Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Current Education
Completed Education
Strategic Committees
Professional References
Industry Experience
Timeline
Generic
Phila Vilakati

Phila Vilakati

SENIOR MANAGER: HEAD OF SALES & OPERATIONS
Johannesburg

Summary

Versatile Senior Manager specializing in Business Development, Sales & Growth and skilled at planning, implementing and overseeing key improvements to drive business growth and efficiency. History of cultivating an open culture with free exchange of information. Pursuing new professional challenges with a growth-oriented company.


Senior management professional, bringing strategic leadership and operational excellence to drive organizational success. Skilled in project management, team collaboration, and process optimization with keen focus on achieving results. Adept at navigating complex challenges, fostering culture of accountability, and adapting to evolving business needs. Known for strong decision-making, effective communication, and building high-performing teams.


My experience comes from a blend of roles in the Banking, Insurance and Healthcare sectors, having fulfilled roles in t Key Accounts Management & Market Development, Business Development, Sales & distribution, Commercial / Corporate Sales (B2B), Operations, Business Performance Management, and general business management.

Overview

19
19
years of professional experience
4015
4015
years of post-secondary education

Work History

SENIOR MANAGER: HEAD OF SALES & OPERATIONS – IFA CHANNEL

CLIENTELE LIFE
08.2022 - Current
  • Manage a team of Regional Business Development Managers, Sales Teams in the various regions in order to achieve desired outputs.
  • Formulate and execute a Business Development, Sales & Operations strategy for achievement of new business and quality targets.
  • Lead the Market Development strategy for the IFA division.
  • Serve in the IFA Channel EXCO and Legal Channel MANCO respectively.
  • Expense and budget management for the channel and regions.
  • Serve in other business committees i.e. Customer Services, Clientele Rewards, and Special Projects committees.
  • Responsible for the Regional Operations to ensure that we deliver on all our performance metrics as a division.
  • Ensures the achievement of sales, quality and Value of New Business targets.
  • Ensure effective allocation and management of resources.
  • Responsible for creating and building strong internal and external stakeholder relationships in order to leverage new business and build customer confidence in the IFA network and Brand.
  • Drive the set up infrastructure to facilitate production in the various region.
  • Monitor and evaluate performance of teams.
  • Ensure that relevant training occurs regularly.
  • Conduct (or participate) in various leadership meetings on a monthly basis.
  • Monitor competitor activity and apply proactive counter measures.
  • Ensure that all regulatory and compliance requirements are adhered to.
  • Plan and execute marketing campaigns in conjunction with each Regional Business Development Managers for the various regions.
  • Planning of all monthly activities in each region.
  • Various monthly and quarterly reports submission, which includes quarterly Board reports.
  • Forging strong internal and external strategic relationships.
  • Key Accounts Management and Market Development.

REGIONAL MANAGER – GAUTENG SOUTH & MPUMLANGA

AVBOB MUTUAL ASSURANCE
08.2021 - 08.2022
  • Ensure management and compliance of all branches within the region in order to achieve business objectives.
  • Implement control systems and conduct audits according to policy and procedure.
  • Manage Regional accounts to ensure achievement of revenue, management of costs and achievement of profitability.
  • Drive marketing events within the region and participate in External Stakeholder events.
  • Drive sales and market development initiatives with the purpose of increasing revenue and Value of New Business.
  • Plan, develop, maintain and implement the regional marketing plan.
  • Actively participate with managers and all relevant stakeholders in the process of developing and improving relationships.
  • Compile reports in accordance with policies, procedures and legal requirements.
  • Coordinate training needs to ensure staff growth and succession pool.
  • Coordinate marketing activities.
  • Setting up of new property/offices as part of footprint expansion.
  • Reporting and significantly contributing the execution of the company’s strategy working closely with the Provincial Manager.

NETWORK RELATIONSHIP MANAGER - NATIONAL

NETCARE LIMITED
07.2019 - 03.2021
  • Act as a strategic business partner for the business for Netcare divisions namely: Netcare Occupational Health, Oncology, Primary Care and Akeso. Netcare-Plus/Product Innovation.
  • Establishment of a solid Business Development plan to ensure that the General Practitioner and specialist blue printed is executed through on-boarding of new doctors and Hospital Groups.
  • Management of the Doctor Network and Hospital Groups.
  • Clinics visits and relationship management with Clinic Ops, Doctors, Occupational Health Practitioners under Netcare Occupational Health Division.
  • Understand the stakeholder environment, engage stakeholders proactively.
  • Ensure implementation strategies support the group, regional and hospital's business plan, meet budget requirements.
  • Market & Business development to increase market presence and drive revenue.
  • Present value proposition to identified Key Accounts/Key Clients.

