Hi, I’m
Carol Mkhize
Senior Sales Executive
Pietermarizburg,KZN
Work Preference
Summary
Seasoned senior manager with over 20 years of experience in the financial and insurance industries, recognized for exceptional leadership and driving team success. Proven expertise in finance and management has equipped teams with the tools necessary to achieve aggressive sales targets and growth objectives. Strong track record of fostering a collaborative environment that promotes innovation and performance excellence. Committed to leveraging industry knowledge to navigate challenges and capitalize on opportunities for organizational advancement.
Experienced with regional business management, focusing on operational efficiency and team leadership. Utilizes strategic planning and market analysis to drive growth and improve market share. Track record of fostering collaborative team environments and meeting business objectives.
Overview
16
years of professional experience
5
Certifications
Work History
Bergshire
Area Business Manager
07.2024 - Current
Job overview
- Analyzed market trends and competitor activities, adjusting strategies to maintain a competitive edge.
- Conducted regular business reviews with team members, identifying areas for improvement and growth opportunities.
- Developed strong relationships with key clients for long-lasting partnerships and increased profitability.
- Exceeded annual sales targets consistently through proactive prospecting, effective pipeline management, and diligent follow-up efforts.
- Delivered consistent revenue growth by executing targeted marketing campaigns tailored to specific client needs.
- Managed a team of sales representatives, providing coaching and guidance to improve performance and achieve targets.
- Provided ongoing training for sales representatives in product knowledge, selling techniques, and account management skills.
- Increased sales revenue by implementing strategic business plans and expanding client base.
Sanlam
Provincial Executive-KZN NORTH
11.2023 - 03.2024
Job overview
- I was responsible for implementation and execution of the Provincial Budgets.
- Contributed to the creation of the annual Retail Mass Strategy
- Responsible and accountable for the geographical Agency Distribution vision and strategy/plan of Individual Life Distribution annually
- Responsible for driving business innovation through partnerships Sanlam Employee Benefits
- Implemented the Provincial strategic plan of the Senior Implementation and Relationship Executive
- Represented the province in terms of events, recognition
- Ensured collaboration and synergy between all channels across segments in the province to drive sales and market share growth countable for achievement of profitability (VNB and expense management) for the province.
- Ensured adherence to compliance and risk management for the province
- Ensured operational excellence within the province.
- Developed talent and achieved transformation Undertake strategic leadership
- Established long-term client relationships through consistent delivery of high-quality products and services.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by streamlining communication channels and improving response times.
- Mentored junior staff members for accelerated career growth, developing future leaders within the organization.
- Interviewed, recruited and trained new onboarding candidates.
- Achieved company growth by implementing strategic marketing plans and business development initiatives.
- Implemented cost-saving measures through reevaluation of supply chain management practices.
- Expanded market presence by identifying new business opportunities and forging strategic partnerships.
Sanlam
Area Manager
07.2020 - 10.2023
Job overview
- Responsible for operational and strategic execution for the KZN Province, Sales force, volume targets, growth year on year targets, quality targets, worksite targets, change management, responsible for special projects within the province and ensuring that branches are aligned with the business. I am the face of the KZN NORTH AREA.
- Understand and implement practices to ensure viability and profitability of the province
- Huge accountable oversight of;
- VNB Product mix.
- Created and direct opportunities to increase new business streams
- Cost to Income ratio. Be accountable for risk management and compliance within the province (including Key Individual)
- I was the face of the Area, an ambassador for clients, stakeholders and intermediaries in the province (relationship building, events, recognition conferences, networking, opening doors, influencing etc.
