Chief Broker Distribution Officer

Sanlam Limited; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 1 200 000 - 1 800 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading insurance provider based in Johannesburg is seeking a Chief Broker Distribution Officer to set the strategic direction of broker distribution. The role involves leadership of distribution teams, development of broker strategies, and overseeing key accounts. The successful candidate will have 10–15 years of experience in insurance distribution and a strong track record of revenue growth. Join a company committed to innovation and customer-centricity in the insurance industry.

Benefits

Commitment to diversity and inclusion

Opportunities for career growth

Supportive work environment

Qualifications

• 10–15+ years in general insurance distribution, broker management, and sales leadership.
• Proven track record in leading national broker networks and driving large-scale revenue growth.
• Exposure to digital channel development and modern distribution models is highly advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive broker distribution strategy aligned to corporate objectives.
• Provide leadership to regional, area, and national distribution teams.
• Ensure execution of sales strategies and distribution transformation programmes.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Stakeholder management

Negotiation

Analytical thinking

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business, Insurance, Finance, or related field

Executive leadership/management certification

Job description

This career opportunity is available at Santam Broker Solutions for the Chief Broker Distribution Officer (CBDO) who will be based in Johannesburg

WHAT WILL YOU DO?

The Chief Broker Distribution Officer is responsible for setting the strategic direction, leadership, and operational effectiveness of the SBS broker distribution network. This executive role ensures sustainable profitable growth through strong intermediary relationships, optimised broker channels, innovative distribution models, and market-leading service excellence. The CBDO acts as the primary architect of the broker strategy, ensuring alignment between distribution, underwriting and operational teams.

WHAT WILL MAKE YOU SUCCESSFUL IN THE ROLE?

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and execute a comprehensive broker distribution strategy aligned to corporate objectives.
• Provide leadership and direction to regional, area and national distribution teams.
• Set performance standards, KPIs, and governance frameworks for the broker distribution ecosystem.
• Oversee the acquisition, onboarding, and segmentation of broker partners nationally.
• Ensure an optimised broker portfolio that balances growth, profitability, and market coverage.
• Lead initiatives to strengthen key accounts and strategic broker partnerships.
• Own national sales targets, premium revenue, broker channel profitability, and market share growth.
• Monitor performance across regions, channels, and broker segments.
• Ensure execution of sales strategies, incentives, and distribution transformation programmes.

Broker Experience & Relationship Management

• Champion a world-class broker experience across service, systems, communication, and support.
• Oversee broker engagement models, service-level agreements, and relationship frameworks.
• Analyse market dynamics, competitor strategies, regulatory changes, and broker channel trends.
• Provide strategic insights to shape product, pricing, and underwriting decisions.
  Lead thought leadership initiatives in the intermediary market.
• Ensure full adherence to regulatory standards (e.g., FAIS, TCF, POPIA).
• Oversee broker governance protocols, accreditation standards, and audit frameworks.
• Align distribution operations with underwriting risk appetite and company policies.

Cross-Functional Executive Collaboration

• Work closely with the Chief Underwriting Officer, Exec Business Development, Chief Operations Officer, and other executives.
• Ensure distribution strategies are supported by operational and technological capabilities.

Team Leadership & Capability Development

• Lead and develop regional managers, distribution heads, and key account executives.
• Build a high-performance culture focused on accountability, growth, and customer centricity.
• Oversee talent development, succession planning, and capacity building within the distribution team.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in business, Insurance, Finance, or related field (required) or RPL.
• Executive leadership/management certification beneficial.
• Relevant industry accreditation
• 10–15+ years in general insurance distribution, broker management, and sales leadership.
• Proven track record in leading national broker networks and driving large-scale revenue growth.
• Strong experience in strategic planning, stakeholder management, and executive decision‑making.
• Exposure to digital channel development and modern distribution models is highly advantageous.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

Technical Knowledge

• Deep understanding of general insurance (commercial and personal lines).
• Strong grasp of underwriting, pricing, portfolio management, and risk selection.
• Broad knowledge of regulatory frameworks and broker compliance.

Leadership & Strategic Skills

• Exceptional leadership and stakeholder influence.
• Strategic thinking with ability to translate vision into execution.
• Strong commercial acumen and financial understanding.
• Excellent negotiation and relationship‑building skills.
• Executive presence and credibility.
• High emotional intelligence and interpersonal savvy.
• Broker and Client‑obsessed mindset.
• Strong analytical and decision‑making abilities.
• Change leadership and innovation orientation.

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

• Drives results
• Deciding and initiating action
• Leading and supervising
• Client focus
• Flexibility and adaptability
• Cultivates innovation
• Strategic decision making
• Analytical thinking
• Business acumen
• Coaching and development

WHO WE ARE

Santam is the market leader in the general insurance industry in Southern Africa. As a large, diversified, and expanding company, we are committed to transformation and growth. While our headquarters are in South Africa, we are rapidly extending our presence into emerging markets across Africa and Asia.

With a client base of over 1 million policyholders, Santam serves individuals, commercial enterprises, specialist business owners, and institutions—including 80 of the Top 100 companies listed on the JSE. Our commitment to Insurance, Good and Proper goes beyond just providing cover—we offer peace of mind, ensuring our clients can focus on living in the moment, not worrying about the unexpected. Because at Santam, we believe the freedom to seize every day is worth protecting.

People drive our business, and we are committed to attracting the best talent, whether for permanent roles or short‑term opportunities.

Santam is committed to diversity, inclusion, and belonging. As an equal opportunity employer, we encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds, including persons with disabilities. We are dedicated to neuro‑inclusivity and fostering a workplace where everyone can thrive.

Take the next step in your career—apply now and be part of a company that’s shaping the future of insurance. This is Freedom!