Head of Partner Relationships

at  Sanlam

Who are we?
Sanlam Fintech is a newly established digital first business within the Sanlam Group on a mission to democratize financial advice and solutions for everyone across the African continent. We exist to pioneer inclusive financial confidence helping people build strong foundations to bridge the gap in generational wealth. Our culture is that of agility and constant deployment, we believe in learning fast, learning cheap and learning forward. Our aim is to provide a work environment where knowledge workers can accelerate the development of their ideas and bring innovation to market, at the same time provide compelling career and development proposition that will enable them to realize their dreams.
Position Overview
We are seeking a dynamic and results-oriented leader to head our Partner Relationships team for our exciting Coalition Rewards program serving the Financial Services and Retail industries. You will be responsible for building, managing, and expanding strategic partnerships that drive program growth, member engagement, and value for all stakeholders. This role demands a deep understanding of the B2B landscape, financial services/retail ecosystems, and the ability to cultivate mutually beneficial relationships across diverse organizations. If you thrive in a dynamic environment and possess a knack for building long-term partnerships, we encourage you to apply.

Knowledge and Skills

• Strong understanding of B2B and B2C marketing principles.
• Proven track record of success in driving growth and profitability in a loyalty program or similar environment.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to influence and persuade various stakeholders.
• Data-driven mindset with strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Experience in project management and budget planning.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment

WHAT WILL YOU DO?

• Identify and develop new partnership opportunities: Proactively identify potential partners in the Financial Services and Retail sectors, assessing their strategic fit and potential value contribution to the program.
• Negotiate and finalize partnership agreements: Lead negotiations with potential partners, securing mutually beneficial agreements that align with program goals and partner objectives.
• Manage and onboard new partners: Oversee the onboarding process for new partners, ensuring smooth integration into the program and ongoing support.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with existing partners: Cultivate strong relationships with existing partners, fostering trust, open communication, and ongoing collaboration.
• Drive partner engagement and activation: Develop and implement initiatives to energize partners and encourage their active participation in the program.
• Collaborate with other departments: Partner with Marketing, Program Management, Technology, and other teams to ensure program offerings resonate with partners and address their needs.
• Track and analyse partnership performance: Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the impact of partnerships on program growth, member engagement, and partner satisfaction.
• Identify and manage partnership risks: Proactively identify and mitigate potential risks associated with partnerships, ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements.
• Stay abreast of industry trends and best practices: Continuously monitor the evolving landscape of Financial Services and Retail partnerships, identifying emerging trends and opportunities.
• Lead and develop a high-performing partnerships team: Build and motivate a team of professionals responsible for managing and nurturing partner relationships.
  Qualification and Experience
  Degree with 8 to 10 years of experience.

WHAT WILL MAKE YOU SUCCESSFUL IN THIS ROLE?

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Comfortable with ambiguity in a fluid organization.
• A natural skill to engage with people at a deep level whether observing or interviewing customers or working with fellow team members and clients.
• A high level of attention to detail with excellent organizational skills.
• Passionate and enthusiastic about excellence and attention to detail.
• A self-starter who identifies opportunities and potential problems — addressing them effectively and efficiently.

Knowledge and Skills

• Strong understanding of B2B and B2C marketing principles.
• Proven track record of success in driving growth and profitability in a loyalty program or similar environment.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to influence and persuade various stakeholders.
• Data-driven mindset with strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Experience in project management and budget planning.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.