Business Development Manager at Sanlam Group

Job Purpose 

• The Business Development Manager is responsible for developing and maintaining a portfolio of Investment focussed Intermediaries, increasing the Sanlam Group’s retail investment market share, and executing the Glacier strategy. The role focuses on new business development, portfolio growth, intermediary enablement, and delivering a superior adviser experience. This role is based in Cape Town. 

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 Glacier.
• Achieve profitable annual sales volumes and meet monthly targets by actively managing an Intermediary portfolio.
• Grow regional business via Independent Financial Intermediaries and Sanlam Connect (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 Sanlam Group product providers.
• Provide accurate investment, product, fund, service, and investor information.
• Train and upskill Intermediaries and their support staff to improve advice capability and practice sustainability.
• Equip Intermediaries with technology, reporting tools, and business development insights to support profitable practices.
• Drive the adoption and effective use of Glacier’s digital platforms and tools (Web Hub, Investment Hub, etc.).

Stakeholder Engagement & Internal Collaboration

• Support investment campaigns and marketing initiatives.
• Contribute to product implementation through presentations, insights, and client service support.
• Manage the Business Development Coordinator.
• 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 tertiary qualification. A BCom investment management or economics qualification and CFP will be beneficial.
• 5 plus years’ experience in an investment industry distribution environment. 
• Extensive experience supporting and developing IFA investment practices.
• A proven sales track record within the investment industry.
• Deep technical knowledge of retail Collective investments, Linked Investment Service Provider platform, financial industry structures, and market trends.
• Valid driver’s license and own reliable vehicle.
• The role requires traveling throughout the area of responsibility.

Competencies

• Resilience and tenacity in a sales environment.
• Relationship building and stakeholder management.
• Leadership and people-management skills.
• Team contribution and collaboration.
• Target and performance orientation.
• Strong client service ethic.
• Effective communication and presentation skills (Afrikaans & English).
• Impact and influence.
• Innovative and strategic thinking.
• Entrepreneurial mindset.
• Consultive skill and creativity
• Strong problem-solving skills 
• Creating insight into opportunities skill
• Ability to work under pressure
• Confidence in presenting to large audiences
• Ability to simplify and train complex investment concepts
• Effective networking capabilities

Attributes

• Positive, initiative-taking “can-do” attitude
• Prominent 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 to 8 years related experience.

Knowledge and Skills

• Financial advice and support
• Production target achievement and budgeting
• Compliance and risk management
• Client relationship management
• Business plan development and implementation