- Positioning of Sanlam as a brand and business on provincial level in the market with key public and private market stakeholders
- Engage with industry bodies (i.e. business and community forums)
- Develop and maintain provincial business partnerships within the financial services community (including competitor liaison when required)
- Identify and engage high impact intermediary opportunities
- Host events and functions that drive recognition
- Forge close relationships and influence with Product Houses and key HO functions on behalf of the province in order to partner with the province for support and collaboration Be accountable for the expense budgets and profitability of the Area
Assupol
Deputy Regional General Manager/ Regional Manager
07.2019 - 06.2020
Job overview
- I was responsible for execution of the Midlands sales strategy, recruitment of sales force & broker targets, penetration and commercial worksites, improving market share within the Midlands area, and ensuring that managers are aligned with existing markets. I was the face of the Midlands area also responsible for CSI projects working closely with Regional Manager & National Director, responsible for risk management and change management.
- Negotiated contracts with vendors and suppliers, securing favorable terms for the company.
- Managed a team of area managers, resulting in increased efficiency and productivity across the region.
- Analyzed market trends to identify growth opportunities, driving expansion efforts within the region.
- Improved regional sales performance by developing and implementing strategic business plans.
- Collaborated closely with marketing teams to develop targeted campaigns that drove customer acquisition within the region.
- Streamlined operational processes for improved efficiency and cost savings within the region.
- Identified areas for process improvement within the organization''s infrastructure in order to maintain the region''s competitive edge.
- Established clear communication channels between departments, fostering improved teamwork and collaboration.
- Developed partnerships with local organizations to enhance community engagement and contribute positively towards corporate social responsibility initiatives.
- Mentored area managers on best practices for team leadership and motivation, contributing to a positive work environment throughout the region.
- Promoted a customer-centric approach within the region to ensure consistent delivery of exceptional service experiences.
Sanlam
Branch Manager
06.2015 - 06.2019
Job overview
- Responsible for staff development, achieving of budget in respect of sales force, figures, as well as quality, Manage team, consultants, sales managers and field administrators, training of SM’s and advisors, quality control of new business, lodging of new business, facility allocation, staff development, implement business plan, Manage key performance areas of stuff, compliance management, recruitment of high quality sales staff, operational performance monitoring, people and enabling capacity management, change management, operational performance monitoring, maintain high level of policy conservation and focusing on high quality markets within the area.
- Maintained friendly and professional customer interactions.
- Continuously monitored branch performance against key performance indicators, taking corrective actions as needed to ensure objectives were met or exceeded.
- Strengthened relationships with key clients, securing long-term partnerships and driving revenue growth.
- Increased branch profitability by implementing cost-saving measures and streamlining operational processes.
- Evaluated employee performance regularly through appraisals and feedback sessions to facilitate continuous development of skills and knowledge base within the team.
- Enhanced staff competency with regular training sessions, boosting productivity levels across the branch operations.
- Managed branch financials including budgeting, forecasting, and expense tracking for accurate reporting and decision-making support.
Sanlam
Field Manager
07.2010 - 05.2015
Job overview
- Responsible for staff development, achieving of budget in respect of sales force, figures, as well as quality, Manage team, consultants, sales managers and field administrators, training of SM’s and advisors, quality control of new business, lodging of new business, facility allocation, staff development, implement business plan, Manage key performance areas of stuff, compliance management, recruitment of high quality sales staff, operational performance monitoring, people and enabling capacity management, change management, operational performance monitoring, maintain high level of policy conservation and focusing on high quality markets within the area.
- Facilitated field operations through supervision and direction of field personnel.
- Collaborated with multiple departments to meet operational deadlines.
- Tracked key performance indicators and enforced quality control measures.
- Ensured consistent quality control by implementing and enforcing safety protocols across all field operations.
- Consistently exceeded performance objectives by leveraging extensive industry experience and effective leadership skills in managing teams.
- Maintained excellent knowledge of industry trends and advancements to inform strategic decisions in the field management role.
- Monitored personnel performance to identify opportunities for improvement and develop solutions to productivity issues.
Sanlam
Sales Manager
08.2009 - 07.2010
Job overview
- Responsible for representative activity management developing representative, spot checking and submission of new business, training-theoretical and practical in field analysis of representative report, Target and goal setting for myself and representatives, recruitment of reps, selection, screening and short listing of potential reps. Submitting reports on a weekly basis to the branch manager, liaise with various clients on matters regarding handling of complaints, analyzing status of new and existing clients, planning organizing and negotiating new facilities & communicate with consultants on daily basis.
