Branch Manager – Bethlehem | Sanlam Group
- Company: Sanlam Developing Markets (SDM)
- Position: Branch Manager
- Location: Bethlehem, Free State
- Industry: Financial Services / Insurance
- Employment Type: Full-time
- Posted: 18 August 2026
Job Overview
Sanlam Developing Markets (SDM) is seeking an experienced Branch Manager to lead its Bethlehem branch and drive customer growth, sales performance and service excellence.
The successful candidate will be responsible for developing and executing the branch strategy, managing Sales Consultants, driving revenue and ensuring a strong customer-service culture. The role also involves compliance, risk management, operational management, stakeholder engagement and people leadership.
This position is suited to an experienced financial-services professional with a strong background in insurance sales, service management and team leadership.
Key Responsibilities
- Grow the branch’s customer base and revenue.
- Develop and oversee the implementation of the retail branch strategy.
- Guide and coordinate Sales Consultants towards achieving branch objectives.
- Standardise sales activities, goals and performance expectations.
- Establish a strong service-delivery culture.
- Ensure an optimal customer experience within and outside the branch.
- Manage the day-to-day operations of the retail branch.
- Develop branch business plans and strategic initiatives.
- Drive sales delivery and service excellence.
- Ensure compliance, quality and effective risk management.
- Manage people-related practices for direct reports in collaboration with HR.
- Support talent management and employee development.
- Manage performance, individual development and growth.
- Address employee grievances and manage leave and capacity requirements.
- Plan and report on monthly sales and service activities.
- Identify important internal and external stakeholders.
- Build and maintain relationships with Area Managers, Business Owners, activation sites, community forums and other stakeholders.
- Implement engagement strategies that support branch growth and business objectives.
Minimum Requirements
Candidates must have:
- Matric / Grade 12.
- RE1 and RE5.
- 120 Wealth Management credits or a tertiary qualification recognised by the FSCA.
- Current Class of Business accreditation.
- Compliance with current and previous Continuous Professional Development (CPD) cycles.
- At least 5 years’ recent industry experience.
- At least 3 years’ experience in a leadership capacity.
- Service Management experience – essential.
- Experience in insurance sales.
- Experience in credit and lending.
Key Skills & Competencies
- Sales tactics and approaches.
- Stakeholder engagement and relationship management.
- Customer service and engagement.
- Knowledge of relevant regulatory frameworks, policies and standards.
- Knowledge of Sanlam insurance products will be advantageous.
- People-management principles and practices.
- Business acumen.
- Computer literacy.
- Data analysis and data visualisation.
- Project management.
- Critical thinking.
- Problem-solving.
- Strong verbal and written communication.
- Team leadership and motivation.
- Target-driven approach.
- Planning and organising.
- Adaptability.
- Ability to learn quickly.
- Resilience and openness to change.
Personal Attributes
The successful candidate should demonstrate:
- Interpersonal savvy – ability to achieve results through others.
- Decision quality – makes sound and informed decisions.
- Directs work – effectively guides and coordinates team activities.
- Optimises work processes – identifies opportunities to improve efficiency.
Core Competencies
- Cultivates innovation.
- Customer focus.
- Drives results.
- Collaboration.
- Resilience.
What Sanlam Offers
Employees can benefit from:
- Competitive salary.
- Performance-based incentives.
- Comprehensive benefits package.
- Career advancement opportunities.
- Supportive and collaborative working environment.
- Ongoing training and development.
About Sanlam Developing Markets
Sanlam Developing Markets is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sanlam Life Limited and provides financial solutions to South Africa’s entry-level and emerging middle market.
Its products include solutions covering areas such as:
- Funeral insurance
- Life cover
- Education savings
- Personal accident plans
- Other affordable financial solutions
Career Growth
The Sanlam Group provides employees with opportunities for career development and growth across its various business clusters, including Sanlam Fintech, Sanlam Life and Savings, Sanlam Investment Group, Sanlam Allianz, Santam, MiWay and the Group Office.