Group Head: Transformation (CPT/JHB)

The role

A position of Group Head: Transformation exists in Santam. This role may be based at Head Office, Tygervalley, or Alice Lane, Sandton, and reports directly to the Executive Head: Strategy and Investor Relations

What will you do?

The overall purpose of this function is to provide leadership and direction on Transformation across the Santam Group, through an integrated Transformation strategy that is in alignment with the Santam business strategy.  This role will support the implementation of transformation plans by the respective business unit executive heads, monitor, evaluate and report on the impact of various transformation initiatives/strategies.

What will make you successful in this role?

STRATEGY DEVELOPMENT AND REVIEW:

• Development of the Santam Group Transformation strategy – considering the workforce, workplace and marketplace perspective to create shared value for key stakeholders (e.g. employees, suppliers, intermediaries, business partners, clients, communities and greater society).
• Ensure that transformation plans and activities are aligned to the overarching business strategy, vision and objectives of the Santam Group and obtain commitment from Exco and senior leadership to implement respectively.
• Be the custodian of Santam’s Transformation strategy, policy and implementation plan.
• Advise Exco and the Board on transformation trends, compliance risks and strategic opportunities .
• Enhance Santam’s reputation and brand perception amongst stakeholders and thus allow the business to be able to capture business opportunities.
• Drive the enablement for Santam to be able to respond to the Financial Sector legislative requirements as well as industry-specific transformation requirements.
• Provide a cohesive approach and define a clear business case when driving Financial Sector legislation Codes compliance within the business.
• Ensure that stakeholder (e.g. government) expectations around transformation (beyond compliance) are appropriately understood and positioned accordingly.
• Development and continuous assessment of measurement/impact levels as it aligns to Transformation group strategy regarding Transformation deliverables.

ACTIVATION OF THE STRATEGY:

• Facilitate the development and implementation of relevant transformation strategies by the respective executive heads and their teams.
• Monitor the implementation of these plans and objectives.
• Monitor transformation KPIs and provide regular reporting on the status of the business transformation objectives via the Executive Head Strategy and Investor Relations to Exco, Board subcommittees and industry bodies as required.
• Ensure compliance to legislative requirements and regulatory bodies.
• Oversee end-to-end B-BBEE verification process, ensuring accurate data, evidence and audit readiness.
• Lead Supplier Development and Enterprise Development Strategies to strengthen black-owned and black women-owned suppliers in the insurance value chain.
• Design and manage high-impact Socio-Economic Development initiatives aligned to financial inclusion and industry-relevant upliftment programmes
• Oversee mentorship programme and procurement inclusion strategies.
• Manage the governance and change management process to ensure effective implementation of the transformation strategy.
• Develop and implement a communication strategy that ensures the leverage impact of the brand, both internally and externally, is achieved. 
• Ensure relevant transformation structures are in place based on the approved strategy.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to ensure alignment of processes, systems and initiatives required to effect the company’s Transformation strategy and plan.

STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT:

• Build and maintain effective relationships with relevant internal and external stakeholders. E.g. SAIA, ASISA, government department etc.
• Manage the relationship with the service providers/suppliers ensuring compliance to legislation and Santam policies at all times.

Qualification and experience

• Business Degree – BA/ BCom, coupled with post graduate qualification in business management.

• 5 - 8 years in the following areas:

  • Knowledge and understanding of BBBEE and other relevant legislation.
  • Experience in Sustainability / Risk management.
  • Experience in operating in a matrix structure across a diverse group of businesses.
  • A good understanding and influence on regulation in the transformation space and must be able to guide the business accordingly.
  • Experience in the Insurance industry is an added advantage.
  • Strategic and business management experience.
  • Reporting directly to the Executive and or board level.
  • Management experience, including experience in Transformation/ BBBEE.
  • Integrating, aligning and executing strategy.
  • Disciplines of the scope of work require the role to be broadly versed in relation to the legislative and regulatory frameworks (not an exhaustive list, but most relevant are:  EE, Skills Development , Preferential Procurement, Small business development, companies act, financial inclusion imperatives/f micro insurance legislation, Financial Sector Code, DTI codes.  Broad understanding of the National Development Plan).

Skills

• Strategy development
• Leadership capability
• Systems / Integrative thinking
• Project management skills
• Shared Value understanding
• Negotiation
• Planning and organising 
• Change management
• Conflict Management
• Excellent communication skills
• Problem solving

Competencies

• Collaborates
• Client focus
• Drives results 
• Flexibility and adaptability
• Cultivates Innovation
• Emotional intelligence
• Business and Commercial Acumen
• Strategic Mindset
• Thought leadership
• Resourcefulness
• Interpersonal savvy
• Passion for socio-economic development and inclusive growth