Head: Performance Analysis & Insights: Group Finance at Sanlam Group

What will you do?

• The Head of Performance Analysis & Insights will lead the performance analysis and business insights function, enabling strategic decision-making through data-driven performance measurement, advanced analytics, and actionable insights.
• This role ensures the organisation has a robust understanding of business performance across key functions, identifying opportunities to optimise outcomes, drive value creation, and support strategic execution.

What will make you successful in this role?

Strategic Performance Management

• Lead the development and implementation of frameworks to measure and track business performance across key operational, financial, and strategic metrics.
• Collaborate with executives and business units to define KPIs and performance scorecards aligned with strategic objectives.
• Provide regular, insightful performance reporting to Exco, Board, and relevant governance forums.

Data-Driven Insights & Analytics

• Oversee the analysis of complex business data to uncover trends, risks, and opportunities.
• Translate data into strategic narratives to support informed decision-making.
• Guide the use of predictive and prescriptive analytics to anticipate future performance and inform planning.

Business Partnering & Stakeholder Engagement

• Act as a strategic advisor to senior leaders, supporting the translation of business goals into measurable outcomes.
• Partner with finance, risk, HR, and operations to align performance insights with key initiatives and business planning cycles.
• Lead engagements with external partners where data analytics or benchmarking is required.

Team Leadership & Capability Development

• Build and lead a high-performing performance and insights team.
• Drive a culture of continuous learning, innovation, and analytical excellence.
• Foster collaboration with BI, data science, and digital teams to leverage organisational data assets.

Reporting, Governance & Compliance

• Ensure integrity, accuracy, and relevance of all performance data and dashboards.
• Maintain compliance with data governance, regulatory, and audit requirements.
• Support the preparation of reports for Board, regulatory bodies, and investor relations (if applicable)

Qualification and Experience

• Qualified CA (SA) or Bachelor’s degree in Business Analytics, Finance, Statistics, Economics, or related field (Master’s degree preferred).
• 8–12 years’ experience in performance management, business analytics, strategy, or financial planning.
• Proven leadership experience in a complex, data-rich environment.
• Advanced proficiency in data visualisation tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau) and analytical tools (e.g., SQL, Python, R advantageous).
• Experience engaging with executive stakeholders and presenting insights at senior forums.

Knowledge and Skills

• Strategic management information planning
• Analyse Operating efficiencies
• Budget management and forecasting
• Capital expenditure management
• Cash flow monitoring and management
• Management of employees

Personal Attributes

• Organisational savvy - Contributing strategically
• Manages complexity - Contributing strategically
• Drives engagement - Contributing strategically
• Business insight - Contributing strategically