Distribution Actuary

Job Description

The Distribution Actuary acts as the financial interface between the business and distribution channels, applying actuarial thinking in a non-traditional context to support strategic decision-making. The role focuses on optimising channel economics, translating complex financial insights into clear actions, and guiding leaders toward improved value outcomes.

Part of the Distribution Economics team within Old Mutual’s MFC Finance function, the role offers exposure across multiple sales channels, using actuarial, behavioural economics, and data science techniques to maximise long-term value creation. The incumbent leads sales business planning, shapes strategy, and partners closely with sales leaders to drive the value of new business in the lower-income market segment.

What you’ll love about this role:

• Immerse yourself in MFC’s purpose-driven culture—our strong heritage and commitment to integrated financial solutions that are affordable and accessible are what set us apart.
• Partner with sales staff from different channels, including tied, broker, franchise, virtual and digital channels, ensuring our analytics and recommendations translate into real-world impact.
• Influence the future of MFC through input on business planning and strategic initiatives.
• Help reshape our distribution model in response to evolving regulations, AI advancements and industry trends.

What we’re looking for:

• Strong strategic, financial and commercial acumen.
• Proven ability to translate data-driven insights into practical, sales-focused recommendations.
• Comfort in communicating complex concepts with diverse audiences, able to adapt style and tone to convey a message most appropriately.
• Excellent stakeholder management, with experience working alongside finance, actuarial valuation and commercial teams.
• A passion for using analytics to bridge the gap between customers’ resources and their financial-service needs.

Key Result Areas / Outputs

Strategic Business Partnering

• Act as the financial conduit between business and distribution channels
• Lead sales business planning and contribute to channel strategy
• Translate financial metrics into clear, actionable objectives for stakeholders

Stakeholder Management & Leadership

• Build and maintain strong relationships across business, finance, and distribution teams
• Influence decision-making through data-driven insights
• Collaborate across multi-disciplinary teams and lead/mentor a small team

Channel Economics & Modelling

• Develop and apply financial models to understand distribution channel economics and performance
• Analyse salesforce productivity, cost structures, and revenue dynamics
• Translate modelling outputs into practical recommendations to optimise value outcomes

Business & Channel Enablement

• Strengthen distribution channels through strategic guidance and hands-on support
• Develop business models to address key strategic questions in the mass market

Actuarial Insights & Analysis

• Apply actuarial and financial analysis to guide complex business scenarios
• Analyse distribution performance (e.g., lapses, expenses, revenue drivers)
• Generate actionable insights and validate assumptions using the actuarial control cycle

Continuous Improvement & Innovation

• Identify inefficiencies and drive improvements in models, processes, and decision frameworks
• Support change initiatives and innovation in distribution strategy
• Contribute to shaping how the business responds to strategic challenges

Risk, Governance & Compliance

• Manage financial risks within distribution channels
• Ensure compliance with relevant regulations (e.g., commission structures)

Qualifications, Skills and Experience:

• Qualified actuary
• At least 8 years’ experience.
• A champion of the mass market customer
• Solution-driven, passionate, energetic, and innovative
• Business acumen and collaboration skills
• A strong sense of ownership, initiative, and the ability to think on your feet
• Capacity to work under pressure, in an ambiguous environment with often tight deadlines
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills

The following will be an advantage:

• An understanding of retail distribution
• Prior experience building and operating models
• Prior experience working in valuations and/or pricing

Skills

Adaptive Thinking, Change Management, Commercial Acumen, Cultural Awareness, Customer-Focused, Executing Plans, Financial Acumen, Learning and Development (L&D), Negotiation, Negotiation Tactics, Performance Management Design, Policy Development, Professional Presentation, Servant Leadership

Competencies

Balances Stakeholders, Builds Networks, Business Insight, Collaborates, Communicates Effectively, Decision Quality, Drives Results, Ensures Accountability

Education

NQF Level 9 – Masters

Closing Date

22 July 2026, 23:59

The appointment will be made from the designated group in line with the Employment Equity Plan of Old Mutual South Africa and the specific business unit in question.