Area Manager: Alternative Distribution at Sanlam – Apply Now!

🔎 About Sanlam Developing Markets (SDM)

Sanlam Developing Markets (SDM), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sanlam Life Limited, serves South Africa’s entry-level and emerging middle market. As part of the Sanlam Life and Savings cluster, SDM delivers affordable and innovative financial solutions like funeral insurance, life cover, savings plans, and personal accident coverage. With a strong footprint in the country, SDM operates with a deep understanding of client needs and is powered by a vision to enable financial confidence for all.

🚀 What You’ll Be Doing

As the Area Manager for the Free State region, your role is to lead and inspire multiple branches, drive operational excellence, and support the implementation of a dynamic retail branch strategy in Sanlam’s Alternative Distribution Channel. You will work closely with internal stakeholders and external partners to achieve profitability, regulatory compliance, and growth objectives.

✅ Key Responsibilities

• ✅ Lead, support, and inspire Branch Managers across the region.

• ✅ Drive business performance through strategic implementation of retail and lending initiatives.

• ✅ Act as the face of the Area by representing Sanlam at key public and private events.

• ✅ Collaborate across channels to grow market share and community footprint.

• ✅ Ensure compliance with all regulatory frameworks (FAIS, FSCA, POPIA, etc.).

• ✅ Coach, mentor, and develop talent to support succession planning and transformation goals.

🎯 What You Need to Succeed

📚 Qualifications:

• ✔️ Matric (Grade 12)

• ✔️ Relevant business degree or diploma (advantageous)

• ✔️ FAIS Long-term Insurance and Lending accredited

• ✔️ RE1 Examination passed

• ✔️ CPD Compliant

• ✔️ Fit and Proper as per FAIS requirements

🛠️ Experience:

• 🔹 Minimum 5 years of relevant experience

• 🔹 At least 3 years in Long-term Insurance and/or Lending (sales and service)

• 🔹 Strong background in retail branch distribution

• 🔹 3+ years of leadership and team management experience

🧠 Knowledge & Skills:

• ✔️ In-depth financial services industry knowledge

• ✔️ Sales and distribution expertise

• ✔️ Familiarity with FSCA, PA, NCA, and other key regulators

• ✔️ Sound understanding of compliance frameworks

🤝 Personal Attributes

• 💬 Communicates effectively

• 💻 Tech-savvy

• 🚀 Action-oriented

• 🤝 Interpersonal savvy

• 🧠 Strategic thinker

• 💡 Innovation champion

🌱 Why Join Sanlam?

Sanlam fosters a supportive and inclusive workplace where career growth is encouraged. With multiple business clusters including Sanlam Life, Sanlam Fintech, Santam, MiWay, and more, you’ll be empowered to take your career to the next level.

Be part of a brand that’s committed to excellence, transformation, and making financial services accessible to everyone in South Africa.

🔗 Find similar jobs at:

https://careerjunctionza.co.za/jobs/

📄 CV Tips for This Role

✅ Highlight Leadership Experience: Focus on your ability to manage teams, branches, or regional operations. Use metrics to show results.
✅ Showcase Strategic Impact: Mention how you’ve contributed to company strategy or implemented regional plans.
✅ Regulatory Knowledge: Include details on your FAIS accreditation, RE exams, and familiarity with FSCA and NCA regulations.
✅ Client-Centric Mindset: Demonstrate your ability to build strong client and community relationships.
✅ Transformation Focus: Include any contributions you’ve made toward diversity, equity, and transformation goals.
✅ Quantify Achievements: Use numbers to show growth in sales, compliance improvements, or cost savings.

🔗 Company Website: www.sanlam.co.za