Nicole Drew Carolus
Sales And Operations Manager
Johannesburg
Summary
Results-driven leader with a proven track record at Absa Insurance Company, specializing in operations management and sales leadership. Experienced in building collaborative partnerships, streamlining sales processes, and driving business growth. Proficient in dashboard customization and team leadership, with a strategic focus on enhancing partner engagement and operational efficiency, delivering measurable outcomes.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
23
23
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Alternative Distribution Sales &Operations Manager
Absa Insurance Company
Johannesburg, South Africa (Remote)
11.2021 - Current
- Operational Oversight and Team Leadership: Oversee the seamless execution of dealer onboarding and payment processes while ensuring compliance with governance, KYC, and due diligence standards. Manage team travel coordination and operational logistics to support strategic initiatives and business continuity.
- Strategic Reporting and Business Alignment: Deliver accurate, high-quality reports to Exco, Manco, and Steerco forums, providing insights on key business developments. Represent the business in introducer/product committees and ensure alignment with strategic goals by maintaining accurate records and driving onboarding targets.
- Partner Relationship Management and Engagement: Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with business partners and OTT dealers to drive alignment with business objectives. Enhance partner engagement through events, including golf days and promotional campaigns, while fostering open and effective communication channels.
- System and Process Optimization: Lead the enhancement of critical systems, including JDJ, BOLT, and EBO, by driving discussions and implementing improvements. Oversee system testing with dealer partners, ensuring optimal performance and streamlined operations.
- Feedback and Continuous Development: Champion initiatives such as the Voice of the Dealer, using feedback to identify areas for improvement and implementing process enhancements. Address escalations promptly to strengthen dealer relationships and improve overall efficiency.
Alternative Distribution Sales and Operations TL
Absa Insurance Company
Johannesburg, South Africa (Remote)
11.2021 - 07.2023
- Operational Oversight: Ensure smooth back-office operations and dealer channel functionality by managing onboarding, payment processes, and compliance with governance, KYC, and due diligence requirements.
- Strategic Leadership: Track onboarding progress, provide strategic guidance to the Regional Sales team, and address escalations to enhance dealer relationships and operational efficiency.
- Reporting and Representation: Compile and present onboarding and MI reports for Manco and Steerco forums, while representing the business in introducer/product committees and maintaining accurate records.
- Process and Target Management: Drive process improvements, oversee vendor code creation, approve supplier lists, and meet onboarding targets for AVAF dealers to support business goals.
- Partner and Deal Support: Build and maintain strong relationships with business partners, ensure compliance with company policies, and assist the channel manager in finalizing deals.
Controller Administrator & Enablement Consultant
Absa Insurance Company
Johannesburg, South Africa
08.2018 - 10.2021
- Identify and onboard lead partners for new business leads in the idirect call center.
- Manage, monitor, and maintain partner relationships through performance management.
- Ensure all activities comply with regulatory requirements and manage associated risks.
- Drive a culture of proactive compliance and raise awareness among staff.
- Proactively monitor and ensure 100% compliance with all requirements.
- Process partner invoices monthly on SAP SRM.
- Handle onboarding paperwork for partners (Loading on Codeplex, Searchlight, and Introducer DWEBS Portal).
- Coordinate with IT and data privacy for PIA, API, and SFTP setup with external Partners.
- Manage and update the idirect Introducer workbook during annual reviews.
- Determine and manage onboarding risks and establish control processes for them.
Partner Relations Consultant
Discovery Insure
Sandton, South Africa
01.2016 - 07.2018
- Build and maintain positive relationships with business partners.
- Identify opportunities for business growth and implement partner involved initiatives.
- Create a systematic, process-driven approach to partner outreach and relationship management.
- Source partnership opportunities through inbound leads, outbound calls/emails, and client visits.
- Research partners, identify key players, and generate interest
- Collaborate with senior management and marketing teammates to align goals with partner relationships.
- Ensure a great experience for partners, serving as the liaison internally.
- Forecast, measure, and report project results with partners (e.g., cobranded content promotions, lead sharing).
- Maintain ongoing relationships with current partners and propose growth strategies.
- Manage the Discovery Insure Partner Awards Program.
Product Promotoer
Leegra Promotions
Randburg, South Africa
01.2015 - 12.2015
- Showcase and educate customers about products or services offered by different brands or companies.
- Illustrate product functionality to potential customers, addressing queries, and persuading them to make a purchase.
- Engage in in-store promotions to boost product visibility and sales.
Filing Clerk
Bankserv Africa
Johannesburg, South Africa
07.2014 - 12.2014
- Maintains and organizes records and documents, ensuring they are properly archived.
- Handles paperwork duplication and distribution as required. Retrieves data and files for various departments and personnel.
- Utilizes alphabetical and numerical systems to efficiently organize both paper and electronic records and documents.
Education
Bachelor in Business Administration Honours - Business Administration
Management College of Southern Africa
Johannesburg, South Africa 01.2025 - Current
Bachelor Of Commerce - Financial Management
Management College of Southern Africa
Johannesburg, South Africa 01.2017 - 10.2025
Higher National Certificate - INSETA Learnership - Short Term Insurance Level 4
INSETA
Sandton, South Africa 01.2016 - 12.2025
High School Diploma -
Kliptown Senior Secondary
Johannesburg, South Africa 01.2009 - 01.2013
Skills
Collaborative mindset
Sales leadership
Sales process optimization
Dashboard customization
Sales enablement
Teamwork and collaboration
Business development and planning
Team leadership
Operations management
Sales operations
Accomplishments
Insurance Institute of Gauteng Class of Programme 2023 Graduate.
Served on the Young Leaders Exco Forum at Absa Insurance Company for 18 Months.
Timeline
Bachelor in Business Administration Honours - Business Administration
Management College of Southern Africa
01.2025 - Current
Alternative Distribution Sales &Operations Manager
Absa Insurance Company
11.2021 - Current
Alternative Distribution Sales and Operations TL
Absa Insurance Company
11.2021 - 07.2023
Controller Administrator & Enablement Consultant
Absa Insurance Company
08.2018 - 10.2021
Bachelor Of Commerce - Financial Management
Management College of Southern Africa
01.2017 - 10.2025
Partner Relations Consultant
Discovery Insure
01.2016 - 07.2018
Higher National Certificate - INSETA Learnership - Short Term Insurance Level 4
INSETA
01.2016 - 12.2025
Product Promotoer
Leegra Promotions
01.2015 - 12.2015
Filing Clerk
Bankserv Africa
07.2014 - 12.2014
High School Diploma -
Kliptown Senior Secondary
01.2009 - 01.2013