Permanent Area Manager | Sanlam
Job Description
Sanlam Vacancies – Area Manager: Alternative Distribution (Free State)
Location: Bloemfontein, Free State
Company: Sanlam
Job Type: Permanent
Job Sector: Retail Management
Area Manager: Alternative Distribution (Free State)
Company: Sanlam
Who are we?
Sanlam Developing Markets (SDM), a subsidiary of Sanlam Life Limited, is a leading financial services provider for South Africa’s entry-level and emerging middle market. We offer simple, affordable solutions like funeral insurance, education savings, life cover, and personal accident plans. Managed under Sanlam’s SA Retail Mass cluster, we focus on retail products and group schemes.
What will you do?
Strategic Leadership:
- Oversee multiple branches, ensuring operational efficiency and alignment with Sanlam’s goals in business insurance and lending.
- Implement the Alternative Distribution channel’s retail branch strategy.
- Lead and support Branch Managers to drive performance.
- Foster innovation through partnerships and strategic initiatives.
- Represent Sanlam at community and sales events.
- Collaborate across segments to grow market share.
- Ensure profitability (VNB), expense management, compliance, and operational excellence.
- Drive talent development and transformation.
Operational Leadership:
- Align operational plans with the channel’s strategic objectives.
- Monitor branch performance and policy implementation.
- Address audit findings and ensure corrective action.
Area Ambassador Role:
- Act as Sanlam’s representative in the province, building relationships with clients, stakeholders, and industry bodies.
- Strengthen Sanlam’s brand presence through events and partnerships.
- Engage with product houses and key stakeholders to support provincial goals.
What will make you successful in this role?
Innovation & Change Management:
- Drive business innovation and support strategic change initiatives.
- Identify efficiency improvements and foster a culture of innovation.
- Encourage cost-saving and value-adding ideas.
Relationships & Market Growth:
- Partner with leadership on high-value client engagements.
- Develop strategies to penetrate new market segments.
- Strengthen internal and external networks to support sales and service strategies.
People Management:
Recruitment & Transformation:
- Attract and retain high-potential talent.
- Champion transformation and diversity targets.
- Mentor and groom staff for succession planning.
Training & Performance:
- Implement development plans for teams.
- Coach and motivate staff for high performance.
- Manage performance contracts, leave, and career development.
Qualifications & Experience:
- Matric (Grade 12).
- Business-related degree/diploma (advantageous).
- FAIS Accredited (Long-term Insurance & Lending).
- Passed RE1 and compliant with CPD.
- Minimum 5 years’ experience (3+ years in Long-term/Lending sales/service).
- Proven track record in retail branch distribution.
Knowledge & Skills:
- Financial services middle management experience.
- 3+ years in sales, distribution, and leadership.
- Expertise in insurance, lending, and regulatory frameworks (FSCA, FAIS, POPIA, NCA).
Personal Attributes:
- Strong communication, persuasion, and interpersonal skills.
- Tech-savvy, action-oriented, and resilient.
Build a Career with Us
At Sanlam, we invest in your growth through our business clusters—Sanlam Fintech, Sanlam Life and Savings, Sanlam Investment Group, Sanlam Allianz, Santam, MiWay, and Group Office.
Core Competencies:
- Collaboration, resilience, results-driven, innovation, and customer focus.
Turnaround Time:
Shortlisting begins after the application deadline. Timelines vary based on candidate progression and manager availability.
Sanlam promotes diversity and transformation, aligning with our Employment Equity goals. Join us in shaping a thriving, inclusive workplace.
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How to Apply
To apply for this position, click the “Apply Now” button or follow the specific instructions provided in the job description. Ensure that your CV and supporting documents are up to date and relevant to the position.
Please note: This job posting may be closed at any time by the employer, either due to internal recruitment policies, legal requirements, or once a suitable candidate has been found. We encourage you to apply as early as possible.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
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