Head of Knowledge and Insights

Old Mutual is looking for a strategic leader to spearhead its new Knowledge and Insights capability. This role is positioned at the heart of the organisation’s marketing and research functions, tasked with transforming how the group interprets data to remain competitive across its diverse African markets. By bridging the gap between raw data and actionable business outcomes, the successful candidate will play a pivotal role in shaping how the brand engages with its customers.

About the role

This is a senior position that requires a balance of technical prowess and high-level strategic management. You will be responsible for building out a sophisticated, data-driven platform that monitors key performance indicators and market trends. Your work will directly support the Group Marketing strategy office, ensuring that every centre of expertise operates under a unified vision.

The mandate is broad, covering both the technical architecture of knowledge management and the human element of team leadership. You will be expected to foster a culture of evidence-based decision-making, moving the organisation away from static reporting toward real-time, interactive insights. This includes managing complex data frameworks, overseeing research methodologies, and ensuring that all outputs are of the highest standard for presentation at an executive and board level.

The core responsibilities of this position focus on operational delivery, governance, and the integration of marketing technology:

• **Research Leadership:** Oversee the end-to-end planning and execution of both customer and marketing research, ensuring consistent methodologies and robust governance across all group clusters.
• **Data Architecture:** Manage the development and optimisation of the marketing knowledge management system. This involves consolidating disparate data sources into a central hub that facilitates self-service analytics.
• **Strategic Reporting:** Define the key metrics and indicators that will drive Group Marketing’s strategy. You will be responsible for the integrity of these reports, ensuring they provide clear foresight for senior management.
• **Tech Enablement:** Champion the adoption of modern marketing tools, including Artificial Intelligence (AI) and advanced visualisation technologies, to drive a transition toward real-time insights.
• **Team and Financial Governance:** Manage a high-performing team, ensuring that resource planning is aligned with functional goals. You will also oversee the department’s budget, risk management, and compliance with data-related legislation.

What they're looking for

Old Mutual requires a seasoned professional who can influence at the highest levels of a complex, multinational environment. You should possess:

• **Educational Foundation:** A relevant degree (NQF Level 7 or equivalent) is a strict requirement.
• **Industry Experience:** A minimum of 10 years of professional experience in developing and implementing research and insights frameworks is essential.
• **Leadership Capability:** A proven track record in managing teams, including performance management, capacity planning, and fostering an environment of innovation.
• **Soft Skills:** Strong competencies in strategic thinking, influence, and stakeholder collaboration are crucial. You must be able to communicate complex findings to non-technical stakeholders effectively.

For applicants looking at this role, it is worth noting that a "Head of" position within a major South African financial services firm typically commands a high-end management salary, often ranging from R1.5 million to R2.2 million per annum, depending on the scope of the portfolio and seniority. These roles are common within the JSE-listed insurance and banking sectors, where the ability to leverage "Big Data" is a key competitive advantage. If you are a candidate who excels at turning complex datasets into executive narratives, this role offers a significant opportunity to influence the trajectory of one of Africa’s largest financial institutions.

Qualifications, Skills and Required Experience

Specific skills and experience required

• A relevant degree.
• More than 10 years’ experience in defining and implementing research and insights capabilities is essential.
• Experience in managing teams.

Competencies

• Customer First
• Execution
• Collaboration (Relating)
• Innovation (Perspective)
• Leading with Influence
• Personal Mastery (Learning)
• Strategic

 

Skills

Competencies

Builds Effective Teams

Business Insight

Collaborates

Communicates Effectively

Cultivates Innovation

Customer Focus

Drives Vision and Purpose

Ensures Accountability

Education

NQF Level 7 - Degree, Advance Diploma or Postgraduate Certificate or equivalent (Required)

Closing Date

05 November 2026 , 23:59

The appointment will be made from the designated group in line with the Employment Equity Plan of Old Mutual South Africa and the specific business unit in question.

The Old Mutual Story!