Manager : Operations (Strategic Partners)

Santam; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading South African insurance company is seeking an operational manager for its Strategic Partnerships team. The ideal candidate will have over 6 years of experience, driving partner solutions through strategic execution. Responsibilities include coordinating cross-functional teams, implementing strategies for effectiveness, and leading a delivery team. A degree in Business Administration or Operations Management is essential, and strong financial acumen is a must.

Qualifications

• Minimum 6+ years' experience in a similar role leading a team.
• Strong understanding of business processes and performance management.
• Experience in data analytics and partner engagement.

Responsibilities

• Implement strategies and tools for Partner Solutions ecosystem.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams for seamless partner solutions.
• Lead and mentor partnerships operations delivery team.

Skills

Financial acumen

Stakeholder engagement

Innovative thinking

Organizational skills

Communication

Education

Degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, or related field

Postgraduate qualification (Honours or equivalent)

Job description

The role This exciting opportunity is available within Strategic Partnerships (a department of Santam Partnership Solutions) at our Alice Lane (Sandton) or Bellville (Cape Town) office.

What will you do?

The role will be responsible for implementing strategies, tools and processes that increase the effectiveness and efficiency of the Partner Solutions ecosystem.

The Strategic Partnership Unit within Santam Partnership Solutions is focused on growing and developing client base from segments that are not traditional to the Santam base.

The strategic direction is to unleash growth through partner ecosystems and customer bases providing innovative, customer centric insurance solutions that promote financial inclusion and contribute towards us creating new operating income streams.

The ideal candidate combines strong operational, execution skills with insurance sector knowledge, driving growth, innovation, and best-practice delivery.

This role requires a hands‑on operational manager who can navigate the insurance regulatory landscapes, build strong partner relationships, and deliver customer‑centric solutions on a scale What will make you successful in this role?

Delivery and execution of SPS business plan.

Primary focus on operationalising partnership projects and initiatives that enable the Strategic Partnership Division to deliver of its business objectives and targets Implementing strategies, tools and processes that increase the effectiveness and efficiency of the Partner Solutions ecosystem.

Implement support infrastructure to facilitate new and existing partner growth and development Coordinate cross‑functional teams (Product, IT, Finance, Legal, Compliance) to deliver partner solutions seamlessly through effective project management methodology Commercial management - Leading role in commercial negotiations, ensuring mutually beneficial agreements.

Assess and mitigate risks associated with partnerships, ensuring compliance with regulatory and governance standards.

Monitor and evaluate the performance of partnerships, adjusting strategies where necessary.

Stakeholder Management – Implementing appropriate Partner "Ways of Work" and innovative collaborations that align with Santam Partner Solutions’ vision and values. Closely collaborate with internal and external cross‑functional teams in enhancing customer experiences and optimise partner value Implement the roll‑out of an operational excellence program to ensure improved customer satisfaction and business performance.

Lead, mentor, and develop partnerships operations delivery team.

Establish clear objectives, monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and prepare regular operational reports Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and strategic thinking.

Qualification and Experience

A first degree or higher qualification in Business Administration, Operations Management, or a related field is required.

A postgraduate qualification such as an Honours or equivalent would be advantageous.

In some cases, extensive experience and specialised industry knowledge may be considered.

Minimum 6+ years' experience in a similar role with at least 3 years leading a team encompassing operations management, data analytics and partner engagement.

Strong understanding of business processes, workflow optimisation and performance management, ideally in financial services industry.

Skills: Strong financial and commercial acumen, strong stakeholder engagement capabilities, innovative thinking alongside strong organisational skills, communication.