Chief Operating Officer (COO)

About the role

We are a leading insurance company operating across 17 African countries, affiliated with the Liberty Group. We are seeking a Chief Operating Officer to provide strategic leadership for our General Insurance and Health business units, driving sustainable growth, profitability and superior customer outcomes.

Key responsibilities

• Translate company strategy into clear business and operating priorities for General Business Operations and Health, driving growth, retention and operational performance.
• Provide executive oversight of core operations including underwriting, claims, policy administration, client servicing and healthcare operations.
• Lead the strategic and operational performance of the Health Business, accountable for portfolio quality, underwriting, claims, service provider performance, retention and profitability.
• Drive process optimisation, automation, digital enablement and data‑led decision‑making to improve productivity, service quality, turnaround times and cost efficiency.
• Champion high‑quality customer and intermediary experiences, addressing service issues and strengthening relationships with clients, brokers, healthcare providers, reinsurers and strategic partners.
• Oversee operational, underwriting, claims and third‑party risks, business continuity, internal controls, reinsurance and regulatory compliance (KYC, AML, Data Protection).
• Optimise operational profitability, budgets, resources and costs while maintaining controls, service standards and customer outcomes.
• Lead and develop a high‑performing senior leadership team, building talent, succession capability and a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement.
• Provide the Managing Director with forward‑looking insights and recommendations on performance, market opportunities, risks and strategic priorities, maintaining strong regulator and stakeholder relationships.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in a business‑related field.
• Master’s degree is an added advantage.
• Advanced Diploma in Insurance (ACII or AIIK).
• Member of CII or IIK.
• Significant senior leadership experience in insurance operations.

Required skills