Unit Manager, Financial Advisors

Vouch is a digital insurance brokerage that provides South Africans with the personalized advice you need, without the spam. We leverage AI-driven and human expert advice to offer truly independent recommendations based on value, not just price. Our initial focus will be on insurance, but investments will be included shortly after launch and our vision is to grow beyond financial services to support clients with all their big decisions.

Backed by one of SA's largest media companies, this is a well-funded early-stage venture, with a serious competitive advantage and potential for scale. This is an exciting opportunity to form part of the founding team to build a disruptive new business.

ABOUT THE ROLE

At Vouch, our advisors are the heart of our client experience. The Unit Manager is a key leadership role responsible for building, managing, and developing a high-performing team of financial advisors within our brokerage. This role combines hands-on financial advisory expertise with team leadership, requiring someone who can both deliver exceptional client advice and drive team performance. The Unit Manager will be responsible for recruiting, training, and coaching advisors while maintaining their own book of business and ensuring the unit consistently delivers on sales targets and client satisfaction goals.

WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING

• Build and lead a high-performing unit of financial advisors, including recruitment, selection, and onboarding of new team members.

• Provide ongoing coaching, mentorship, and professional development to advisors to enhance their sales performance and client service delivery.

• Monitor and manage unit performance against sales targets, conversion rates, and client satisfaction metrics.

• Maintain and grow your own book of business, serving as a role model for client relationship management and advisory excellence.

• Ensure all advisors in your unit consistently deliver high-quality, personalized financial advice that aligns with our value proposition.

• Implement and maintain compliance standards, ensuring all advisors meet regulatory requirements and industry best practices.

• Collaborate with the Head of Advice to develop and execute unit-level strategies that support overall business growth objectives.

• Conduct regular performance reviews, provide constructive feedback, and implement performance improvement plans where necessary.

• Partner with the Head of Marketing to optimize lead allocation and conversion strategies within your unit.

• Analyze unit performance data and market trends to identify opportunities for improvement and growth.

• Foster a positive team culture that promotes collaboration, continuous learning, and client-first thinking.

• Provide input on training programs, sales processes, and technology tools to enhance advisor productivity and client experience.

• Ensure advisors are equipped with up-to-date product knowledge and market insights to deliver relevant advice.

• Manage client escalations and complex cases that require senior advisor input.

• Contribute to the development of advisory standards and best practices.

• Build relationships with insurance partners and broker consultants.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

• Relevant qualification and 5+ years of experience as a qualified financial advisor, with expertise in short-term and/or long-term insurance products.

• 3+ years of experience in a leadership role managing a team of financial advisors, such as branch manager, unit manager, or team leader.

• Undergraduate degree or NQF6 or higher qualification in Financial Services, Banking, Business, or Commerce.

• Proven track record of consistently meeting or exceeding sales targets while maintaining high levels of client satisfaction.

• Experience in recruiting, training, and developing financial advisors in a brokerage or similar environment.

• Strong coaching and mentoring skills with the ability to develop advisor capabilities and drive performance improvement.

• Relevant regulatory examinations completed and current FAIS compliance.

• Current "fit and proper" status based on DOFA requirements.

• Experience managing compliance and regulatory requirements within a financial advisory team.

• Excellent leadership and people management skills with the ability to motivate and inspire a team.

• Strong analytical skills with experience using performance metrics to drive business results.

• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships with clients, team members, and stakeholders.

• Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced startup environment.

• Experience with digital advisory platforms or fintech would be an advantage.

• Key Individual (KI) qualification is not required, but would be advantageous.

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT

• Competitive base salary, incentive pay, and benefits.

• This role is based in Gauteng, with flexible working arrangements.

• A supportive and inclusive work environment.

• Opportunity to be a part of a startup from the ground up and make a significant impact on its success.