Senior Specialist, Business Development Risk Product

Liberty is seeking a seasoned Senior Specialist to bolster its Business Development Risk Product function. This crucial role operates within the Channel Enablement team, dedicated to shaping and executing national and regional long-term life product strategies. The objective is to drive business growth, elevate product understanding, and furnish vital insights into Liberty's proprietary and competitor long-term risk offerings – including life insurance, disability cover, and critical illness protection. These insights are intended for key distribution channels, with the overarching goal of optimising sales effectiveness and ensuring market competitiveness through robust product enablement and support. It is explicitly stated that this role will not involve providing direct financial advice to clients.

About the Role

This position is pivotal in maintaining Liberty's edge in the long-term risk product market. The successful candidate will be instrumental in translating strategic objectives into actionable product enablement initiatives. This involves staying abreast of market dynamics, understanding customer needs as communicated through distribution channels, and translating these into effective product strategies and support mechanisms. The role requires a deep understanding of the South African insurance landscape, particularly concerning long-term risk solutions. Collaboration with various stakeholders, including sales teams, product development, and marketing, will be essential to ensure alignment and drive uptake of Liberty's risk products.

The Senior Specialist will be responsible for a range of activities aimed at enhancing the success of Liberty's long-term risk products through its distribution channels. Key duties and responsibilities include:

• Developing and implementing strategies to promote and enable long-term life risk products across all relevant distribution channels.
• Becoming a subject matter expert on Liberty's life, disability, and critical illness products, as well as key competitor offerings.
• Conducting comprehensive research and gathering market intelligence on product trends, competitor activities, and customer needs within the long-term risk sector.
• Providing specialist insights and training to distribution partners to improve their understanding and sales capability for risk products.
• Facilitating continuous process improvement within product enablement and sales support functions.
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with internal stakeholders and external distribution partners.
• Analysing sales performance data to identify areas for improvement and inform future strategies.
• Contributing to the development of marketing and sales support materials that effectively communicate the value proposition of Liberty's risk products.

What They're Looking For

Liberty is looking for an individual with a substantial track record in the insurance industry, specifically within the realm of long-term risk products and sales enablement. A minimum of 8-10 years of progressive experience is required, demonstrating a strong understanding of insurance products and sales strategies. A background in marketing and/or sales within the financial services sector is essential.

Furthermore, candidates will need a Bachelor's Degree or Advanced Diploma (NQF Level 07) in Generic Management or a related field. The required technical competencies include:

• **Continuous Process Improvement (Advanced):** A proven ability to identify inefficiencies and implement improvements in processes.
• **Research and Information Gathering (Intermediate):** Proficiency in collecting and analysing data to inform decision-making.
• **Business Interaction (Proficient):** Skill in engaging effectively with various business stakeholders.
• **Business Acumen (Proficient):** A strong understanding of business principles and financial markets.

Behaviourally, the ideal candidate will demonstrate:

• **Professional/Technical Learning (Intermediate):** A commitment to ongoing learning and staying updated in their field.
• **Entrepreneurial and Commercial Thinking (Intermediate):** The ability to identify and capitalise on business opportunities.
• **Problem Solving and Analysis (Intermediate):** Strong analytical skills to address complex challenges.
• **Relationship Management and Networking (Intermediate):** The capacity to build and nurture productive relationships.

This role presents a significant opportunity for a skilled professional to contribute to Liberty's strategic objectives in the critical area of long-term risk products. In South Africa, senior business development and product specialist roles within financial services often command competitive salaries, reflecting the required expertise and responsibility. Employers in this sector typically include established insurance giants, as well as specialist financial advisory firms. Career progression can lead to management positions within product development, sales leadership, or strategic management functions.

Minimum Experience
8-10 years progressive experience within the insurance industry, with strong focus on long-term life risk products and sales enablement. Background in Marketing and/or sales within sales within financial services
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor`s Degrees and Advanced Diplomas [NQF Level 07] in Generic Management