Head Business Development

SUMMARY:
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POSITION INFO:

Job Purpose

The Head of Business Development plays a strategic leadership role in driving business
growth through product innovation, opportunity assessment, strategic enablement, and
commercialization across Life and Non-Life insurance segments. The incumbent will
manage a portfolio of development initiatives, lead innovation through research and
insights, and build strategic partnerships that enhance the organisation’s market presence
and client value proposition.

Key Responsibilities
Strategic Growth & Innovation
• Lead cross-functional collaboration to manage the end-to-end product
development lifecycle.
• Identify and assess new business opportunities through market research,
competitor analysis, and innovation frameworks.
• Drive the commercialization of products and expansion into new channels and
market segments.
• Lead the ideation and implementation of solutions through the Innovation Hub,
ensuring alignment with strategic priorities.
Portfolio & Initiative Management
• Deliver on the Business Development team’s strategic Book of Work aligned to a 3-
year roadmap and stakeholder requirements.
• Monitor and support pilot projects to evaluate success metrics and scalability.
• Communicate initiative outcomes in internal forums to enable informed decision-
making and operational execution.
Stakeholder Engagement & Enablement
• Build and sustain effective relationships with internal departments (e.g. Product,
Distribution, Enablement, Marketing) and key external partners.
• Collaborate with Product Portfolio Managers and the Marketing Team to conduct
research and benchmark offerings across the portfolio.
• Actively participate in product and execution forums to manage product and
development pipelines.
Business Case Development & Risk Integration
• Develop business cases with clear insights, market analysis, financial modeling,
and execution plans.
• Incorporate risk, governance, and compliance requirements into all business
development initiatives.
• Recommend and lead process improvements that support scalability and enhance
delivery impact.
Leadership & Talent Development
• Lead, mentor, and support a team of Business Development Managers to ensure
strategic alignment and performance.
• Foster a culture of learning, innovation, and execution excellence within the team.
• Support personal and professional growth through targeted development initiatives
and succession planning.
Qualifications & Experience
Minimum Qualifications:
• Matric / National Senior Certificate (Essential)
• Master’s Degree in Business Administration, Insurance, Strategy, or related field
(Preferred)
Experience:
• Minimum of 8 years' experience in business development, opportunity
management, research, and project management within the Financial Services or
Insurance industry.
• Proven experience in leading multifunctional teams, launching new
products/services, and developing strategic partnerships.

Knowledge & Skills
• Strong understanding of:
o Business principles and financial acumen
o Strategic communication and stakeholder engagement
o Governance, Risk, and Compliance frameworks
o Product development, innovation, and commercialization
o Research and market insight methodologies
o Project and portfolio management practices
o Operational systems and business process optimization

Behavioural Competencies
• Innovation – Champions and drives creative thinking and new market solutions
• Strategic Decision Making – Assesses opportunity and risk to guide direction
• Planning and Organising – Manages complex workstreams with structure and
discipline
• Building Partnerships – Creates value through strong collaboration and influence
• Continuous Learning – Promotes professional development and curiosity
• Technical/Professional Expertise – Applies deep industry knowledge with strategic
int