Area Manager: Alternative Distribution (Free State)

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.