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Business Manager - Strategic Partnerships

Date:  13 Mar 2026
Location: 

Johannesburg, Gauteng, ZA

Company:  Sanlam Group

Who are we?

Glacier by Sanlam brings together leading experts and respected financial services companies to meet clients’ investment needs.  We deliver focused investment services through specialist teams, partner with acclaimed financial intermediaries and pride ourselves on our superior products and solutions and high quality service. We offer a comprehensive range of investment solutions, designed to assist in the creation and preservation of wealth.  Our offering encompasses local investments, including fixed term investments and investments with guarantees, international investments, retirement saving solutions, and retirement income solutions. While each solution has its own distinct purpose, they all share the world-class quality and commitment that have come to distinguish Glacier.

What will you do?

 

Job Purpose 

 

This role is responsible for providing support to the Strategic Partnership team and leadership team in the delivery of the strategy and business operational requirements. 


In this role you will be required to effectively manage and oversee all project related aspects and support the business tasks in the achievement of the business objectives. 


The function is responsible for assisting the Strategic Partnership business in delivering the necessary tasks and initiatives to help achieve the strategic goals and ensuring benefit realisation thereafter, as well as assisting the team and leaderships in the execution of business operations activities specific to the strategic partnerships. 

 

Key Outcomes

 

Strategic projects of the business area for the future

  • Support the Strategic Partnership growth strategy and identify suitable initiatives and solutions to align and realise the strategic intent. 
  • Co-design and implement business area plans and strategies to support the overall business objectives
  • Accountable for and drive allocated Strategic Partnership Development projects 
  • Drive alignment between various business units in Strategic Partners and the broader Glacier
  • Drive alignment with the strategic partners in achieving the business and strategic objectives 
  • Drive ease of doing business processes / practices for the client, intermediary and key Partnership stakeholders 

 

Operational Efficiency

  • Accountable for execution of tactical business plans (derived from Strategic Partnership Strategy) at operational level 
  • Undertake the development, implementation, and monitoring of operational plans to meet the strategic goals of the business area 
  • Monitoring of the strategic partners contractual obligations and ensuring that it is executed on time
  • Ensuring that Glacier partners monitor and deliver its contractual obligations to our strategic partners
  • Compiling reports on an ongoing basis to ensure efficient reporting takes place with regards to Strategic Partners contractual obligations
  • Assist Subject Matter Expert where required to deliver their operational objectives
  • Work closely with regional stakeholders to ensure alignment in practices
  • Assist with the integration of Glacier Partners Absa into Glacier
  • Be the Glacier Partners Absa business custodian for the IAP  
  • Accountable for digital effectiveness within the business
  • Coordinate and oversee service level agreements for the Business to ensure turnaround times are maintained 
  • Own relationship with external vendors 
  • Coordinate error corrections
  • Coordinate the process and implementation of distribution agreements and budgeting of fee deals / special quote process 

 

Collaborate with various stakeholders

  • Service level manager – facilitate and resolve new requests and queries with key stakeholders 
  • Builds relationships with peers, colleagues and multiple stakeholders across business areas and value chain 
  • Build connections and network with clients, intermediaries and external parties as required.
  • Resolve complex issues and conflict through effective communication and negotiation skills

Data analytics and Reporting 

  • Understanding the financial drivers of the business and implement focus tasks to ensure delivery thereof
  • Drive business intelligence needs and requirements within the business unit. Drive implementation of BI dashboards to meet the strategic goals of the business area.
  • Adhoc MIS requirements for tactical or strategic goals

 

Provide strategic leadership / people management within Glacier Strategic Partnership team and broader senior leadership team of Glacier

  • Provide guidance and ensure clarity around priorities and goals for the business 
  • Foster and cultivate practices that support the Glacier culture and values
  • Change management support to transition the business 
  • Manage key internal and external relationships


Identify, mitigate, implement, and manage controls as it relates to risk and compliance for the business area

  • Provide guidance and implement / maintain governance structures to ensure appropriate oversight on behalf of the leadership team
  • Assist in collating business case requirements and provide benefit realisation feedback as required

 

Qualifications and Experience 

  • Relevant post diploma / degree, preferably business related or sufficient business experience
  • Experience in project management and/or business analysis will be to the candidate’s advantage 

 

Competencies

  • Client focused
  • Collaborates
  • Drive Results
  • Cultivate Innovation
  • Be Resilient
  • Problem solving skills
  • Adaptability
  • Interpersonal Skills
  • Strategic mindset

 

Attributes

  • Positive, enthusiastic attitude
  • Teamwork
  • Ability to thrive under pressure
  • Honesty, integrity and respect
  • Ability to adapt to change

What will make you successful in this role?

Qualification and Experience

Degree or Diploma with 8 to 10 years related experience.

Knowledge and Skills

Support function management
Create and execute a support strategy
Operations Management
Collaboration and Relationship Management
Management of employees

Personal Attributes

Optimises work processes - Contributing through others
Builds effective teams - Contributing through others
Decision quality - Contributing through others
Builds networks - Contributing through others

Build a successful career with us

We’re all about building strong, lasting relationships with our employees. We know that you have hopes for your future – your career, your personal development and of achieving great things. We pride ourselves in helping  our employees to realise their worth. Through its five business clusters – Sanlam Fintech, Sanlam Life and Savings, Sanlam Investment Group, Sanlam Allianz, Santam, as well as MiWay and the Group Office – the group provides many opportunities for growth and development.

Core Competencies

Cultivates innovation - Contributing through others
Customer focus - Contributing through others
Drives results - Contributing through others
Collaborates - Contributing through others
Being resilient - Contributing through others

Turnaround time

The shortlisting process will only start once the application due date has been reached. The time taken to complete this process will depend on how far you progress and the availability of managers. 

Our commitment to transformation

The Sanlam Group is committed to achieving transformation and embraces diversity.  This commitment is what drives us to achieve a diverse, inclusive and equitable workplace as we believe that these are key components to ensuring a thriving and sustainable business in South Africa.  The Group's Employment Equity plan and targets will be considered as part of the selection process.

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