Area Manager: Alternative Distribution (Free State)

Sanlam Limited; Bloemfontein; On-site; ZAR 300,000 - 400,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in financial services is seeking an Area Manager for Alternative Distribution in Bloemfontein. This role involves overseeing multiple branches, driving business innovation, and ensuring operational excellence. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership skills, a proven track record in sales and distribution, and the ability to foster a culture of innovation. Join a dynamic team that values diversity and is committed to delivering affordable financial solutions to clients in the emerging market. This is a fantastic opportunity to make a significant impact in a thriving organization.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in Long-term and/or Lending experience in sales and servicing.
• Strong track record in retail branch distribution roles.

Responsibilities

• Manage multiple branches ensuring operational efficiency and performance.
• Drive business innovation through partnerships and community engagement.

Skills

Leadership

Sales and Distribution

Financial Services

Business Innovation

Client-Centered Approach

Education

Grade 12 / Matric

Business-related degree or diploma

FAIS Accredited Long-term Insurance

Passed FAIS Regulatory Examination (RE1)

Job description

Area Manager: Alternative Distribution (Free State)

Date: 23 Apr 2025

Location: Bloemfontein, Free State, ZA

Who are we?

Sanlam Developing Markets (SDM) is one of the top financial services providers in the South African entry-level and emerging middle market. It aims to understand the unique requirements of clients and offers a wide range of simple and affordable financial solutions that cover needs such as funeral insurance, savings for education, life cover and personal accident plans.

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee and manage multiple branches within a specific geographic region, ensuring operational efficiency, performance, and strategic alignment with organizational goals.
• Contribute to the implementation of geographical Alternative Distribution channel’s retail branch strategy.
• Demonstrate inspirational leadership to support and manage Branch Managers.
• Drive business innovation through partnerships with identified partners within the group.
• Support the implementation of the Area strategic plan for Alternative Distribution Channel.
• Represent the ambassadorial ‘face of the Area’ in terms of community events and sales campaigns.
• Embrace collaboration and synergy between all channels across segments in the designated geographical area to drive sales and market share growth.
• Accountable for achievement of the Area’s profitability (VNB and expense management) for the province.
• Ensure adherence to compliance and risk management for the designated area.
• Ensure operational excellence within the designated area.
• Support the development of talent, and drive transformation agenda.

What will make you successful in this role?

• Drive change and business innovation within the province.
• Act as sponsor for all major internal change initiatives.
• Identify areas within the provincial operation that need to be made more effective, cost efficient or client centred.
• Create a culture of innovation within the province.
• Encourage and reward staff for business innovation ideas that save costs, increase value add or make processes more effective.

Qualification and Experience:

• Grade 12 / Matric.
• A business-related degree or diploma qualification or related field (an advantage).
• FAIS Accredited Long-term Insurance (Funeral) and Lending.
• Passed FAIS Regulatory Examination (RE1).
• At least 5 years related experience in Long-term and/or Lending experience in a sales and servicing capacity.
• A strong track record of success with prior experience in a retail branch distribution role.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Sound Financial Services experience at a middle management level.
• At least 3 years Sales and Distribution exposure.
• At least 3 years sound management and leadership experience.
• Comprehensive Long-term and Lending Product Knowledge.
• Understanding of regulatory frameworks and acts relevant to the industry.

Core Competencies:

• Collaborates.
• Being resilient.
• Drives results.
• Cultivates innovation.
• Customer focus.

The Sanlam Group is committed to achieving transformation and embraces diversity. This commitment is what drives us to achieve a diverse, inclusive and equitable workplace.