Business Development Specialist

Purpose

To identify, generate, and nurture new business opportunities through strategic lead generation activities and professional networking, adhering to the company's leads management procedures. The individual will play a critical role in expanding the company's client base, strengthening market presence, and supporting business growth in the company.

Minimum Requirements

Education

• Matric
• Relevant diploma/degree in Marketing, Sales, Business Management, or Insurance advantageous
• FAIS compliance / RE5 (for South Africa, if directly advising on insurance products) – advantageous.

EXPERIENCE

• Business Development Executive
• 3–5 years' experience in sales, business development, or lead generation (preferably in insurance, financial services, or professional services).
• Proven success in generating and qualifying leads.
• Experience in networking, business forums, or referral-based sales.
• Familiarity with Leads Management Portals and CRM platforms.
• Exposure to digital lead generation (social media, email campaigns, events) is advantageous.

Competencies / Skills

Activation & Onboarding Management

• Lead the end-to-end activation process for the acquisition of new insurance clients and partners.
• Ensuring timely and high-quality onboarding experiences.
• Ensure all data, documentation, and compliance checks are completed accurately and within agreed SLAs.

Relationship Building & Networking

• Representing the company at golf days, broker functions, and other insurance-related events to build rapport and uncover opportunities.
• Act as a trusted point of contact for high-value clients during the onboarding phase.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with key brokers, agencies, and underwriters.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills (verbal & written).
• Strong negotiation and persuasion ability.
• Ability to establish rapport and build long-term relationships.
• Goal-driven, resilient, and persistent in pursuing opportunities.
• Analytical with strong research and prospecting skills
• Process Improvement
• Coach and support team members to meet performance metrics and client satisfaction goals.
• Monitor and refine activation processes for improved speed, efficiency, and scalability.
• Report on KPIs and suggested enhancements based on client feedback and activation data.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• New business leads must be captured on Leads Management Portals, for tracking, reporting and regulatory control purposes.
• Liaise with Regional Business Development Executives, National Business Development Leads Specialists, Client Services, Compliance, and Product teams to ensure a seamless activation journey.
• Flag and help resolve any issues that could delay onboarding or affect client satisfaction.

Knowledge

• Insurance and brokerage industry and environment
• Technical and comprehensive Commercial and Individual Insurance Product Knowledge
• Regulatory requirements of the insurance industry, including but not limited to the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA).
• Lead activations, marketing and sales principles
• Knowledge of insurance products and value-added products and services

Personal Attributes

• Assertiveness
• Interpersonal effectiveness
• Service excellence
• Ability to effectively adapt to change
• Attention to detail
• Self-motivated
• Enthusiastic
• Result oriented / Deadline orientated
• Ability to work under pressure
• Perseverance
• Work according to set processes, policies and procedures
• Creative and innovative
• Business Honesty and Integrity
• Ability to work in a team
• Professional presence and confidence in client-facing situations.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with proactive approach.
• High integrity and customer-centric focus.
• Adaptability and ability to thrive in a target-driven environment.