Head Business Development

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

Job summary

A leading insurance company is seeking a Head of Business Development for Santam Direct in Bellville, Western Cape. The successful candidate will have a proven track record in Direct Business Development and extensive experience in leading teams to achieve strategic goals. Responsibilities include driving business development efforts, establishing partnerships, and overseeing budget management. Ideal candidates will possess a degree in Finance or Economics and relevant insurance qualifications while demonstrating strong leadership skills and the ability to travel extensively.

Qualifications

• Proven track record in Direct Business Development.
• Minimum 6-8 years' experience in a direct environment.
• Experience at a senior management level.
• Minimum 5 years Short Term Insurance experience (advantageous).
• Able to travel extensively.

Responsibilities

• Drive strategic direction of business development.
• Ensure targets for Santam Direct are met.
• Source partnerships for quality leads and sales.
• Draft and implement commercial agreements.
• Maintain positive relationships with partners.

Skills

Direct Business Development

Strategic Thinking

Budget Management

Partnership Sourcing

Team Leadership

Education

Degree in Finance, Economics or Commerce

Insurance Qualification – minimum NQF5

Job description

Who are we?

Santam is the market leader in the general insurance industry in Southern Africa. We are a large, diversified, expanding and transforming company and whilst based in South Africa, we are rapidly moving into a number of emerging markets, both in Africa and Asia. Our success is rooted in our passion for our clients and everything we do is centred on our delivery of Insurance Good and Proper.

What will you do?

A position has become available for the Head of Business Development, Santam Direct.
We are looking for an individual who is highly competent in both the operational and strategic aspects of Direct insurance and Direct Business Development. Someone who can work autonomously but will also be a key driver for the success of the wider team and functions. The position reports directly into the Head of Direct, Santam Client Solutions

Key Responsibilities

• Drive the strategic direction of business development and the partner space for Santam Direct.
• To ensure that the Santam Direct approved targets are reached / exceeded.
• Responsible to source partnerships which generate high quality leads and sales for Santam Direct.
• Draft and implement the commercial agreements in place with our partners to ensure a good profitable business relationship.
• Responsible for maintaining positive relationships with Brokers, Referral partners and other business partners.
• Ability to think strategically and create new opportunities, as well as the operational understanding to ensure delivery on those opportunities to the benefit of Santam Direct as well as the wider Commercial and Personal Business.
• Set and drive a high performance culture.
• Lead a business development team to achieve their targets, implement efficient business processes and effectively manage team morale and performance.
• Effective management of the division’s budget and its resources. Detailed understanding of the financial drivers of a business is key.
• Build strategic and operational alliances with business units within.

Minimum Requirements

• Experience and proven track record in Direct Business Development required.
• A minimum of 6- 8 years’ experience in a direct environment, majority in business development and of which a minimum of 5 are at a senior management level.
• Degree in Finance, Economics or Commerce (advantageous)
• Insurance qualification – minimum NQF5.
• Minimum 5 years Short Term Insurance experience (advantageous)
• Able to travel extensively.

Our commitment to transformation

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!

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 as we believe that these are key components to ensuring a thriving and sustainable business in South Africa. The Group's Employment Equity plan and targets will be considered as part of the selection process.