AAR Insurance, one of the leading insurance providers in Kenya, is inviting dynamic, forward-thinking, and performance-driven individuals to join its fast-growing team as a Business Development Manager – Nyanza & Western Region. With a solid reputation in delivering innovative insurance solutions and a client-centric approach to service delivery, AAR Insurance continues to be a trailblazer in the industry. This new opportunity is tailored for an experienced professional with strong business acumen, leadership capabilities, and an in-depth understanding of the insurance market, especially within the Nyanza and Western Kenya regions.
This role offers the successful candidate an exciting platform to drive strategic growth, expand market share, foster innovation, and lead a team to deliver results in alignment with AAR Insurance’s high standards and long-term objectives.
Overall Purpose of the Job
Reporting directly to the Group Head of Distribution, the Business Development Manager will oversee the strategic direction, development initiatives, operational execution, and leadership of sales and distribution in the designated region. This includes responsibility for general insurance and high-net-worth market segments, ensuring alignment with corporate strategies and compliance with regulatory standards.
The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in steering business performance, driving innovation in product development, fostering strategic partnerships, and leading a team dedicated to excellence.
Key Responsibilities
1. Strategy Development and Implementation
- Design and implement a robust strategic plan for the region, aligned with AAR Insurance’s broader corporate vision and objectives.
- Identify emerging market trends, new business avenues, and regional opportunities to drive sustainable growth.
- Continuously monitor regulatory frameworks and industry shifts to ensure adaptability in strategic execution.
- Provide data-driven insights and forecasts to support decision-making and regional business planning.
2. Business Development Initiatives
- Spearhead regional business development with a sharp focus on growing client acquisition in general insurance and high-net-worth client segments.
- Build and nurture strategic relationships with key market players including corporate clients, affluent individuals, and institutional partners.
- Collaborate with internal stakeholders such as marketing, underwriting, and sales to develop and implement targeted campaigns and lead-generation strategies.
- Conduct regular competitor analysis and benchmarking to position AAR Insurance competitively within the regional market.
- Leverage joint ventures and strategic alliances to enhance brand visibility and service offerings in the region.
- Undertake field-based market research and client needs assessments to refine product offerings.
3. Client Relationship Management
- Serve as the primary relationship manager for regional corporate and high-net-worth clients, ensuring a deep understanding of their insurance needs, financial goals, and service preferences.
- Facilitate regular touchpoints with clients to provide personalized updates on product offerings, policy performance, and market developments.
- Work in collaboration with the customer service and operations teams to resolve client queries and issues promptly and efficiently.
- Organize and lead client engagement forums such as financial education seminars, networking luncheons, and appreciation events.
4. Innovation and Product Development
- Champion the ideation and roll-out of innovative insurance products tailored to the unique needs of corporate entities and high-value clients in the region.
- Interface with the product development team to ensure new products are customer-centric, relevant, and competitive.
- Stay abreast of technological advancements and digital trends that can be leveraged to offer value-added services and streamline insurance operations.
- Initiate pilot programs and product trials in collaboration with research and development teams to validate concepts.
5. Corporate Governance, Regulatory Compliance and Risk Management
- Maintain strict compliance with all applicable insurance regulations, internal policies, and ethical standards.
- Keep up to date with changes in the insurance regulatory environment and communicate potential impacts to relevant departments and clients.
- Ensure all regional sales and operational activities adhere to compliance requirements and governance structures.
- Lead periodic audits, risk reviews, and policy compliance assessments within the regional office.
6. Leadership and Organizational Culture
- Build and nurture a high-performing, motivated, and results-oriented regional team aligned with the values and objectives of AAR Insurance.
- Promote a culture of innovation, integrity, teamwork, and accountability.
- Facilitate professional development through training, mentorship, and performance feedback.
- Inspire team members to consistently deliver exceptional service and exceed set targets.
- Champion diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of team management and client engagement.
Education, Experience, and Competency Requirements
- A Bachelor’s degree in Commerce or a Business-related discipline from a recognized university.
- Possession of AIIK (Associate of the Insurance Institute of Kenya) or ACII (Associate of the Chartered Insurance Institute) professional qualifications.
- A minimum of five (5) years of hands-on experience in Sales, Marketing, or Business Relationship Management, preferably within the insurance sector.
- Demonstrated track record of successful sales performance, market growth, and client portfolio management.
- Proficiency in developing business cases, strategic plans, and performance reports.
- A collaborative leadership style, promoting trust, transparency, and continuous improvement.
- Strong presentation, negotiation, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Demonstrated capability to manage change, drive results, and lead a regionally dispersed team.
Work Environment and Location
- Job Category: Business Development
- Job Type: Full Time
- Job Location: Nyanza & Western Region, Kenya
- Department: Distribution and Business Development
This position offers a great opportunity for a passionate and competent professional to make a significant impact in a fast-paced, growth-focused organization. It also presents a chance to engage directly with a diverse range of clients and lead a high-performing team in a region rich in potential.
Equal Opportunity Statement
AAR Insurance is an equal-opportunity employer committed to building a diverse workforce. We actively encourage applications from qualified individuals regardless of race, gender, religion, age, or disability. Our hiring process is based solely on merit, potential, and alignment with our core values of integrity, innovation, and excellence.
How to Apply
If you meet the outlined requirements and are enthusiastic about becoming part of a visionary and progressive team, kindly submit your application letter and an updated CV, including relevant testimonials, to the following email address:
Application Deadline: 30th June 2025
We appreciate all applications; however, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further steps in the recruitment process.
