Head: Distribution; Mutual System

Job Description

The Head of Distribution provides strategic leadership for the Mutual System’s distribution agenda, shaping how the organisation reaches, engages, and grows its member base through intermediary networks, direct channels, and strategic partnerships. The role is accountable for designing and executing a scalable, multi-channel distribution strategy that drives sustainable growth, deepens market penetration, and ensures the Mutual System is effectively positioned within professional and partner ecosystems.

The role works closely with marketing and product teams to ensure distribution channels are enabled by clear value propositions, strong demand generation, and consistent market messaging.

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business, or Commerce (essential).
• Postgraduate qualification (e.g., MBA, Strategic Marketing) advantageous.

• Minimum of 10 years’ senior experience in distribution, partnerships, or channel leadership within financial services, professional services, or digital ecosystems.
• Proven track record of designing and scaling multi-channel distribution models.
• Demonstrated experience working with intermediary networks and strategic partners.
• Strong commercial judgment and experience driving growth in complex stakeholder environments.

• Deep understanding of distribution economics, channel performance, and partnership models.
• Strong insight into the South African professional and financial services landscape.
• Ability to translate strategy into executable distribution plans.
• Excellent relationship management, negotiation, and executive communication skills.
• Strong analytical capability with a data-led approach to decision‑making.

• Strategic and systems thinker
• Commercially astute and outcomes‑driven
• Influential and collaborative leader
• Resilient and adaptable in a high-growth environment
• Purpose‑driven, with a deep belief in mutuality and long‑term member value

• Define and execute a clear, scalable distribution strategy across intermediary, direct‑to‑member, institutional, and partner channels.
• Design and optimise channel models to maximise reach, conversion, and long‑term member value.
• Establish clear performance metrics, channel economics, and incentive frameworks aligned to sustainable growth.
• Identify, evaluate, and secure strategic distribution partnerships to expand the Mutual System’s footprint locally and, where relevant, internationally.
• Ensure all distribution activities align with the principles, ethics, and long‑term intent of the mutual model.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with professional associations, affinity groups, advisers, and strategic partners.
• Act as the senior distribution interface with key external stakeholders and networks.
• Ensure intermediaries and partners are effectively enabled with the tools, insights, and support required to represent the Mutual System credibly and consistently.
• Drive engagement, advocacy, and adoption of the Mutual System ecosystem within intermediary and partner communities.

• Work closely with marketing teams to ensure distribution strategies are supported by effective demand generation, positioning, and campaign alignment.
• Translate market and channel feedback into actionable insights to refine value propositions, onboarding flows, and engagement models.
• Ensure digital and direct channels are optimised for conversion, onboarding, and ongoing member engagement.
• Champion a data‑driven approach to distribution performance, pipeline management, and conversion optimisation.

• Serve as a member of the Mutual System Executive Leadership Team, contributing to broader organisational strategy and priorities.
• Collaborate closely with the CEO, product leaders, and Accenture build partners to align distribution execution with platform development and strategic milestones.
• Influence internal teams and external partners towards a shared ambition for scale, relevance, and long‑term member value creation.
• Represent the Mutual System in relevant industry forums, partnerships, and strategic engagements.

• Ensure all distribution activities comply with regulatory, conduct, and governance requirements, including Treating Customers Fairly principles where applicable.
• Maintain strong oversight of distribution‑related risks, controls, and delegated authorities.
• Manage budgets, reporting, and performance tracking in line with approved Delegation of Authority.
• Protect and enhance the Mutual System’s reputation through disciplined execution and ethical leadership.