Head Business Development

Sanlam Limited; South Africa; On-site; ZAR 900 000 - 1 200 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading insurance company in South Africa is seeking a Head of Business Development for Santam Direct. The successful candidate will be responsible for driving the strategic direction of business development and managing partnerships, while leading a high-performing team. Candidates should have 6-8 years of experience in Direct Business Development at a senior management level, along with necessary qualifications in finance or insurance. A strong commitment to transformation and diversity within the workplace is essential.

Benefits

Diversity and inclusion commitment

Attractive salary package

Opportunities for growth

Qualifications

• Minimum 6-8 years’ experience in Direct Business Development, with at least 5 years at a senior management level.
• Must be able to travel extensively.
• Experience in Short Term Insurance is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Drive the strategic direction of business development and partnerships.
• Lead a business development team to achieve targets.
• Build and maintain relationships with Brokers and partners.
• Manage the division's budget and financial resources.
• Set a high-performance culture within the team.

Skills

Direct Business Development

Strategic thinking

Relationship management

Financial acumen

Team leadership

Education

Degree in Finance, Economics or Commerce

Insurance qualification (minimum NQF5)

Job description

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.

Qualifications

• 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.