Branch Manager

About the role

Octagon Africa is looking for a Branch Manager to drive the business at branch level and achieve its strategic goals. The role covers business development (70%), office administration, human resource management, strategic plan implementation, relationship management, customer service and risk and compliance. It sits within the Business Development department, which pursues new clients and markets.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategies for product, service and solution growth, and identify new market opportunities through direct marketing.
• Build relationships with existing clients through Board of Trustees meetings, open forums and cross-selling, and plan direct sales and marketing activities such as visits, emails and telemarketing.
• Maintain and update a computerized customer and prospect database weekly, and compile weekly and monthly production reports.
• Manage the branch's operational budget, sales volumes, product mix and timescales, and monitor and report on business activities.
• Appraise staff, review KPIs and job descriptions, implement HR policies, manage leave, participate in recruitment and recommend training.
• Develop the branch strategy, run SWOT analyses and prepare quarterly reports on prospective clients, conversions and public relations activities.
• Resolve customer issues and complaints, make courtesy calls and cross-sell with the Client Servicing Team.
• Identify, manage and report risks and adhere to risk and compliance policies.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Sales, Public Relations or a related field.
• At least 5 years of experience in a similar role, preferably in financial services.
• Proven track record of achieving sales targets and business growth.
• Excellent knowledge of the pension and insurance industry; good knowledge of retirement benefits solutions or general investment accounting.
• Comfortable dealing with senior company executives and able to manage risk and ensure compliance.

Required skills

• Proficiency in CRM software and MS Office Suite.
• Market research and data analysis.
• Leadership, presentation, communication and interpersonal skills.