Business Development Manager at Sanlam Group

What will you do?

Job Purpose 

• The Business Development Manager is responsible for developing and maintaining a portfolio of Investment focused Intermediaries, increasing the Sanlam Group’s retail investment market share, and executing the Glacier Partners Absa (GPA) strategy.
• The role focuses on new business development, portfolio growth, intermediary enablement, and delivering a superior adviser experience. The role is based in Gqeberha (supporting Southern and Eastern Cape distribution partners and clients). 

Key Outcomes

The following outcomes will be expected to be achieved by the Business Development Manager:

Business & Portfolio Growth

• Attract new business and increase retention of existing investment flows.
• Source, onboard, and activate new Intermediaries for GPA.
• Achieve profitable annual sales volumes and meet monthly targets by actively managing an Intermediary portfolio.
• Grow regional business via Independent Financial Intermediaries and Absa Distribution Channels (sales, training, marketing, and client services).

Intermediary Support & Enablement

• Implement a structured Intermediary support model to ensure effective collaboration between the Channel, the Intermediary, and product providers.
• Provide accurate investment, product, fund, service, and investor information.
• Train and upskill Intermediaries and their support staff.
• Equip Intermediaries with technology, reporting tools, and business development insights to run profitable practices.
• Drive the adoption and effective use of GPA’s digital tools.

Stakeholder Engagement & Internal Collaboration

• Support investment campaigns and marketing initiatives.
• Contribute to product implementation through presentations, insights, and client service support.
• Maintain and coordinate Service Level Agreements (SLAs) with internal and external stakeholders.

Compliance & Governance

• Ensure full adherence to regulatory requirements including FAIS and FICA.
• Promote ethical, compliant, and professional conduct at all times.

Qualifications and Experience

• Relevant financial/investment related tertiary qualifications.
• 5 - 10 years’ experience in the financial distribution environment.
• Experience supporting and developing IFA investment practices.
• A proven sales track record within the investment industry.
• Strong technical knowledge of retail investments, industry structures, and market trends.
• Valid driver’s license and own reliable vehicle.
• The role requires traveling throughout the area of responsibility.

Competencies

• Target and performance orientation.
• Resilience and tenacity in a sales environment.
• Relationship building and stakeholder management.
• Leadership and people-management skills.
• Team contribution and collaboration.
• Strong client service ethic.
• Effective communication and presentation skills (Afrikaans & English).
• Impact and influence.
• Innovative and strategic thinking.
• Entrepreneurial mindset.

Attributes

• Positive, proactive “can-do” attitude.
• High levels of self-confidence.
• Integrity, honesty, and professionalism.
• Ability to work independently and take ownership.

What will make you successful in this role?

Qualification and Experience

• Degree or Diploma with 6 years related sales experience.

Knowledge and Skills

• Strategic sales and client retention and acquisition planning
• Drive sales and profitability
• Expense, risk and compliance management
• Partnership, network and new markets development
• Management of Employees