Chief Operating Officer
Job Specification
Company: Halls Financial Services / AA Financial Services
Job title: Chief Operating Officer
Location: Bryanston
Reports to: CEO
Job Type: Permanent
Industry: Financial Services
Expected CTC: TBC
Role overview/purpose
The COO will be responsible for strategy and overseeing and optimizing post-sales insurance operations, including customer services, retentions and claims management. This role requires a strategic leader with a strong operational background in insurance, ensuring efficiency, compliance, and customer satisfaction across all post-sales functions. The individual will play a key role in enhancing processes, improving service delivery, and ensuring the business fully embraces technology to drive the desired customer outcomes. The individual will be required to demonstrate a thorough and value adding understanding of data management to improve business outcomes.
Qualification
Matric /Grade 12 (Standard 10) with University Entrance (NQF4).
Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Actuarial Science, Business Administration, Insurance, Finance, or a related field.
Advanced degree (MBA or equivalent) is advantageous
Experience and skills required
Minimum of 8-10 years of experience in insurance operations, with at least 5 years in a managerial or leadership role.
In-depth knowledge of post-sales insurance processes, including customer service, claims management and retention strategies.
Strong understanding of regulatory and compliance requirements in the insurance industry.
Proven experience in process improvement, operational efficiency and performance optimization.
Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and drive informed decision-making.
Experience in leading cross-functional teams and managing large-scale operational initiatives.
Proficiency in insurance-related systems and CRM tools.
Experienced at participating in key partnership management and discussions.
Key Responsibilities
Design and execute on customer support strategy.
Design and implement products, processes and systems which lead to positive customer outcomes.
Oversee and enhance post-sales insurance operations, including customer service, claims, and retention strategies.
Develop and implement operational policies and procedures to improve efficiency and compliance.
Lead and mentor a team of managers and professionals, ensuring high performance and engagement.
Drive process improvements through automation, best practices, and innovative solutions.
Monitor and analyse key performance metrics, identifying areas for operational enhancement.
Collaborate with stakeholders across departments to align operational goals with business objectives.
Ensure adherence to industry regulations and company policies, mitigating risks and ensuring compliance.
Work closely with IT and digital teams to enhance technology solutions supporting operations.
Develop and execute strategies to improve customer satisfaction and policyholder retention.
Manage budgets, resource allocation, and cost optimization for operational functions.
Work closely with the CEO and CFO with regards to key strategic partner management.
Non-technical skills
Strong leadership and people management skills.
Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
Problem-solving mindset with the ability to make data-driven decisions.
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
High level of adaptability and resilience in handling operational challenges.
Customer-centric approach with a focus on service excellence.
Strong negotiation and stakeholder management skills.
Ability to influence and drive change within an organization.
Strategic partnership management skills.
Values
The Candidate will be expected to operate in line with our company values:
Passion: We have a strong and barely controllable excitement for life, our work, the people we work with, and for ourselves. Our enthusiasm and positive energy lead to a strong bias toward action and strive for excellence!
Care: We care deeply for ourselves, the people we work with, our customers, the communities we live in, the country we call home and the planet which hosts us!
Integrity: We always do the right thing, even when nobody is watching!
Growth: We always strive to make a positive contribution on our journey to significance! We (us and the business) grow, because our people grow! Our curiosity drives Innovation and our resilience keeps us determined when the going gets tough! We have the courage to make decisions and to have the tough conversations.
Diversity: We respect and cherish each other and listen to all opinions! We are all unique, which makes the “us” stronger! Through collaboration, we ensure that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts!
If you, or anyone you know, would like to apply for the position then please forward a comprehensive CV to JaniceW@HallsFS.co.za.