Area Manager: Alternative Distribution (Northen Cape)

at  Sanlam

WHO ARE WE?

Sanlam Developing Markets [SDM] (a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sanlam Life Limited) is one of the top financial services providers in the South African entry-level and emerging middle market. It aims to understand the unique requirements of clients and offers a wide range of simple and affordable financial solutions that cover needs such as funeral insurance, savings for education, life cover and personal accident plans. In terms of the Sanlam Group Governance Policy, SDM is managed by the SA Retail Mass cluster, which is part of the Sanlam Life and Savings cluster within the Sanlam Group. The cluster focusses on retail products, as well as group schemes.

QUALIFICATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Grade 12 / Matric
• A business-related degree or diploma qualification or related field (an advantage)
• FAIS Accredited Long-term Insurance (Funeral) and Lending
• Passed FAIS Regulatory Examination (RE1)
• Continuous Professional Development (CDP) complaint
• Meet al Fit and Proper requirements.
• Meet all the requirements for each Class of Business.
• At least 5 years related experience in the following but not limited: 3 years or more Long-term and or Lending experience in a sales and servicing capacity.
• A strong track record of success with prior experience in a retail branch distribution role

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

• Sound Financial Services experience at a middle management level
• At least 3 years Sales and Distribution exposure
• At least 3 years sound management and leadership experience
• Insurance and Financial Sector Industry
• Comprehensive Long-term and Lending Product Knowledge
• FSCA and Prudential Authority Framework and Requirements
• FAIS and Consumer Acts
• POPIA, AML, KYC to mention a few
• Basic understanding of underwriting discipline
• Insurance and Financial Sector Regulatory bodies
• Ombudsman (Long-term Insurance)
• National Credit Act and Regulatory Authority

WHAT WILL YOU DO?

• The purpose of an Area Manager is to oversee and manage multiple branches within a specific geographic region, ensuring operational efficiency, performance, and strategic alignment with organizational goals through business insurance and lending
• Contribute to the implementation of geographical Alternative Distribution channel’s retail branch strategy
• Demonstrate inspirational leadership to support and manage Branch Managers
• Drive business innovation through partnerships with identified partners within the group.
• Support the implementation of the Area strategic plan for Alternative Distribution Channel
• Represent the ambassadorial ‘face of the Area’ in terms of community events and sales campaigns
• Embrace collaboration and synergy between all channels across segments in the designated geographical area to drive sales and market share growth
• Accountable for achievement of the Area’s profitability (VNB and expense management) for the province
• Ensure adherence to compliance and risk management for the designated area
• Ensure operational excellence within the designated area
• Support the development of talent, and drive transformation agenda.

AREA AMBASSADOR ROLE:

• Be the face of the Area (Cross Channel), an ambassador for clients, stakeholders and intermediaries in the province (relationship building, events, recognition conferences, networking, opening doors, influencing etc.)
• Positioning of Sanlam as a brand and business on provincial level in the market with key public and private market stakeholders
• Engage with industry bodies (i.e. business and community forums)
• Develop and maintain provincial business partnerships within the financial services community (including competitor liaison when required)
• Host events and functions that drive recognition
• Forge close relationships and influence with Product Houses and key HO functions on behalf of the province in order

WHAT WILL MAKE YOU SUCCESSFUL IN THIS ROLE?

• Drive change and business innovation within the province
• Drive and support the Alternative Distribution retail branch strategy
• Act as sponsor for all major internal change initiatives (i.e. restructuring) within the area’s communication/visibility, change management and support activities
• Identify areas within the provincial operation that need to be made more effective, cost efficient or client centred; and create actions and projects to improve these through innovation
• Create a culture of innovation within the province
• Encourage and reward staff for business innovation ideas that save costs, increase value add or make processes more effective