Head Business Development

Palesa Mbali Group; Sandton; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in financial services seeks a Head of Business Development to drive strategic growth and product innovation across insurance segments. The successful candidate will lead cross-functional teams, manage significant business opportunities, and engage with key stakeholders to enhance market presence and client offerings. This role is ideal for an experienced professional with a strong background in business development, insurance, and project management.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 8 years' experience in business development within the Financial Services or Insurance industry.
• Proven experience in leading multifunctional teams and launching new products.

Responsibilities

• Lead cross-functional collaboration and drive the commercialization of products.
• Manage a portfolio of development initiatives aligned with strategic priorities.

Skills

Business principles and financial acumen

Strategic communication

Governance, Risk, and Compliance frameworks

Product development and commercialization

Project management practices

Operational systems optimization

Innovative thinking

Strategic decision making

Planning and organizing

Building partnerships

Education

Master’s Degree in Business Administration

Matric / National Senior Certificate

Job description

The Head of Business Development plays a strategic leadership role in driving business

growth through product innovation, opportunity assessment, strategic enablement, and

commercialization across Life and Non-Life insurance segments. The incumbent will

manage a portfolio of development initiatives, lead innovation through research and

insights, and build strategic partnerships that enhance the organisation’s market presence

and client value proposition.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Growth & Innovation

• Lead cross-functional collaboration to manage the end-to-end product
• Identify and assess new business opportunities through market research,

competitor analysis, and innovation frameworks.

• Drive the commercialization of products and expansion into new channels and
• Lead the ideation and implementation of solutions through the Innovation Hub,

ensuring alignment with strategic priorities.

• Deliver on the Business Development team’s strategic Book of Work aligned to a 3-

year roadmap and stakeholder requirements.

• Monitor and support pilot projects to evaluate success metrics and scalability.
• Communicate initiative outcomes in internal forums to enable informed decision-

making and operational execution.

Stakeholder Engagement & Enablement

• Build and sustain effective relationships with internal departments (e.g. Product,

Distribution, Enablement, Marketing) and key external partners.

• Collaborate with Product Portfolio Managers and the Marketing Team to conduct

research and benchmark offerings across the portfolio.

• Actively participate in product and execution forums to manage product and

Business Case Development & Risk Integration

• Develop business cases with clear insights, market analysis, financial modeling,

and execution plans.

• Incorporate risk, governance, and compliance requirements into all business

development initiatives.

• Recommend and lead process improvements that support scalability and enhance

delivery impact.

Leadership & Talent Development

• Lead, mentor, and support a team of Business Development Managers to ensure

strategic alignment and performance.

• Foster a culture of learning, innovation, and execution excellence within the team.
• Support personal and professional growth through targeted development initiatives

and succession planning.

Qualifications & Experience

Minimum Qualifications :

• Matric / National Senior Certificate (Essential)
• Master’s Degree in Business Administration, Insurance, Strategy, or related field

Preferred)

Experience :

• Minimum of 8 years' experience in business development, opportunity

management, research, and project management within the Financial Services or

Insurance industry.

• Proven experience in leading multifunctional teams, launching new

products / services, and developing strategic partnerships.

Knowledge & Skills

• Strong understanding of :

o Business principles and financial acumen

o Strategic communication and stakeholder engagement

o Governance, Risk, and Compliance frameworks

o Product development, innovation, and commercialization

o Research and market insight methodologies

o Project and portfolio management practices

o Operational systems and business process optimization

• Innovation – Champions and drives creative thinking and new market solutions
• Strategic Decision Making – Assesses opportunity and risk to guide direction
• Planning and Organising – Manages complex workstreams with structure and
• Building Partnerships – Creates value through strong collaboration and influence
• Continuous Learning – Promotes professional development and curiosity
• Technical / Professional Expertise – Applies deep industry knowledge with strategic

Create a job alert for this search