Head of Business Development - Business Banking and Corporate & Investment Banking

About the role

Absa is looking for a Head of Business Development to lead insurance growth across Business Banking and Corporate & Investment Banking. The role executes the segment strategy, transforms distribution, develops customer-led insurance propositions and secures high-impact partnerships, while providing executive leadership for commercial performance, governance, capability and delivery of strategic initiatives.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and execute the insurance growth strategy, translating segment priorities into annual revenue, penetration, pipeline and partnership plans, and identifying priority industries, customer groups and risk themes.
• Own revenue, profitability, premium, customer-contribution and penetration outcomes, using portfolio and pipeline data to drive forecasting, opportunity management and conversion.
• Shape customer-led risk and insurance propositions for business and corporate clients, coordinating insurers and internal specialists on life, general and specialised solutions.
• Strengthen execution across Relationship Managers, branch, digital, embedded and alternative channels, and lead negotiation and governance of internal and external partnership agreements.
• Present performance, risks and milestones to EXCO and the Board, build alignment across segments, Product, Operations, Risk, Compliance and Finance, and represent the business in client, market and industry forums.
• Recruit, coach and lead a high-performing team with clear targets and succession plans.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in Insurance, Business, Commerce, Finance, Economics, Marketing or a related discipline; a master's degree or MBA is an added advantage.
• Diploma in insurance or a technical insurance qualification such as ACII; advanced certification in corporate insurance, risk management, relationship management or strategic sales is desirable.
• At least 10 years' relevant experience in insurance, bancassurance, banking or financial services, including at least 5 years in a senior commercial, segment or business-development leadership role.
• Experience developing insurance solutions for Business Banking and Corporate & Investment Banking customers, negotiating partnerships, managing revenue portfolios and presenting to executive governance forums.
• Valid practicing certificate as an insurance professional where applicable.

Required skills

• BB and CIB insurance strategy
• Distribution management
• Financial performance analysis
• Partnership structuring
• Executive reporting