Area General Manager (Northern Region) at PPS

Job Advert Summary

The focus of this job is to design and implement strategies for the different Regions, making connections with people, motivating and inspiring them to achieve results.

The work involves driving toward results by enrolling the commitment and buy-in of others. While the job requires strong initiative and self-direction, results are only achieved with and through people.

Minimum Requirements    

Education: 

• A bachelor’s degree is essential, and an Honors degree and PPS membership would be preferable.
• Certified Finance Planner would be advantageous. 

Experience:

• At least 10 years Sales Management experience in sales and distribution within the Financial Services or similar environment.
• 10+ years’ experience in Insurance product sales or advice.
• 7+ years’ experience managing diverse multiple regions across different geographical areas.
• Proven track record in people management and leading a sales team.
• Proven track record in achieving sales targets.
• The establishment of a good network and collaborative relationships with the broker space to support the achievement of sales targets.

Knowledge and Skills: 

• Knowledge and understanding of the dynamics of the graduate professional client market.
• Knowledge of best practice in financial advisory services.
• Knowledge and understanding of the financial drivers of a sales and distribution model with specific reference to sales capacity, production margin and acquisition costs and how these drives impact on the value of new business as a contributor to the success.
• Knowledge of life insurance products.
• Working knowledge of TCF and the need for consistency in advice and service delivery across the channel to mitigate against reputational and miss-selling risk.
• Proficient in all aspects of using a computer, ie MS Office package etc.

Competencies: 

• Strong commitment to results.
• Strong Sense of urgency for goal achievement.
• Ability to delegate authority.
• People/relationships focus.
• Persuasive “selling” style.
• Stimulating communicator.
• Cooperative, collaborative decision-making ability.
• Ability to inspire / motivate others, and engage their commitment.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to run multiple projects simultaneously.

Duties and Responsibilities    

• Develop strategies/initiatives to unlock sales opportunities within and across all channels.
• Develop and implement productivity standards, minimum standards, and sales best practices.
• Ensure the achievement of sales objectives within the region.
• Design, implement and monitor corrective action to address shortcomings in achieving sales objectives.
• Drive efficiency and effectiveness programmes within the External Distribution sales team.
• Accountable to deliver annual sales profitability, target and volume through appropriate sales and distribution channels for multiple regions.
• Keep abreast with market trends and monitor competitor activities in so far that they impact achievement of External Distribution sales targets.
• Actively engage with, and build strong relationships with key business partners, associations, stakeholders to achieve objectives.
• Lead, motivate and drive performance of the sales teams including internal and external stakeholders.
• Identify, open and cultivate new sources of External Distribution members
• Drive and grow new intermediary relationships across South Africa in order to build the External Distribution broker base.
• Take full responsibility for growing API and member numbers.
• Manage a budget and expenditure and logistics of a decentralized office