Area Manager - Agri (Douglas)

Job Opportunity

Assume the overall responsibility for growth and profitability of Crop Insurance in the designated area, maintaining and expanding contact with clients, aligned with Santam and Broker objectives. Provide technical support, assessments, and deliver high-quality service to the client base.

Role Requirements

Portfolio Growth

• Identify new potential clients and intermediaries; gather market intelligence on competitors.
• Contribute to broker business analysis and manage intermediary prospect lists.
• Prepare and deliver quotes (direct and via intermediaries).
• Participate in industry forums and events.
• Assist regional manager with regional responsibilities.
• Grow the portfolio through direct sales and intermediaries.

Area Management

• Manage relationships with intermediaries and clients.
• Handle meetings to discuss performance and growth.
• Understand local business opportunities and client segmentation.
• Address queries and resolve issues from intermediaries and clients.
• Promote Santam through marketing activities.

Portfolio Management

• Develop sales strategies for the area/region.
• Identify training needs for intermediaries.
• Manage rate levels and identify cross/up-selling opportunities.
• Monitor crop profitability.

Business Planning

• Prepare reports and presentations at regional and senior levels.
• Improve profitability through cost management.
• Analyze existing clients and segments.

Distribution Channel Management

• Advise on channel selection.
• Manage channel implementation and sales functions.
• Handle quotes, conflicts, and underquoting issues.

Loss Assessments

• Perform assessments and manage assessors.
• Train assessors in collaboration with technical services.
• Conduct inspections and re-assessments as needed.

Technical Support

• Train assessors on crop assessments.
• Manage damage reports and assessments post-loss.
• Oversee assessor teams during events like hailstorms.
• Ensure assessment accuracy through random inspections.

Claims Resolution

• Estimate claims and facilitate resolution processes.
• Interpret policy wordings and analyze claims data.
• Manage ex gratia requests and maintain relationships with claims handlers.

Internal Networking

• Build relationships across departments to resolve queries.
• Monitor service levels and participate in planning meetings.
• Manage escalations and service interruptions.

Crops & Farming Methods

• Understand crop climatic needs and issues.
• Know proper farming equipment and machinery use.

Qualifications and Experience

• Grade 12 and a Higher Diploma in Agriculture (preferably horticulture).
• FAIS compliance; experience in Commercial and Personal Lines and RE preferred.
• Valid driver’s license.
• 2-3 years of specialized crop experience.

Knowledge and Skills

• Business management, negotiation, sales, conflict management.
• Strong presentation and writing skills.

About Santam

Santam is a leading insurer in Southern Africa, committed to transformation and growth, with a presence across Africa and Asia. Serving over 1 million policyholders, we focus on providing peace of mind and fostering diversity and inclusion. Join us to shape the future of insurance and enjoy a dynamic work environment.