Digital Enablement Manager

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

Job summary

A leading financial services provider is seeking a Digital Enablement Manager in Sandton, Gauteng. This role is responsible for driving the digital strategy and adoption within the Direct SME portfolio. Candidates should have 5-8 years of experience in specialist insurance, a strong background in digital strategy formulation, and excellent interpersonal skills. Responsibilities include budget management, leading a high-performance team, and enhancing client engagement through digital platforms. A tertiary qualification and RE5 certification are preferred.

Qualifications

• 5-8 years experience within specialist insurance.

Responsibilities

• Assist in formulating and optimising the Direct SME digital strategy.
• Drive usage and adoption of the Direct SME platform.
• Accountable for top-line growth and retention within the portfolio.
• Support budget preparation and manage expenses related to digital operations.
• Day-to-day management of underwriting and digital operations staff.
• Partner with Marketing to support client acquisition strategies.

Skills

Excellent Interpersonal skills

Systemic Thinking

Self starting

Ability to cope in high pressure environment

Lateral thinking and problem solving relating to PU system

Great presentation skills

Results driven

Personal situation that allows for extensive travel

Education

Matric

Appropriate tertiary qualification or insurance related qualification

RE5

Job description

What will you do?

We have an exciting opportunity for an Digital Enablement Manager within Santam Specialist Solutions.

What will make you successful in this role?

Strategy & Growth Enablement:

• Assist in the formulation, execution, and ongoing optimisation of the Direct SME digital strategy, aligned to growth, profitability, and client experience objectives.
• Drive usage and adoption of the Direct SME platform by end clients, ensuring a seamless digital journey from quote to bind to renewal.
• Implement initiatives that reduce manual underwriting intervention and off-platform processing, while maintaining underwriting integrity.
• Improve turnaround times for new business and renewals through automation, journey optimisation, and workflow design.
• Accountable for top-line growth, retention, and Net Underwriting Result within the Direct SME portfolio.
• Identify and lead strategic initiatives to scale the Direct SME offering across products, industries, and segments.
• Provide regular analysis and reporting on underwriting performance, conversion rates, drop-offs, and digital funnel effectiveness.
• Monitor competitive activity, digital market trends, and emerging SME needs to maintain a competitive digital advantage.
• Provide structured feedback on market intelligence, client behaviour, and platform performance to inform product and system enhancements.

Budget & Commercial Management:

• Support the Executive Head in preparing and managing the Direct SME budget, aligned to growth and sustainability targets.
• Monitor and control expenses related to digital acquisition, underwriting operations, and platform enablement.
• Ensure income generation aligns with approved budgets while maintaining underwriting discipline and loss ratio targets.

People Leadership & Capability Building:

• Day-to-day management of underwriting, digital operations, and support staff within the Direct SME team.
• Set, monitor, and manage performance objectives, KPIs, and sales targets aligned to digital growth outcomes.
• Drive a high-performance culture through coaching, feedback, and structured performance management.
• Identify training and development needs to build digital, underwriting, and client-centric capability.
• Foster collaboration and engagement to support an innovative, agile, and accountable team environment.

Marketing, Digital Adoption & Client Engagement:

• Partner with Marketing and Digital teams to support direct client acquisition strategies, campaigns, and funnel optimisation.
• Support client education and adoption of the Direct SME platform through digital content, onboarding journeys, and targeted engagements. Contribute thought leadership, articles, and insights on SME risk and digital insurance trends.
• Monitor and assess the effectiveness of digital marketing channels, conversion rates, and client engagement metrics.
• Act as a visible ambassador for the Direct SME proposition internally and externally.

Qualifications & Experience

• Matric
• Appropriate tertiary qualification a preference or an insurance related qualfication
• RE5
• 5-8 years experience within specialist insurance

Skills

• Excellent Interpersonal skills
• Systemic Thinking
• Self starting
• Ability to cope in high pressure environment
• Lateral thinking and problem solving relating to PU system
• Great presentation skills
• Results driven
• Personal situation that allows for extensive travel