Business Head: Operations (Marine)

CAREER OPPORTUNITY

Santam Specialist Solutions has a career opportunity for a Business Head: Operations in the Marine department which will be based in Gauteng.

Key Responsibilities

Primary Role Objective – Strategic Business fulfilment:

• Assist the business area in determining and continuously update the strategic plan for the Business Unit in order to deliver on the group’s overall objective of “sustainable & profitable growth” – i.e. Growth in top line GPW and growth in bottom line NUR.
• Assist the business area in the implementation and execution of the all the required strategic actions plans to achieve the overall objective of ‘sustainable & profitable growth’
  
  

The Business Head Operations will support the business with the management of daily operations within the claims and policy areas of the business. The role will further require strategic support to the Business Head Marines with financial, compliance, governance and risk-related matters that require accountability so that there is proper oversight. In addition, the role will require the undertaking of the product owner role for system development that requires oversight and management.

To achieve the above, the following key actions (not exhaustive) are expected:

• Continuous development of detailed compliance and process guidelines and regulations in support of achieving the overall noted objective above and the ongoing oversight of implementation and execution thereof.
• Continuously develop and invest in people resources to ensure Santam Marine have the LEADING team of people and expertise that will deliver on the above noted objective. Build and develop other stakeholder relationships (Digital Service Providers, Reinsurers, Santam, etc.) to advance and maintain the Santam Marine industry leadership position and credibility.
• Promote and demonstrate the Santam Marine brand within the values framework of Excellence, Accountability, Integrity and Humanness both internally and externally.
  
  

We are expected to do this in way that is consistent with Santam’s brand promise and commitment to Treating Customers Fairly. The above needs to be delivered and at the same time, the financial risks of Santam (the primary insurer and risk taker) and our reinsurers (secondary risk takers) need to be managed within agreed mandates, authorities, contracts, etc.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership Responsibility

• In conjunction with leadership team and the Business Leader, determine the long-term strategic objectives of the business.
• Ensure business growth through directing and managing business activities in specific areas of responsibility to ensure these are delivered in accordance with the organisational strategy.
• Plan, direct and manage activities as dictated by the overall strategy agreed so as to maintain and develop business growth in accordance with the agreed business strategy.
• Guide the underwriting, claims and support teams to deliver on the company’s brand promises of Strength, Relationships, Solutions, Longevity, Simplicity, Expertise and Consistency
• Report, manage and measure the performance of the business unit through Management Information, supplied to various management and performance review forums (i.e. QBR’s, Exco’s, Board Meetings, UW Seminars, etc.)
  
  

Strategic Management

• Internal and External reporting requirements and deadlines are met.
• Contribution and co-ordination of Santam Marine overall and LOB budgeting process.
• Review and Resolution of queries relating to Santam Marine Financial results.
• Process breakdowns adequately resolved within reasonable timeframes.
• Drive process improvements where necessary.
• Formal and informal feedback from various stakeholders.
• Ensuring Office operations run smoothly in terms of Facilities
• Oversee Management Information Systems functions and System Support & Administration
  
  

Data Governance

• Successful execution of the Group Data Stategy within Santam Marine.
• Successful implementation of the Data Governance framework within Santam Marine.
• Drive forward improvements in data quality and integrity.
• Timeous and efficient resolution of data quality issues within Santam Marine.
• Minimal number of Data incidents reported and unresolved.
• Support Santam Marine Head Data Owner (Business Leader) in all aspects relating to Data Governance.
• All milestones and deadlines met relating to various Data initiatives throughout group as they relate to Santam Marine
  
  

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Digital Journey

• Digitalization + tech modernization initiatives & outcomes – Mapping out Santam Marine’s digital journey across various platforms
• Data strategy initiatives & outcome – driving data initiatives to ensure accuracy of data for reinsurance renewals and portfolio reviews
• Testing of systems
• Provide information systems support to all stakeholders as well as ensure efficient and effective reporting/data support to all internal and external clients.
• Identify and implement solutions to problems regarding operations and client flow and consult with users to determine source of specific error and recommend solution.
• Assist with processes and systems that ensure data management and document storage protocols are maintained.
• Liaise with business units for any new or proposed changes to Operating Systems.
• Lead liaison support and guidance between business and IT service provider (SGT) as well as Business Change team on all system and/or data related matters and initiatives. Lead liaison between business and system service providers on all MIS related matters.
• Assist in driving Santam Marine’s Digital Transformation Strategy.
  
  

People Management

• Performance management of staff through appropriate application and implementation of Company policies and procedures.
• Mentoring, Training and Development of staff so that they may reach their full potential.
• Contribute to, encourage and ensure teamwork in order to promote a healthy and engaged workforce.
• Develop a succession plan and growth opportunities within the Team
  
  

Client Liaison (Internal and External)

• Manage and maintain successful business relationships with relevant suppliers.
• Handle and resolve all relevant queries within authority levels and liaise with service providers.
• Work in conjunction with all internal resources and support structures to achieve desired business outcomes.
  
  

Budget

• Assist in the preparation of the budgets for Santam Marine, that is in line with the overall company strategy for growth and financial sustainability.
• Adhere to the budget set and approved by Executive Management through the generation of income and the control of expenses.
• Ensure we maintain a reasonable Cancellation Reserve
  
  

General Administration

• Production and / or sign-off of reports within stipulated timeframes
• Handling accounts queries.
• Attend to the typing of general correspondence if and when necessary.
• Attend to all administration relating to the duties identified above and all other administration relevant day to day functions including typing of correspondence.
  
  

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Relevant Degree
• NQF 7 insurance or commercial related qualification
• Minimum 10 years’ Marine insurance experience
• Minimum 5 years Marine operational experience at senior level
• Excellent communication, project management and problem-solving skills
• Previous experience in managing large teams within Marine
• FAIS accreditation and RE5 a preference
  
  

COMPETENCIES And SKILLS

• Strong analytical skills to interpret data and generate actionable insights.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Excellent problem-solving skills.
• Leadership and team management abilities.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills
• Attention to detail
• Ability to multi-task
• Commerial minded
  
  

About Santam

Santam is the market leader in the general insurance industry in Southern Africa. As a large, diversified, and expanding company, we are committed to transformation and growth. While our headquarters are in South Africa, we are rapidly extending our presence into emerging markets across Africa and Asia.

With a client base of over 1 million policyholders, Santam serves individuals, commercial enterprises, specialist business owners, and institutions—including 80 of the Top 100 companies listed on the JSE. Our commitment to Insurance, Good and Proper goes beyond just providing cover—we offer peace of mind, ensuring our clients can focus on living in the moment, not worrying about the unexpected. Because at Santam, we believe the freedom to seize every day is worth protecting.

People drive our business, and we are committed to attracting the best talent, whether for permanent roles or short-term opportunities.

Santam is committed to diversity, inclusion, and belonging. As an equal opportunity employer, we encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds, including persons with disabilities. We are dedicated to neuro-inclusivity and fostering a workplace where everyone can thrive.

Take the next step in your career—apply now and be part of a company that’s shaping the future of insurance. This is Freedom!