Manager: Operations (Strategic Partners)

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

Job summary

A leading insurance company is seeking an operational manager for Strategic Partnerships to enhance partner solutions. The role demands leadership in operations management, skills in project management, and ability to navigate regulatory landscapes. Ideal candidates will have over 6 years of experience, strong financial acumen, and a proven track record in stakeholder engagement. Join this dynamic environment to shape the future of insurance.

Benefits

Commitment to diversity and inclusion

Career development opportunities

Competitive compensation package

Qualifications

• Minimum 6+ years’ experience in a similar role.
• 3+ years leading a team in operations management.
• Strong understanding of performance management in financial services.

Responsibilities

• Implement strategies for partnership growth and effectiveness.
• Lead commercial negotiations and stakeholder management.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams for project delivery.

Skills

Financial acumen

Stakeholder engagement

Organizational skills

Communication

Project management

Analytical abilities

Negotiation

Education

Business Administration or Operations Management

Postgraduate qualification (Honours or equivalent)

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

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 Adminstration, 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 acume
• Strong stakeholder engagement capabilities
• Innovative thinking alongside strong organizational skills
• Communication & influence
• Decision making
• Project management
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Excellent analytical, decision-making, and problem-solving abilities.
• Proven stakeholder management, networking and relationship-building skills.
• Conflict resolution and negotiation capability.
• High attention to detail
• Ability to work under pressure, prioritize effectively, and manage multiple deliverables.

Competencies

• Collaboration
• Drives results
• Client focus
• Flexibility and adaptability
• Cultivates innovation
• Business and commercial acumen
• Reporting and administration
• Data Analytics

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.

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!