Construction Leader - Africa

Marsh & Mclennan Companies; Gauteng; Hybrid; ZAR 900 000 - 1 200 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading construction insurance firm seeks an experienced individual to lead their construction practice in Johannesburg. Responsibilities include managing a team of specialists, overseeing P&L accountability, and developing growth strategies to drive business across the continent. Candidates should have a strong background in construction insurance and proven leadership skills. The position offers hybrid working conditions, requiring at least three days per week in the office.

Benefits

Professional development opportunities

Inclusive work culture

Competitive benefits and rewards

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in the insurance industry, especially in construction.
• 3+ years of management experience leading a team.
• Strong client relationships in the construction sector.
• Technical knowledge of construction risks and insurance products.

Responsibilities

• Manage a team of construction specialists across Africa.
• Oversee client service revenue and P&L accountability.
• Develop and implement growth business plans.
• Maintain client-focused service propositions and pricing.

Skills

Leadership

Client management

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Strategic thinking

Collaboration

Tools

Excel

Word

Outlook

PowerPoint

Job description

We are seeking a talented individual to join our Construction Practice at Marsh.

This role will be based in Sandton, Johannesburg, hybrid and has a requirement of working at least three days a week in the office.

Marsh Specialty – Construction Practice is a market leading specialty business servicing a wide range of construction & infrastructure related clients both in South Africa and across the continent.

We are seeking an outstanding candidate to lead the Marsh Africa Construction practice.

The individual should have a strong technical background in construction insurance, proven leadership experience and be able to evidence the development and implementation of strategies to target specific industries and projects across the Continent.

You can expect to be part of a global construction business renowned for its market‑leading insights, data, products, and services, supporting and driving impactful, complex projects across the continent.

You will work within a dynamic specialty business that offers unparalleled scale, expertise, and market leverage, while being held to the highest standards of operational excellence.

Consistently delivering and accurately reporting results is essential, as is collaborating within a client‑centric environment.

Additionally, you will be part of a company that values its staff and upholds the highest employment standards.

We will count on you to :

Manage an existing team of senior construction specialists supporting clients across the continent, leading the construction practice, managing team members, clients, and project pipelines.

Hold full P&L accountability for achieving client service revenue budgets, including client retention, new and expanded business targets, Net Operating Income, and other margin goals.

Perform monthly revenue reporting, forecasting, and annual budget planning.

Design and deliver a comprehensive, end‑to‑end client service proposition while managing and maintaining disciplined pricing of services.

Network with Africa Regional Offices, Marsh's correspondent network, and the Marsh Global Construction Practices to drive revenue and business opportunities across Africa.

Develop and execute Growth Business Plans with team managers and direct reports focused on enhanced collaboration, turning around under‑performing countries or businesses through mutual target setting and clear accountability, and maintaining an active sales funnel using Marsh pipeline platforms.

Drive engagement and collaboration among colleagues in adjacent teams and across the Marsh global network, including technical broking and placement where required.

Be accountable for all aspects of team performance, including claims, and develop and execute strategic growth priorities.

Ensure adequate training and development plans for team members.

Provide clients with market‑leading, industry‑focused advice and deliver thought leadership periodically.

Support wider colleagues and clients for any construction‑related products and services, identify areas for improvement and optimization across service delivery, placement, and yield generation.

Develop relationships with other specialties within Marsh to provide additional products and services to clients.

Ensure team efficiency and be comfortable working under pressure and to deadlines.

What you need to have :

8 years (minimum) broking, client service and / or insurance industry experience in at least one Specialty line.

3 years (minimum) management experience.

Solid and proven experience of managing highly skilled and senior professionals (managers & team members.

A broad knowledge of the project construction lifecycle with the ability to identify adjacent opportunities for the wider business.

Strong existing client and (re)insurer relationships.

Thorough technical knowledge of construction risks, with a general understanding of all short‑term insurance products is necessary.

A leadership mindset focused on bringing the best out of colleagues and team members.

Strong communication and influencing skills.

Ambition to drive growth across the Continent as well as demonstrated ability to drive new & expanded business.

The ability to get quickly to the root cause of challenges, develop solutions, and execute strategy.

Ability to drive innovation and incorporate digital technologies across the business.

Ability to engage at C‑Suite level.

Experience in the design and placement of large and complex insurance programmes.

Product development and project management capability.

Must be a collaborative candidate.

Must thrive working under pressure.

Be comfortable operating and leading whilst being able to identify when to elevate issues.

Strong proficiency in Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint essential.

Demonstrates confidence in presenting to clients and internally.

What makes you stand out

Proven leadership track record

Proven ability to execute strategies

Ambition to drive growth across the continent

Why join our team :

We help you be your best through professional development opportunities, interesting work and supportive leaders.

We foster a vibrant and inclusive culture where you can work with talented colleagues to create new solutions and have impact for colleagues, clients and communities.

Our scale enables us to provide a range of career opportunities, as well as benefits and rewards to enhance your well‑being.

Marsh McLennan is committed to embracing a diverse, inclusive and flexible work environment.

We aim to attract and retain the best people and embrace diversity of age, background, disability, ethnic origin, family duties, gender orientation or expression, marital status, nationality, parental status, personal or social status, political affiliation, race, religion and beliefs, sex / gender, sexual orientation or expression, skin color, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

We are also committed to providing reasonable support to any candidate with a disability to allow them to fully participate in the recruitment process.

We welcome candidates to contact us at to discuss any specific needs.

Marsh McLennan is committed to hybrid work, which includes the flexibility of working remotely and the collaboration, connections and professional development benefits of working together in the office.

All Marsh McLennan colleagues are expected to be in their local office or working onsite with clients at least three days per week.

Office‑based teams will identify at least one "anchor day" per week on which their full team will be together in person.