Department: Employee Benefits - Retirement Funds Reporting To: Managing Director Location: Johannesburg, Gauteng Employment Type: Permanent Job Purpose The Employee Benefits – Retirement Funds New Business Specialist is responsible for originating, developing, and converting new retirement fund and broader employee benefits opportunities for Knights Insurance Brokers. The role is primarily focused on securing new business in the retirement funds market, including umbrella funds, standalone funds, preservation solutions, and related employee benefits arrangements, while also identifying cross‑selling opportunities in group risk, healthcare, and other corporate insurance solutions. The incumbent must build strong relationships with employers, trustees, HR and finance decision‑makers, unions, industry bodies, and strategic partners to grow Knights’ market share and recurring revenue base. Key Responsibilities New Business Development Identify, pursue, and secure new retirement fund and employee benefits opportunities in the corporate, SME, and affinity market segments. Develop and execute a structured pipeline strategy to achieve agreed new business targets. Source opportunities through direct prospecting, referrals, networking, tenders, partnerships, and professional introducers. Arrange and lead meetings with employers, boards of trustees, bargaining councils, and decision‑makers. Prepare and deliver compelling proposals, presentations, and new business pitches. Manage the full sales cycle from lead generation to appointment and implementation handover. Retirement Fund and Employee Benefits Solutions Promote retirement fund solutions including pension funds, provident funds, umbrella funds, preservation funds, and retirement annuities where relevant. Position employee benefits solutions aligned to client needs, workforce profile, compliance requirements, and cost considerations. Identify opportunities to include or refer related solutions such as group life, disability, funeral, healthcare, medical scheme consulting, and voluntary benefits. Work with internal and external stakeholders to structure appropriate benefit designs and contribution models. Client Acquisition and Relationship Management Build and maintain relationships with employers, trustees, principal officers, HR executives, finance managers, payroll contacts, and union representatives. Act as the primary commercial lead during the acquisition stage and support the transition into implementation. Maintain strong engagement with providers, administrators, consultants, and other industry stakeholders to unlock opportunities. Ensure a professional and service‑driven client experience throughout the sales and onboarding process. Market and Partner Development Build strategic relationships with accountants, payroll firms, HR consultants, benefit administrators, industry associations, and independent introducers. Develop distribution channels and referral networks that produce sustainable lead flow. Monitor market developments, competitor activity, pricing trends, and regulatory changes affecting retirement funds and employee benefits. Contribute to the development of new market propositions and sector‑specific growth strategies. Proposal, Tender, and Commercial Support Assist with the preparation of quotations, consulting fee schedules, comparisons, and formal tender responses. Support the drafting of client‑facing proposals, board papers, implementation summaries, and commercial terms. Ensure all proposals are commercially sound, compliant, and aligned with Knights’ strategic objectives. Work closely with internal operations and consulting teams to ensure smooth onboarding of new schemes and funds. Compliance and Governance Ensure all activities are conducted in line with FAIS, Pension Funds Act, Financial Sector Conduct Authority requirements, Treating Customers Fairly principles, POPIA, and internal governance requirements. Maintain accurate client records, pipeline reports, opportunity updates, and documentation. Disclose appropriately, act with integrity, and uphold the professional standards expected in the financial services industry. Key Performance Areas Annual new business revenue generated Number of new retirement fund appointments secured Number of qualified opportunities added to pipeline Conversion ratio from prospect to signed appointment Value of annual recurring consulting income secured Cross‑sell opportunities generated into group risk, healthcare, and related business lines Quality and accuracy of proposals and tender submissions Strength and activity level of partner and introducer network Qualifications Grade 12 / Matric Relevant tertiary qualification in finance, employee benefits, business, marketing, or a related field will be advantageous Relevant FAIS‑recognised qualification preferred RE5 is mandatory RE 1 would be an advantage Experience Minimum 5 years’ experience in employee benefits, retirement funds, group risk, sales or business development experience. Proven track record in originating and closing new business Experience engaging with employers, trustees, HR, finance, and payroll stakeholders Exposure to retirement fund consulting, medical schemes, or group risk products will be advantageous Tender and proposal experience would be beneficial Must have own vehicle Clear ITC & FAIS background checks Knowledge and Technical Competencies Good understanding of retirement funds, employee benefits, and corporate risk solutions Knowledge of pension and provident fund structures, umbrella funds, contribution arrangements, and governance considerations Understanding of the South African regulatory environment affecting retirement funds and financial intermediaries Ability to prepare pricing schedules, commercial proposals, and comparison reports Strong presentation, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement skills Sound commercial acumen and strong business development capability Results‑driven and commercially focused Strong networking and relationship‑building ability Professional, confident, and credible in front of senior stakeholders Self‑motivated and able to work independently High level of integrity and accountability Strong planning, follow‑through, and pipeline discipline Persuasive communicator with strong written and verbal skills Remuneration Structure Market‑related basic salary Commission incentive linked to new business secured Pension Fund Medical Aid subsidy Success Profile for the Role The ideal candidate is a commercially strong employee benefits professional who can open doors, build trust with decision‑makers, convert opportunities into mandates, and contribute meaningfully to the growth of Knights Insurance Brokers’ retirement funds and broader employee benefits portfolio. #J-18808-Ljbffr