Who are we?
Sanlam Developing Markets [SDM] (a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sanlam Life Limited) is one of the top financial services providers in the South African entry-level and emerging middle market. It aims to understand the unique requirements of clients and offers a wide range of simple and affordable financial solutions that cover needs such as funeral insurance, savings for education, life cover and personal accident plans. In terms of the Sanlam Group Governance Policy, SDM is managed by the SA Retail Mass cluster, which is part of the Sanlam Life and Savings cluster within the Sanlam Group. The cluster focusses on retail products, as well as group schemes.
What will you do?
As the Integration IMO and Value Capture Executive, you will lead the Integration Management Office (IMO) to integrate the acquisition with our existing operations while driving innovation initiatives to enhance our market position. You will be responsible for coordinating cross-functional teams to achieve key objectives.
What will make you successful in this role?
- Operational Integration duties:
- Drive the implement of a comprehensive integration plan for the transaction.
- Drive back-office and middle office integration to allow for cross-selling opportunities, improve expense efficiency and future-proof technology platforms.
- Lead the initiative to unify offerings onto a single platform
- Collaborate with IT teams to integrate and optimise technology platforms across the merged entities.
- Utilise system components and infrastructure services from Sanlam group companies to implement deliverables, subject to mutual agreement.
- Ensure that the integrated technology platform is future-proof and supports all SRM Offerings efficiently.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders across Sanlam Group and the acquired entity.
- Collaborate with the SRM EXCO to make strategic decisions regarding platform selection and integration priorities
- Engage with regulatory bodies to ensure compliance throughout the integration process.
- IMO Setup and Run
- Defining Functional and Business Integration team structure
- Developing Master Plan with key milestones, deliverables, and meetings across IMO workstreams (value capture, org design and talent, merger communications milestones)
- Organizing and lead integration workshops/ summits
- Coordinating/ leading weekly integration meeting cadence
- Helping to resolve interdependencies across Integration teams
- Preparing Steering Committee discussions
- Tracking status of integration activities
- People and cultural Integration
- Lead change management initiatives to ensure smooth integration of teams, processes, and cultures.
- Implement strategies to retain key talent and foster a unified corporate culture.
- Drive a culture of innovation and continuous improvement within the integrated organisation.
- Strategic IMO duties (Value Capture)
- Combined apples to apples financial baseline
- Synergy targets (including benchmarking exercise if needed)
- One-time cost estimate and guidance for Workstreams
- Bottom-up synergy approval process
- Tracking process for execution of value capture plans
- Setup and management of value capture tracking methodology and tool
- Ensure that all initiatives contribute to the Group objectives for SRM and improvements in sustained earnings as communicated to the market.
- Identify opportunities for on top of plan value capture initiatives and ensure that the right capacity and capabilities in place to capture the value.
Qualification and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in business administration, or related field; master’s degree preferred.
- At least 15 years of experience in the financial services industry, with a minimum of 10 years in senior leadership roles.
- Proven track record in managing large-scale integration projects and driving innovation in financial services.
- Strong understanding of financials services product development and emerging market dynamics.
- Experience in leading change management initiatives and cultural integration in mergers and acquisitions.
- Demonstrated ability to drive shareholder value, profitability and market growth.
- Expertise in strategic planning, budgeting and financial management.
Knowledge and Skills:
- Deep understanding of the South African financial services market, particularly in the entry-level and emerging middle market segments.
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to translate complex data into actionable insights.
- Excellent project management skills with the ability to manage multiple workstreams simultaneously.
- Strong business acumen and strategic thinking capabilities.
- Advanced knowledge of financial services products, pricing strategies and regulatory requirements.
Core Competencies:
- Visionary leadership and strategic thinking
- Innovation management and creative problem-solving
- Change management and organisational development
- Financial acumen and business performance management
- Stakeholder management and communication
- Risk management and compliance
- Decision-making and judgment
- Adaptability and resilience
Personal Qualities:
- Strong ethical standards and integrity
- Results-oriented with a bias for action
- Collaborative team player with the ability to influence and motivate others
- Excellent communication and presentation skills
- Emotional intelligence and cultural sensitivity
- Intellectual curiosity and continuous learning mindset
This role offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of Sanlam's Retail Mass business and make a significant impact on the South African financial services landscape. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in driving integration, innovation, and growth in this dynamic and challenging environment.
Build a successful career with us
We’re all about building strong, lasting relationships with our employees. We know that you have hopes for your future – your career, your personal development and of achieving great things. We pride ourselves in helping our employees to realise their worth. Through its five business clusters – Sanlam Fintech, Sanlam Life and Savings, Sanlam Investment Group, Sanlam Allianz, Santam, as well as MiWay and the Group Office – the group provides many opportunities for growth and development.
Turnaround time
The shortlisting process will only start once the application due date has been reached. The time taken to complete this process will depend on how far you progress and the availability of managers.
Our commitment to transformation
The Sanlam Group is committed to achieving transformation and embraces diversity. This commitment is what drives us to achieve a diverse, inclusive and equitable workplace as we believe that these are key components to ensuring a thriving and sustainable business in South Africa. The Group's Employment Equity plan and targets will be considered as part of the selection process.