Job Description

Introduction

Zestlife is seeking a strategic and driven Operational Executive to lead the company's operational and systems functions. This pivotal role will oversee policy administration, process improvement, vendor management, and IT integration to ensure operational excellence and seamless customer service delivery.

The successful candidate will take full ownership of the operational infrastructure, driving efficiency, compliance, and innovation across all life and non-life portfolios.

Disclaimer

As an applicant, please verify the legitimacy of this job advert on our company career page.

Role Purpose

To take full ownership of the operational function, including policy administration systems, process improvement, vendor management, and IT integration. This role is central to ensuring Zestlife's operational excellence, customer service efficiency, and technological agility.

Requirements

Qualification and Experience

Qualifications



Bachelor's degree in business, Operations, or IT (MBA or relevant postgraduate qualification preferred).


Experience



8 years' experience in operations leadership, preferably within insurance or financial services.
Strong experience with policy administration platforms


Proven change management, vendor negotiation, and cross-functional leadership skills.

Duties & Responsibilities

Responsibilities, work outputs and individual contribution

Operations Leadership

Oversee policy administration, claims, onboarding, servicing, and benefit management.
Ensure high efficiency and minimal disruption in all operational processes.

Technology & Systems Management

Take ownership of the OWLS platform - development roadmap, maintenance, close monitoring of production environment, upgrades, vendor management and provide detailed IT business requirements for implementation of new processes, process changes and products,Collaborate with IT teams and vendors to align system functionality with business requirements.

Process Optimization

Implement process improvements to support scalability, automation, and cost reduction.
Lead operational implementation of new products across life and non-life portfolios.
Governance and Risk
Ensure compliance with internal controls and external regulations.
Review and sign off on templates, client communications, and documentation in line with governance standards.

Team Leadership

Manage operations and IT teams and drive cross-functional collaboration with Finance, Marketing, and Distribution teams.
Collaborate with Finance, Actuarial, and Distribution teams for effective business partnering.

Competencies

Developing strategies: Is focused on developing strategies; thinks in the longer term and anticipates trends; envisages the future and adopts a visionary approach.
Directing people: Is comfortable leading people; coordinates and directs groups; seeks to control things.
Making decisions: Is determined and decides on actions; willingly assumes responsibility; is definitive and stands by own decisions.
Examining information: Analyses and processes information; asks probing questions; strives to find solutions to problems.
Providing Insights: Is focused on continuously improving things; provides insights by identifying key issues; makes intuitive judgement.
* Managing tasks: Manages tasks by being organised and methodical; plans activities systematically; sets priorities for tasks.