KEY ACCOUNTS MANAGER: BUSINESS DEV & MARKET ACCESS

METROPOLITAN LIFE
12.2017 - 07.2019
  • Implement the market access strategy & Conduct analyses of existing key accounts and the development of Local Market Access Plans.
  • Formulate and execute a compelling Business Development Plan for production and growth.
  • Manage National & Provincial Key Accounts & Key Stakeholders.
  • Identify specific appropriate sectors for Market Development and Business Development purposes.
  • Business Development – Private and Public Sector.
  • Manage Key Account and marketing budget for area of responsibility.
  • Provision of operational support to assigned portfolio of key accounts.
  • Entrenching distribution teams into worksites and driving Value of New Business (VNB).
  • Presenting Client Value Proposition to key decision makers.
  • Negotiating and signing access agreements for All Distribution Channels and partner with Employee Wellness Officials to roll-out wellness and financial literacy programs at Worksites.
  • Oversee an activation plan and budget for a new key account.
  • Successful implementation of Key Account Management blueprint.
  • Regular report on performance of National and Provincial key accounts.
  • Measure and report on the success of events and the Return of Investment on a particular project, event or activation.
  • Implement retention initiatives at worksites / Markets.
  • External networking, benchmarking & representation on related business forums, stakeholder events, conferences etc.
  • Stakeholder Engagement initiatives & National Hospitality events.

MANAGER: MARKET DEVELOPMENT & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

LIBERTY HOLDINGS LIMITED
11.2016 - 11.2016
  • Business Development & Worksite Development.
  • Market Development and Implementation of Local Market Plans.
  • Key Account Management.
  • Driving Value of New Business from allocated worksites – in partnership with the Sales Distribution channel.
  • Financial Management – Cost, Revenue and Profit.
  • Competitor Analysis and Market Intelligence.
  • Regional / Provincial Marketing Plan.
  • Implement agreed initiatives to achieve production targets.
  • Acquisition of new Markets / worksites – guided by defined client profile and strategy.
  • Manage and monitor activities at worksites / Markets.
  • Implement retention initiatives at worksites / Markets.
  • Stakeholder Engagement initiatives and Marketing events.
  • Development of market initiative plans for the Province / region.
  • Quality and relationship management at worksites and continuous engagement with key players in the industry.
  • Develop and implement sales strategy for each worksite / business partner.
  • Resource allocation and management through proper profiling of Financial Advisors.
  • Full compliance to legislative requirements.

SALES MANAGER – BURGERSFORT AREA (LIMPOPO)

STANDARD BANK GROUP
10.2015 - 10.2016
  • Management of the Private and Prestige Banking Sales and Service.
  • Market & Business Development for Retail Banking and Business Banking.
  • Drive onsite business banking solutions.
  • Finance – expenditure, revenue, profit.
  • Risk Management & Quality Assurance.
  • People – Leadership Index, performance, coaching, mentoring.
  • Management of Sales & Service Teams.
  • Driving new business acquisition through Employer Value Banking Solutions.
  • Planning & executing promotional campaigns.
  • Business Development and Market Access.
  • Performance Management and People Management.
  • Track progress & performance against service & sales plans & targets.

BRANCH MANAGER: RETAIL BANKING

FIRST NATIONAL BANK
01.2012 - 09.2015
  • Financial Management: analyses financial statements and reports.
  • Drive the balance score card on Sales, Service, People, Operations and Finance.
  • Drive sustainable business performance.
  • Drive consumer and business banking relationship management.
  • Drive sales initiatives across all segments.
  • Manage risk effectively.
  • People management, Performance manages staff towards excellence.
  • Direct and manage the Branch's resources, in line with the Bank's short and long term plan.
  • Understand the needs and expectations of all customer bases.
  • Develop and implement a comprehensive sales and service plan.
  • Track progress and performance against service and sales plan and targets.
  • Build relationships with customers and Stakeholders.
  • Onsite visit to Business Banking Customers.

TEAM LEADER: SALES & SERVICE – WITBANK (MPUMALANGA)

FIRST NATIONAL BANK
05.2010 - 12.2011
  • Drive significant growth and profitability in the context of cost management.
  • Supervision and performance management of the team.
  • Manage the growth of active consumer and business account bases to increase client base through leads, and customer initiated work.
  • Provide sales support efficiencies and services.
  • Maintenance of expert knowledge on specific products, pricing, application procedure, processing.
  • Monitor and manage the resolution of complaints and ensure the resolution of escalated.
  • Develop and maintain working relationships with a variety of stakeholders.
  • Ensure own and team compliance to set governance and compliance procedures and processes.

