Head of Strategy and Innovation : Santam Broker Solutions

Santam; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 1 200 000 - 1 800 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading insurance firm based in Johannesburg is seeking a Head of Strategy and Innovation. The successful candidate will drive strategic initiatives, conduct market analysis, and engage with stakeholders. Must have 10 years of experience in the industry, particularly in Short-Term Insurance as a Broker.

Qualifications

• 10 years industry experience; more than 5 years experience in Short Term Insurance as a Broker.

Responsibilities

• Drive the development and implementation of strategy for SBS.
• Conduct market and competitor analysis via engagement.
• Drive strategic initiatives from business case to implementation.

Skills

Relationship skills

Analytical skills

Strategic thinking

Education

Relevant postgraduate degree or similar

Senior / Executive Development programs

Job description

What will you do?

This career opportunity is available at Santam Broker Solutions for the Head of Strategy and Innovation, who will be based in Johannesburg.

Santam Broker Solutions conduct short-term insurance business across personal, commercial and mid-market corporate business, distributed through independent brokers across South Africa and Namibia. The business consists of a distribution force in field, three servicing channels – contact centers, online business and outsourced business, underwriting and other support services. The successful individual will drive the development and implementation of Santam Broker Solutions (SBS) strategy as the main responsibility.

What will make you successful in this role?

• Think strategy in the 1 to 3 years’ time window. Consider the distribution business, identify trends / opportunities / threats that SBS need to take on board and develop plans for.
• Conduct research and conversations with all stakeholders to arrive at a collective view of the issues at hand and the potential approaches, develop the strategy, and first level tactics to address and execute on this in collaboration with the rest of the business. Transformational initiatives are handed off only once we are comfortable that they are materially business as usual.
• Drive Strategic Initiatives portfolio from business case approval to implementation. Retain ownership of the strategic initiative, where the matter has high probability for multi-year evolution as well.
• Conduct market and competitor analysis through engagements in the field with our people, brokers and industry bodies etc.
• Assist with translating research and strategic planning for not just Santam Broker Solutions, but for the broader Santam intermediated business, and landing the messages where necessary / appropriate.
• Involvement in tactical initiatives currently underway to assist with redirection, rethinking and requiring broad and deep understanding of the entire business. This also translates into picking up critical strategic priority duties where required in the business.
• For the strategic priorities’ portfolio, play the business / Agile Product Manager role.
• Following from broker / intermediary background and experience, help in the Broker distribution side of the business to deliver broker enablement strategies.
• Represent SBS CEO and other SBS Executive members where required in Strategic Project Steering Committees, industry forums etc.
• Direct and plan digital & AI transformation strategy that is fit for purpose across the various channels of Broker Solutions.
• Advise; shape and deliver technology led transformation programs.
• Adopt a prioritization approach to develop a roadmap for innovation with the relevant processes, tools and metrics to support business objectives and new growth opportunities.

Qualification and Experience

• Relevant postgraduate degree or similar.
• Senior / Executive Development programs.
• 10 years industry experience; more than 5 years experience in Short Term Insurance as a Broker.

Knowledge and Skills

• Strong relationship skills and engagement experience at group Exco / Board level.
• Strong analytical and strategic skills.

Core Competencies

• Collaborates - Contributing independently.
• Being resilient - Contributing independently.
• Drives results - Contributing independently.
• Cultivates innovation - Contributing independently.
• Customer focus - Contributing independently.

About The Company

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.