GLANCE

To provide strategic leadership and direction for the development, execution, and continuous refinement of RMA's commercial strategy and partnership ecosystem, ensuring alignment with the organisation's mandate as a social insurer. The role is responsible for identifying growth opportunities, strengthening strategic partnerships, enhancing customer value propositions, and translating market, customer, and data-driven insights into sustainable organisational outcomes across COIDA, Life Insurance, and AIT Administration portfolios.

The incumbent serves as a strategic advisor to executive leadership and plays a critical role in shaping enterprise direction, driving commercial sustainability, fostering innovation, leading organisational transformation initiatives, and delivering meaningful societal impact through partnerships and strategic interventions.

WHAT WILL YOU DO?

Strategic Leadership

Develop and continuously refine RMA's commercial and partnership strategy. Drive enterprise strategic initiatives supporting long-term growth and sustainability. Align strategic priorities with organisational purpose, mandate, vision and operating model. Lead strategic reviews and environmental scanning activities.

Commercial Strategy & Growth

Identify new market opportunities and innovative business models. Develop growth strategies for COIDA, Life and AIT portfolios. Drive revenue optimisation and customer value creation initiatives.

Partnerships & Ecosystem Development

Identify, negotiate and manage strategic partnerships. Establish collaborative ecosystems that improve customer outcomes. Develop partnership governance frameworks. Measure and optimise partnership effectiveness and value delivery.

Strategic Planning & Performance

Lead annual and multi-year planning processes. Define strategic measures and scorecards. Monitor strategic outcomes and enterprise performance. Present strategic insights and recommendations to executive forums.

Organizational Transformation & Innovation

Lead strategic transformation programmes. Promote innovation and agile ways of working. Drive customer‑centricity and data‑informed decision making. Support digital transformation initiatives.

Stakeholder Influence

Influence executive decision making through evidence‑based recommendations. Represent RMA at industry, government and executive forums. Build strategic relationships that advance RMA's positioning.

People Leadership

Lead and develop a high-performing strategy and partnerships team. Foster a culture of accountability, innovation and collaboration. Drive workforce capability, succession planning and talent development. Create an inclusive and high-engagement environment.

Governance & Risk Management

Ensure compliance with regulatory and governance requirements. Identify and manage strategic risks. Maintain effective controls and reporting mechanisms.

Job Requirements

Qualifications

REQUIRED QUALIFICATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Postgraduate Degree in Strategy, Business Management, Commerce, Economics, Finance, Insurance, Actuarial Science or related field.
• MBA or equivalent master’s degree (preferred).
• Management Development Programmer or Executive Leadership Programme (advantageous).

Experience

• 8 - 10 years relevant experience in strategy, consulting, commercial management, partnerships or business transformation.
• Minimum 5 years senior leadership experience.
• Demonstrated experience leading enterprise-wide strategic initiatives.
• Proven commercial strategy and partnership management experience.
• Experience within Financial Services, Insurance, Employee Benefits or Social Insurance environments.
• Strong experience engaging executive leadership and board-level stakeholders.
• Successful track record of leading multidisciplinary teams.

WHAT WILL YOU GET IN RETURN?

We offer great opportunities for personal and professional development in a stable company that’s 132 years strong. The role comes with a competitive salary package and various benefits. Flexible work arrangements (combination of remote and in the office). Furthermore, you will be a part of a dedicated group of colleagues who value teamwork and collaboration.

Turnaround Time: 24 August 2026

The shortlisting process will only start once the application due date has been reached. The time taken to complete this process will depend on how far you progress and the availability of managers. Kindly note that should you not receive a response within 21 days please consider your application unsuccessful.

Our Commitment to transformation:

In accordance with the employment equity plan of Rand Mutual Assurance and its employment equity goals and targets, preference may be given, but is not limited, to candidates from under-represented designated groups.