- Handled customer relations issues, enabling quick resolution, and client satisfaction.
- Increased sales revenue by developing and implementing effective sales strategies.
- Built long-lasting client relationships through excellent customer service and consistent followups.
- Led a successful sales team by providing motivational coaching and performance-based incentives.
- Maintained relationships with customers and found new ones by identifying needs and offering appropriate services.
- Overcame objections from potential clients by addressing concerns effectively and offering customized solutions based on their unique needs.
Education
University of South Africa (UNISA)
Bachelor of Business Administration
University Overview
- Level 1
- Business management1A, Legal Aspects in Accountancy, Commercial Law1A, Financial Accounting Principle, Sustainability and Greed, Economics1A, Ecomics1B, Financial Accounting and Reporting, Practicing Workplace English, Financial Accounting Principles Concepts and procedure. Principles of Marketing Management
- Level2
- Leadership, Organizational Communication, Human Resource Provisioning, Contemporary Management Issues, Consumer Behavior, Introduction to Entrepreneurship Small Business Management, Public Relations, Organizational Research Methodology
- Level 3
- Strategic Planning, Strategic Marketing, Project Management, Corporate Entrepreneurship, Advertising and Public Relations, Family Business management, Strategic Implementation and Control, Global Business Management, Corporate Citizenship and Theoretical and Applied Ethics
University of Stellenbosch (USB)
Senior Management Development Program
University Overview
- NQF level 7
- Strategic Management, Systems Thinking, Marketing Management, Economic and Global Trends, Project Management, Integrated Management, Financial Management, Innovation, Leadership and change, Human Capital Management, Sustainability and Presentation skills.
Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU)
Project Management
University Overview
- NQF6
- Financial Management, Organizational Behavior, Project Control, Project Planning, Project Tools and Techniques, Corporates Governance & Peoples Management.
Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU)
Fundamentals of Business Management
University Overview
- NQF5
- Management 1, Business Mathematics, Economics, Accounting, Marketing/Consumer Behavior, Business Communication, Operation Management
Msimude High School
Grade 12
01.1995
University Overview
English, Zulu, Mathematics, Accounting, Business Economics & Economics.
Skills
Sales management
Operations management
Sales projections
Project management
Business development and planning
Team collaboration
Problem-solving
Client relationship management
Interpersonal skills
Team building
Accomplishments
Accomplishments
- Oversee the biggest province in the channel with over 800 staff members.
- Contract Negotiation - Signed and negotiated the contract for two major clients.
- Business Development: - Spearheaded acquisition of two competitor companies.Established and managed partner relationships on a daily basis. Developed new marketing strategy which increased customer base by 20%
- Achieved highest quality in the country through effectively helping with persistency and ntu
- Collaborated with learning and training department in the development of step up campaign
- Used Microsoft Excel to develop performance daily activities tracking spreadsheets.
Certification
RE 5 and RE1
References
References
- Mannie, Kambourakis, National Manager, Contact: Available on request
- Ayanda, Ndlovu, Head of Agency Sanlam Retail Mass, 0743433041
- Malala, Ndlanzi, Provincial Regional Manager (Assupol), 0832549146
Availability
See my work availability
Not Available
Available
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
swipe to browse
Timeline
Area Business Manager
Bergshire
07.2024 - Current
Provincial Executive-KZN NORTH
Sanlam
11.2023 - 03.2024
Area Manager
Sanlam
07.2020 - 10.2023
Deputy Regional General Manager/ Regional Manager
Assupol
07.2019 - 06.2020
Branch Manager
Sanlam
06.2015 - 06.2019
Field Manager
Sanlam
07.2010 - 05.2015
Sales Manager
Sanlam
08.2009 - 07.2010
University of Stellenbosch (USB)
Senior Management Development Program
Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU)
Project Management
Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU)
Fundamentals of Business Management
Msimude High School
Grade 12
University of South Africa (UNISA)
Bachelor of Business Administration