Business Head - Rest of Africa and Parametric Crop Insurance

CAREER OPPORTUNITY

Santam Agriculture has a career opportunity for a Business Head:  ROA and Parametric Crop Insurance who will be based at their Alice Lane office

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Define and execute a clear vision and growth strategy for the solutions in parametric insurance business, including new product development (e.g., climate risk, supply chain disruption solutions) in South Africa and the Rest of Africa.
• Lead the design of customized agricultural solutions using data and technology, collaborating with internal teams (tech, operations, actuarial).
• Establish pre-agreed triggers, data sources, and payout mechanisms for various perils (e.g. parametric products, natural catastrophes, weather events).
• Ensure robust risk assessment and modeling, balancing risk retention and transfer (including to reinsurers), and address basis risk.
• Cultivate strong relationships with internal stakeholders, brokers, reinsurers, data providers, and clients; negotiate reinsurance program placements and manage global service provider interfaces.
• Oversee operational aspects, ensuring efficient claims processing and policy administration, with a focus on rapid, automatic payouts and transparency.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory frameworks and implement strong compliance and ethical practices.

Additional Responsibilities

• Design and implement growth strategy for parametric insurance in South Africa.
• Build the function and identify new business opportunities, customer segments, and revenue streams.
• Develop and manage a robust sales pipeline; ensure consistent deal closures in profitable segments.
• Forge partnerships with insurers, reinsurers, agri-input companies, and government agencies.
• Generate, qualify, and nurture leads; tailor sales strategies to parametric product models.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to deliver custom solutions.
• Monitor market trends, climate risk data, policy shifts, and competitor offerings.
• Where required represent the company at forums, conferences, and exhibitions.
• Build and mentor a lean team; deliver performance reports and business insights to Executive leadership.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Master’s or Bachelor’s degree in Business, Insurance, Agriculture, Climate Science, or related field.
• Minimum 6 years’ experience in business development, preferably in parametric or climate-risk insurance, reinsurance, or rural financial services.
• In-depth understanding of parametric insurance products, climate data, and risk triggers.
• Strong negotiation, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Entrepreneurial mindset, strong execution skills, adaptability, and willingness to travel extensively, especially to risk-prone or underserved regions.
• Preferred: Experience in insurtech, parametric product design, reinsurance, or agri-fintech; existing relationships with insurers, reinsurers, government bodies, and institutional clients; familiarity with data platforms (weather, satellite, etc.) and digital insurance infrastructure.

COMPETENCIES

• Strategic thinking and business development skills.
• Strong relationship-building and negotiation abilities.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Financial acumen and budget management.
• Ability to lead and coordinate teams effectively.

ABOUT SANTAM

Santam is the market leader in the general insurance industry in Southern Africa. As a large, diversified, and expanding company, we are committed to transformation and growth. While our headquarters are in South Africa, we are rapidly extending our presence into emerging markets across Africa and Asia.

With a client base of over 1 million policyholders, Santam serves individuals, commercial enterprises, specialist business owners, and institutions—including 80 of the Top 100 companies listed on the JSE. Our commitment to Insurance, Good and Proper goes beyond just providing cover—we offer peace of mind, ensuring our clients can focus on living in the moment, not worrying about the unexpected. Because at Santam, we believe the freedom to seize every day is worth protecting.

People drive our business, and we are committed to attracting the best talent, whether for permanent roles or short-term opportunities. 

Santam is committed to diversity, inclusion, and belonging. As an equal opportunity employer, we encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds, including persons with disabilities. We are dedicated to neuro-inclusivity and fostering a workplace where everyone can thrive. 

Take the next step in your career—apply now and be part of a company that’s shaping the future of insurance. This is Freedom!