Business Development Manager - JHB

The role

An exciting opportunity is available within Santam Partnership Solutions for a Business Development Manager to join the  Strategic Partnerships team. This is a permanent position based in either Alice Lane, Sandton, Gauteng

What will you do?

The major purpose of this position is to drive sustainable business growth by identifying, developing, and managing new partnership and revenue opportunities that align with Santam Partner Solutions’ (SPS) and Sanlam Group’s strategic objectives. The role exists to ensure that we continuously expand our footprint, unlock value in existing relationships, and deliver measurable contributions to Gross Written Premium (GWP) growth.

This job operates in a highly competitive and evolving insurance landscape where innovation, cross-sell, and new distribution channels are critical to achieving our growth ambitions. The successful incumbent will ensure that there is focused capacity to hunt for new opportunities, convert them into commercial structures, and support the execution required to deliver impact.

What will make you successful in this role?

• Identify, qualify, and secure new strategic partnerships to drive Santam’s growth and market expansion
• Manage and grow existing partner relationships to maximise value, revenue, and long-term sustainability
• Develop and implement commercial structures and business cases to ensure profitability and scalability
• Co-ordinate cross-functional teams (Product, IT, Finance, Legal, Compliance) to deliver partner solutions seamlessly
• Drive market intelligence and competitor insights to inform partnership strategy and product innovation
• Report on partner performance, pipeline, and strategic KPIs to SPS leadership and EXCO

Qualifications and Experience

• A first degree or higher qualification in Business, Finance, or a related field is required.
• A postgraduate qualification such as an Honours or equivalent would be advantageous.
• In some cases, extensive experience and specialised industry knowledge may be considered.
• Minimum 8 years experience in a similar role in short term insurance
• Sound understanding of the Insurance Act, Short-Term Insurance Act, FAIS Act, FAIS General Code of Conduct, Policyholder Protection Rules (PPR) and Protection of Personal Information Act.

Skills

• Communication & influence
• Decision making
• Planning & organising
• Project management
• Strategic awareness
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Excellent analytical, decision-making, and problem-solving abilities.
• Proven stakeholder management, networking, business development and relationship-building skills.
• Conflict resolution and negotiation capability.
• High attention to detail with a proactive approach identifying opportunities and converting this to successful business outcomes.
• Ability to work under pressure, prioritize effectively, and manage multiple deliverables.

Competencies

• Collaboration
• Drives results
• Client focus
• Flexibility and adaptability
• Cultivates innovation
• Business and commercial acumen
• Reporting and administration

About the company

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!