Head of Direct

To lead the Santam Direct team to deliver on its vision and strategic objectives.

PRINCIPLE ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Lead the business in delivering on the set business objectives and expectations of the Santam Board which includes but are not limited to: delivering the profit and growth objectives of Santam Direct and delivery of milestones as set in the Santam Direct vision.
• Drive a high performance and staff retentions culture.
• Empower, develop and motivate employees and emerging leaders and specialists to achieve operational excellence.
• Lead a seasoned team - direct reports include Head: Sales, Head: Client Engagement, Business process management, Underwriting. 
• Drive digital transformation in the business and client base.
• Be a key facilitator in managing channel conflict.
• Ensure collaboration between various business functions to achieve the business objectives.
• Drive a scalable direct to market short term business with operational efficiency.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Relevant business degree or advanced diploma
• FAIS compliant including RE 1
• Minimum 8 years’ experience in a Direct or Call centre environment, of which 5 years were at senior management or executive level
• A minimum of 5 years short term insurance experience 
• Proven track record in successful leadership/line roles
• In-depth knowledge of the insurance industry, along with diversified experience in areas such as sales , client engagement, business process management, and underwriting etc.

KNOWLEDGE

• Understand the strategic imperatives facing the Short Term industry 
• Understand global industry trends and themes
• Excellent business acumen
• Understanding financial statements, ratios and key indicators essential
• Strategic thinker with analytical skills to comprehend and react to key statistical drivers of the business.

SKILLS

• Computer Literate 
• Strong negotiating and influencing skills
• Delivery/results orientated
• Ability to work with cross functional teams both internal and external to the organisation
• Ability to improve productivity and reduce costs by maximising operational capabilities
• Self-motivated and target driven
• Adaptable to change

ABOUT THE COMPANY

Santam is the market leader in the general insurance industry in Southern Africa. We are a large, diversified, expanding and transforming company and whilst based in South Africa, we are rapidly moving into a number of emerging markets, both in Africa and Asia. Our success is rooted in our passion for our clients and everything we do is centered on our delivery of Insurance Good and Proper. We’re about people. People drive our business so it follows that we want to recruit the best people possible whether they work for us permanently or for a short time as temporary employees. At Santam we are committed to transformation and embracing diversity. This commitment is what drives us to achieve a diverse workplace with employment equity as a key goal to create an inclusive workforce, representative of the demographics of our society. In achieving our employment equity goals we give preference to applicants from the designated groups in alignment with the Divisions Employment Equity targets. Qualified applicants are invited to submit their cover letter, CV, and salary requirements in MS Word format online at Should you be aware of a qualified individual, please pass this vacancy on to them. Our recruitment process

Onboarding

Step 8 You made it. Here we ensure we receive all your documents to get you onto our payroll system. Our recruitment process

Advertise

Step 1 Our vacancies are advertised between 3-5 days depending on the market availability of the skills required. Our recruitment process Step 2 Could take a couple of days depending on the volume and the screening process, which various according to the complexity of the role. Our recruitment process Step 3 Long listed candidates are sent to the hiring manager to review and consider for the next stage of the selection process. Our recruitment process

Telephonic screening

Step 4 Candidates may be contacted for a short screening interview to get to know them better and to ask any clarity seeking questions. Our recruitment process

Your interview

Step 5 We use a competency interview model. Interview dates will be confirmed via e-mail. During the interview you will be introduced to the panel and the process will be explained. Remain calm and sell yourself. This is our opportunity to match your skills to the job. You only get one shot! Our recruitment process

Assessment

Step 6 Should we like what you bring to the table, depending on the job you are being considered for, you may be invited to complete a psychometric assessment. Further employment checks are conducted the ensure the validity of your credentials. Our recruitment process Step 7 Prior to an offer being made, there may be a second interview to meet with the Head of Department.Should there be a need for any further interviews, be sure to bring the same charm that got you through your first interview. Our recruitment process

Onboarding

Step 8 You made it. Here we ensure we receive all your documents to get you onto our payroll system. Our recruitment process

Advertise

Step 1 Our vacancies are advertised between 3-5 days depending on the market availability of the skills required. Our recruitment process Step 2 Could take a couple of days depending on the volume and the screening process, which various according to the complexity of the role. Our recruitment process Step 3 Long listed candidates are sent to the hiring manager to review and consider for the next stage of the selection process. Our recruitment process

Telephonic screening

Step 4 Candidates may be contacted for a short screening interview to get to know them better and to ask any clarity seeking questions. Our recruitment process

Your interview

Step 5 We use a competency interview model. Interview dates will be confirmed via e-mail. During the interview you will be introduced to the panel and the process will be explained. Remain calm and sell yourself. This is our opportunity to match your skills to the job. You only get one shot! Our recruitment process

Assessment

Step 6 Should we like what you bring to the table, depending on the job you are being considered for, you may be invited to complete a psychometric assessment. Further employment checks are conducted the ensure the validity of your credentials. Our recruitment process Step 7 Prior to an offer being made, there may be a second interview to meet with the Head of Department.Should there be a need for any further interviews, be sure to bring the same charm that got you through your first interview. Our recruitment process

Onboarding

Step 8 You made it. Here we ensure we receive all your documents to get you onto our payroll system.

TIPS & TRICKS

Getting ready for your interview

There is not just one way to be successful at Santam, nor is there one way to interview with us. Interviewing is a two-way process - it helps us learn about you, and it helps you learn about us, our people, and what you could do here. Santam has been officially recognised by the Top Employers Institute as a Top Employer 2024 for excellence in people practices. This is the eighth consecutive year that we have achieved this accolade. #J-18808-Ljbffr