SALES & SERVICE CONSULTANT – BETHAL, SECUNDA, STANDERTON (MPUMALANGA)

FIRST NATIONAL BANK
09.2006 - 04.2010
  • Leads identified converted into successful sales.
  • Ensure activities support cost containment and reduction.
  • Educate customers on correct eChannels to maximize channel optimisation opportunities identified aligned to customer needs.
  • Connect with our customers by living up to our brand promise of “how can we help you?” at all times.
  • Converse with our customers in a way that they fully understand and provide helpful solutions and products based on their needs.
  • Always conduct themselves in an ethical manner.
  • Adhere to the TCF (Treating Customer fairly) principles in all that you do.
  • Optimize every customer interaction to migrate cash transactions and/or convert customer to eChannels and encourage use of digital and self-service channels.
  • Resolve all customer queries efficiently, and within agreed timelines.
  • Achievement of Sales and Service client retention by managing the breakdown activities as listed in the Sales and Service Operation requirements.
  • Always comply with procedures and processes contained in the relevant business guidelines and understand the risk associated with decisions.
  • Fulfilling transactions above the benchmark set and providing an exceptional customer experience.
  • Demonstrates behaviour in support of the organizational values.
  • Takes accountability for own performance, personal and career development.
  • Maintain an ability to adapt to ever changing business and customer needs.
  • Contribute to the overall effectiveness and success of the team.
  • Improve knowledge and competencies by completing role specific training as per eCareers.

Education

POST GRADUTE DIPLOMA - NQF LEVEL 8 - BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

WITS UNIVERSITY: WITS BUSINESS SCHOOL
Johannesburg
01.2024 - 01.2025

NATIONAL DIPLOMA - BUSINESS MANAGEMENT

NKANGALA TVET COLLEGE
WITBANK
09.2008

N4, N5 AND N6 - BUSINESS MANAGEMENT

NKANGALA TVET COLLEGE
WITBANK
01.2004 - 01.2006

TECHNICAL MATRIC / NATIONAL N3 CERTIFICATE - BUSINESS STUDIES

WITBANK TECHNICAL COLLEGE
WITBANK
12.2003

Skills

  • Critical Thinking and Decision making

  • Interpersonal Communication

  • Stakeholder Management & Engagement

  • Strategic planning

  • Operations management

  • Resource allocation

  • Market analysis

  • Budget administration

  • Business performance management

  • Teamwork and collaboration

  • Customer relationship management

  • Negotiation and conflict resolution

Current Education

University of the Witwatersrand, Wits Business School, Post Graduate Diploma in Business Administration, 08/01/24, 05/31/25

Completed Education

  • Nkangala TVET College, National Diploma in Business Management, 12/31/08
  • Nkangala TVET College, N4, N5 and N6 Business Management, 01/01/04, 12/31/06
  • Witbank Technical College, Technical Matric / National N3 Certificate – Business Studies, 12/31/03

Strategic Committees

IFA Divisional Board of Clientele, Sales / Distribution Senior Manager

Professional References

  • Ayabulela Xongo, Group Executive: Clientele Life Strategic Alliances & Affinity Groups
  • Lesego Molefe, Head of Broker Distribution: Mass Market Clientele
  • Desmond Dube, Clientele Limited Group Brand Ambassador
  • Mpilo Ndlovu, Head of Market Development: Africa Momentum Metropolitan Group
  • Dr. Themba Hadebe, Group Clinical Executive: Bonitas Medical Scheme

Industry Experience

 Banking: 11 years, Insurance: 7 years, Healthcare: 2 years

Timeline

POST GRADUTE DIPLOMA - NQF LEVEL 8 - BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

WITS UNIVERSITY: WITS BUSINESS SCHOOL
01.2024 - 01.2025

SENIOR MANAGER: HEAD OF SALES & OPERATIONS – IFA CHANNEL

CLIENTELE LIFE
08.2022 - Current

REGIONAL MANAGER – GAUTENG SOUTH & MPUMLANGA

AVBOB MUTUAL ASSURANCE
08.2021 - 08.2022

NETWORK RELATIONSHIP MANAGER - NATIONAL

NETCARE LIMITED
07.2019 - 03.2021

KEY ACCOUNTS MANAGER: BUSINESS DEV & MARKET ACCESS

METROPOLITAN LIFE
12.2017 - 07.2019

MANAGER: MARKET DEVELOPMENT & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

LIBERTY HOLDINGS LIMITED
11.2016 - 11.2016

SALES MANAGER – BURGERSFORT AREA (LIMPOPO)

STANDARD BANK GROUP
10.2015 - 10.2016

BRANCH MANAGER: RETAIL BANKING

FIRST NATIONAL BANK
01.2012 - 09.2015

TEAM LEADER: SALES & SERVICE – WITBANK (MPUMALANGA)

FIRST NATIONAL BANK
05.2010 - 12.2011

SALES & SERVICE CONSULTANT – BETHAL, SECUNDA, STANDERTON (MPUMALANGA)

FIRST NATIONAL BANK
09.2006 - 04.2010

N4, N5 AND N6 - BUSINESS MANAGEMENT

NKANGALA TVET COLLEGE
01.2004 - 01.2006

NATIONAL DIPLOMA - BUSINESS MANAGEMENT

NKANGALA TVET COLLEGE

TECHNICAL MATRIC / NATIONAL N3 CERTIFICATE - BUSINESS STUDIES

WITBANK TECHNICAL COLLEGE

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