Outbound Telesales Consultant

If you are a high-energy sales professional based in Durban looking to make a mark in the financial services sector, this 12-month fixed-term contract offers a significant opportunity to grow your career within one of Africa’s most prominent banking institutions. You will be operating in a fast-paced environment where your primary objective is to drive the growth of funeral cover and life insurance products through direct outbound engagement.

The role requires a blend of resilience, persuasive communication, and a strong commitment to regulatory compliance. As part of a larger team dedicated to providing comprehensive protection solutions, you will engage with a diverse client base, ensuring that every interaction is both professional and value-driven.

About the role

Working within the insurance division of a major financial group, you will act as a key driver of the organisation's sales strategy. This role is inherently performance-focused, requiring you to handle high-volume outbound calls while maintaining the quality standards expected of a top-tier financial firm.

Because you will be dealing with financial products, it is vital that you understand the nuances of the Financial Advisory and Intermediary Services (FAIS) Act. You aren’t just selling policies; you are helping clients secure their financial futures by identifying gaps in their current protection and offering suitable, informed advice. This role is perfect for someone who thrives under pressure and enjoys the challenge of turning a cold or warm lead into a successful, long-term policyholder.

Your daily workflow will centre on proactive sales campaigns and managing the end-to-end conversion process. You will be expected to:

• Initiate outbound sales calls to prospective and existing clients to pitch life insurance and funeral cover options.
• Conduct needs-based assessments by asking probing questions to understand the client's financial protection requirements.
• Clearly articulate policy benefits, premium structures, and terms to ensure the client understands exactly what they are purchasing.
• Accurately process applications and maintain meticulous client records within the customer relationship management (CRM) systems.
• Stay updated on and strictly adhere to all compliance and operational protocols to ensure every sale meets regulatory requirements.
• Monitor your own sales performance against daily and monthly targets, adjusting your approach to maximize conversion rates.

What they're looking for

To be considered for this position, you must have a proven track record in a target-driven sales environment. The company prioritises candidates who can demonstrate emotional intelligence and the ability to handle objections without losing momentum.

• **Qualifications:** A National Certificate in Banking (NQF 5) or an equivalent FAIS-recognised qualification is essential. You must also meet the necessary FAIS Fit and Proper requirements.
• **Experience:** A minimum of 12 months of continuous experience in outbound telesales, ideally within the banking or insurance sectors.
• **Competencies:** You should be a strong communicator capable of building rapport quickly over the telephone. You need to be comfortable working with targets and using data to track your own progress.
• **Soft Skills:** The ability to "convince people" and "meet timescales" is highly valued. You should be adaptable to change and demonstrate a high level of accuracy when capturing client data.

In the South African financial services market, telesales roles for life insurance products typically offer a competitive base salary supplemented by performance-based commissions. These roles are excellent gateways into the broader banking industry; successful consultants often transition into roles within financial planning, relationship management, or team leadership. Candidates who excel in meeting these outbound targets often see their commission earnings significantly boost their total monthly take-home pay, making this an attractive entry point for career-driven individuals in KZN.

• National Certificate in Banking (NQF 5), FAIS-recognised, or an equivalent relevant qualification.
• Must meet the applicable FAIS Fit and Proper requirements for the role.

Minimum Experience:

• Minimum of 12 months' continuous experience in a target-driven telesales or outbound sales environment, preferably within banking, insurance or financial services.
• Experience engaging clients telephonically, identifying sales opportunities and promoting products or services.
• Demonstrated ability to achieve sales targets, handle objections and convert client conversations into successful sales.
• Basic understanding of insurance products, particularly Funeral Plans and Life Insurance, would be advantageous.
• Experience working with sales targets, conversion rates, customer relationship management systems and sales reporting.

Behavioural Competencies:

• Checking Things
• Convincing People
• Developing Expertise
• Embracing Change
• Meeting Timescales

Technical Competencies:

• Application & Submission Verification (Consumer Banking)
• Banking Processes & Procedures
• Client Acceptance & Review
• Customer Understanding (Consumer Banking)
• Processing & Product Knowledge (Consumer Banking)