Executive Head of Corporate Business Sanlam Life Insurance Zambia Limited

Job Summary

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the role of Executive Head of Corporate Business will be responsible for optimizing the performance of the Corporate Business portfolio with a focus on
client acquisition and retention, in developing and managing relationships with all stakeholders.

Purpose of the role

• Monitoring and analysis of financial performance metrics to develop and implement a Corporate Business strategy that meets profitability targets.
• Cultivating and fortifying relationships with key decision makers in Corporates, Banks, Brokering Firms, and Affinity Channels, to create enduring partnerships and sustained business opportunities.
• Spearheading efforts to identify and explore new leads, potential markets, and strategic opportunities through diligent research and networking activities.
• Collaborating closely with internal and external stakeholders to develop and innovate market-relevant products, aligning them with evolving client needs and industry trends, and co-operating with product development teams to create tailored insurance products for the corporate sector.
• Collaborating with sales and marketing teams to drive brand awareness and attract new customers, increasing the corporate client base.
• Implementing cost-effective measures and resource allocation strategies.
• Evaluation and enhancement of existing processes to meet the highest standards of systems, regulatory compliance, strategic objectives, and client requirements.
• Employing decisive negotiation skills and decision-making authority in formulating and finalizing sales with Brokers and Clients, ensuring favorable outcomes and mutually beneficial agreements.
• Monitoring client preferences to drive sales efforts for both new business and organic growth.
• Identification of opportunities to enter new markets or expand the organization’s presence in existing markets.
• Oversight of risk assessment and management of risks associated with corporate insurance policies and implementing strategies to mitigate such risks to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Acquisition, oversight and stewardship of Corporate Business Development & Operations teams, to ensure the creation of a high-performing and efficient department.
• Fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment, and work culture to maximize team productivity.
• Providing data-driven reports to the executive and non-executive leadership on the performance of the corporate business segment.

Minimum qualifications and experience

• Grade 12 (or equivalent)
• Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Sales and Sales Management or Equivalent Professional Qualification.
• Masters Degree in Business Administration or Equivalent.
• Qualification in Life Assurance is a major advantage.
• 10 years In-depth knowledge of insurance products, regulations, and market trends.
• Proven executive leadership experience in the insurance, banking or similar industry, with a focus on corporate business development or individual life insurance.
• Financial acumen and experience in managing P&L for a business segment.
• Technical Knowledge of Group Risks Business, Pensions, and Micro Insurance.
• Strong strategic planning, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrably strong communication and negotiation abilities.
• Demonstrated ability to drive innovation and change within an organization.
• In-depth knowledge of corporate insurance products, market dynamics, and regulatory requirements.
• Leadership experience in driving cross-functional collaboration.