Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
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Valda James

Finance And Insurance And Business Development Professional
Johannesburg

Summary

Skilled Business Development leader offering 12 years of experience in leading operations and enhancing revenue. Bringing expertise in client acquisition and contract negotiation, along with excellent interpersonal communication, relationship-building and team leadership abilities. Results-driven and proactive with demonstrated record of accomplishment in meeting and exceeding sales and revenue objectives.

Overview

14
14
years of professional experience
6
6
years of post-secondary education

Work History

Finance and Insurance Assistant

We buy Cars
Johannesburg
06.2022 - Current
  • To ensure all sales staff are trained on an ongoing basis
  • Submit applications to the banks and get validations

• Ensure clients receive copies of Signed Contracts and Vaps at Time of Signing

• Fais files to be compiled and filed daily, Including Cash Clients

• Deal File copies to be done and filed Daily

• To ensure all documentation, bordereaux, weekly and monthly reports are prepared/returned on time

• To attend daily and Monthly sales meetings promptly

• To establish and maintain an easy-to-check flow of documentation

• To ensure that no penalties or delays are incurred by the incorrect or late return of documentation

• To ensure all Debtors' Monies are collected within 48 hours to avoid any loss of interest

New Vehicle Sales Consultant

Barloworld
Johannesburg
02.2020 - 06.2022
  • Greeted customers on lot and in showroom to answer questions about brand and available inventory.
  • Followed-up on warm Internet leads and responded to customer questions about vehicle availability, price, and options while fielding inquiries from various marketing websites.
  • Negotiated purchase prices and explained sales, warranty, and optional products.
  • Completed registration paperwork and sales documentation.
  • Prepared purchased vehicles and completed final delivery checks.

Financial Planning Consultant

Sanlam Life
Johannesburg
02.2020 - 02.2021
  • Provided specialized financial planning support for clients with diverse portfolios and individual needs.
  • Interviewed clients to determine current income, expenses, insurance coverage, tax status, financial objectives, risk tolerance and other information needed to develop financial plan.
  • Developed recommendations specific to client's financial situation on variety of topics.
  • Drafted comprehensive financial plan to offer recommendations and supporting data.

Business Development Executive

Tracker Connect
Johannesburg
12.2016 - 01.2020
  • Identified and pursued valuable business opportunities to generate new company revenue and improve bottom line profit.
  • Negotiated client contracts and agreements to cultivate profitable business transactions.
  • Developed new proposals, contracts and procedures to draw in more clients and streamline work operations.
  • Assessed current service needs and calculated product satisfaction levels to make appropriate product and service adjustments.
  • Implemented creative sales training techniques for new and existing staff to increase revenue and overall success.
  • Fostered lasting relationships with customers through effective communication and quick response, resulting in long-term loyalty and expanded client base.
  • Quoted prices, credit terms and other bid specifications.

Business Development Associate

Platinum Life
Johannesburg
08.2014 - 11.2016
  • Developed business pipeline using cold and warm techniques.
  • Boosted revenue by bringing in and cementing relationships with new clients and optimizing servicing of existing customer accounts.
  • Negotiated contracts and closed sales with new and existing clients.
  • Enhanced customer experience using all omnichannel offerings.
  • Improved bottom-line profitability by growing customer base and capitalizing on upsell opportunities.
  • Reviewed client concerns and recommended appropriate changes to supervisors.

Insurance Sales Executive

Okeefe & Swartz
Johannesburg
02.2012 - 07.2014
  • Optimized agency sales and marketing campaign outcomes by coordinating efforts with corporate and local offices.
  • Structured internal role-playing exercises to improve agents' sales effectiveness, overcome client objections and enhance client renewal rates.
  • Engaged in cross-selling and upselling sales practices to strengthen clients' insurance portfolios and increase agency's aggregate sales figures.
  • Reviewed clients' policies every year and recommended product additions or revisions to reflect changing needs.
  • Researched and identified potential new markets.
  • Educated clients on insurance policies and procedures.

Sales Manager

Platinum life
Johannesburg
01.2010 - 01.2012
  • Coached employees in successful selling methods and encouraged cross-selling to drive revenue.
  • Coached and counseled sales personnel, assisting with individual selling efforts and helping sales representatives reach targets.
  • Grew sales and boosted profits, applying proactive management strategies and enhancing sales training.
  • Resolved customer issues quickly to close deals and boost client satisfaction.
  • Conducted team meetings to reinforce goals and objectives and set clear expectations about policies and procedures.
  • Engaged in product training, demonstrations, consumer awareness, branding, and acquisition initiatives to raise awareness and revenues.

Education

High School Diploma -

Alphande High School
East London
01.2003 - 12.2008

No Degree - Short Term Insurance ( 152 Credits)

Damlin
Johannesburg
04.2001 -

Certification - RE5

Moonstone
Johannesburg
06.2016 - 07.2016

Cerfication - NCA

Moonstone
Johannesburg
06.2022 - 06.2022

Skills

    Understanding of insurance business

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Timeline

Finance and Insurance Assistant

We buy Cars
06.2022 - Current

Cerfication - NCA

Moonstone
06.2022 - 06.2022

New Vehicle Sales Consultant

Barloworld
02.2020 - 06.2022

Financial Planning Consultant

Sanlam Life
02.2020 - 02.2021

Business Development Executive

Tracker Connect
12.2016 - 01.2020

Certification - RE5

Moonstone
06.2016 - 07.2016

Business Development Associate

Platinum Life
08.2014 - 11.2016

Insurance Sales Executive

Okeefe & Swartz
02.2012 - 07.2014

Sales Manager

Platinum life
01.2010 - 01.2012

High School Diploma -

Alphande High School
01.2003 - 12.2008

No Degree - Short Term Insurance ( 152 Credits)

Damlin
04.2001 -
Valda JamesFinance And Insurance And Business Development Professional