Job Description

Job Purpose
The Head of Business Development plays a strategic leadership role in driving business
growth through product innovation, opportunity assessment, strategic enablement, and
commercialization across Life and Non-Life insurance segments. The incumbent will
manage a portfolio of development initiatives, lead innovation through research and
insights, and build strategic partnerships that enhance the organisation's market presence
and client value proposition.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Growth & Innovation

• Lead cross-functional collaboration to manage the end-to-end product

development lifecycle.

• Identify and assess new business opportunities through market research,

competitor analysis, and innovation frameworks.

• Drive the commercialization of products and expansion into new channels and

market segments.

• Lead the ideation and implementation of solutions through the Innovation Hub,

ensuring alignment with strategic priorities.
Portfolio & Initiative Management

• Deliver on the Business Development team's strategic Book of Work aligned to a 3-

year roadmap and stakeholder requirements.

• Monitor and support pilot projects to evaluate success metrics and scalability.
• Communicate initiative outcomes in internal forums to enable informed decision-

making and operational execution.
Stakeholder Engagement & Enablement

• Build and sustain effective relationships with internal departments (e.g. Product,

Distribution, Enablement, Marketing) and key external partners.

• Collaborate with Product Portfolio Managers and the Marketing Team to conduct

research and benchmark offerings across the portfolio.

• Actively participate in product and execution forums to manage product and

development pipelines.
Business Case Development & Risk Integration

• Develop business cases with clear insights, market analysis, financial modeling,

and execution plans.

• Incorporate risk, governance, and compliance requirements into all business

development initiatives.

• Recommend and lead process improvements that support scalability and enhance

delivery impact.
Leadership & Talent Development

• Lead, mentor, and support a team of Business Development Managers to ensure

strategic alignment and performance.

• Foster a culture of learning, innovation, and execution excellence within the team.
• Support personal and professional growth through targeted development initiatives

and succession planning.
Qualifications & Experience
Minimum Qualifications:

• Matric / National Senior Certificate (Essential)
• Master's Degree in Business Administration, Insurance, Strategy, or related field

(Preferred)
Experience:

• Minimum of 8 years' experience in business development, opportunity

management, research, and project management within the Financial Services or
Insurance industry.

• Proven experience in leading multifunctional teams, launching new

products/services, and developing strategic partnerships.
Knowledge & Skills

• Strong understanding of:

o Business principles and financial acumen
o Strategic communication and stakeholder engagement
o Governance, Risk, and Compliance frameworks
o Product development, innovation, and commercialization
o Research and market insight methodologies
o Project and portfolio management practices
o Operational systems and business process optimization
Behavioural Competencies

• Innovation - Champions and drives creative thinking and new market solutions
• Strategic Decision Making - Assesses opportunity and risk to guide direction
• Planning and Organising - Manages complex workstreams with structure and

discipline

• Building Partnerships - Creates value through strong collaboration and influence
• Continuous Learning - Promotes professional development and curiosity
• Technical/Professional Expertise - Applies deep industry knowledge with strategic

int