Head of Insurance Strategy & Business Development

Recruiter:

Network Recruitment

Job Ref:

NFC024283/ULR

Date posted:

Wednesday, May 6, 2026

Location:

Johannesburg, South Africa

SUMMARY:
If you’re the kind of insurance leader who sees untapped markets where others see risk, builds distribution ecosystems in your sleep, and believes “growth” should always come with profitability, this might be your next strategic move.

We’re working on a highly confidential mandate for a Head of Insurance Strategy and Business Development, a role designed for someone who can think at executive level, act commercially, and deliver real impact in a complex, fast-moving environment.

POSITION INFO:

Our client operates within the long-term insurance space, with a strong focus on innovation, accessibility, and sustainable growth. This role sits at the heart of the business, partnering closely with executive leadership to define and execute strategy, unlock new markets, and scale distribution.

This is not a maintenance role, it’s a build, shape, and grow mandate.

You will take ownership of the insurance strategy across product, market expansion, and distribution, while driving financial inclusion through relevant and accessible insurance solutions. The position requires a balance of strategic thinking, commercial acumen, and execution excellence, with visibility at CEO and Board level.

If you thrive in environments where you can influence direction, build partnerships, and scale businesses, this opportunity offers both challenge and impact.

Key Responsibilities:

Define and execute the long-term insurance strategy across product, market expansion, and distribution
Partner with executive leadership to shape broader business strategy and unlock new opportunities
Identify growth opportunities through market analysis, customer insights, and competitive intelligence
Drive innovation across product design and go-to-market models
Ensure alignment with regulatory development
Own the full product lifecycle from development and pricing to optimisation
Ensure compliance with FAIS and long-term insurance regulations
Drive profitability through performance analysis, claims insights, and customer behaviour
Maintain strong governance and risk management framework
Expand and diversify distribution across digital, corporate, and community channels
Build and manage strategic partnerships to scale the business
Develop integrated distribution ecosystems
Support marketing and customer acquisition and retention strategies

Job Experience and Skills Required:

10+ years’ experience in long-term insurance (product and/or business development)
Minimum 5 years in a senior leadership role
Proven ability to operate at executive level and influence business direction
Strong track record in building partnerships and scaling distribution channels
Experience in mass market or underserved segments (advantageous)
RE1 and RE5 completed
FAIS Fit and Proper (Key Individual and Representative)
Relevant degree (postgraduate qualification advantageous)

Competency Requirements:

Strategic Thinking & Commercial Acumen
Leadership & Influence
Innovation & Growth Mindset
Stakeholder Management
Execution Excellence
Governance & Risk Awareness

Apply now!
For more exciting (Finance/ Engineering/ IT / Supply Chain / Commercial & C-Suite) vacancies, please visit:
I also specialise in recruiting in the following:

Financial Managers
Financial Accountants
Financial Controllers
Chartered Accountants
Group Reporting & Consolidations Accountant
Commercial Finance and FP&A positions

If you have not had any response in two weeks, please consider the vacancy application unsuccessful. Your profile will be kept on our database for any other suitable roles / positions.

For more information, contact:

Ulrike Groenewald
Recruiting Consultant

NB! This job is now closed. You can apply for other jobs by uploading your CV.

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