Actuary – Discovery Life Distribution Strategy Opportunity at Discovery Sandton

Discovery Life is inviting applications for an Actuary – Discovery Life Distribution Strategy opportunity at Discovery Place in Sandton, Gauteng. This role is suited to an analytically minded professional with a background in Actuarial Science who is interested in product development, market research, data analytics and business strategy within the life insurance industry. The successful candidate will join Discovery Life’s dynamic Research and Development (R&D) environment, helping identify new business opportunities and develop innovative products and services that strengthen the company’s value proposition to financial advisers and their clients.

Discovery is a leading financial services organisation with a core purpose of making people healthier and enhancing and protecting their lives. Discovery Life specialises in innovative risk assurance solutions for individual clients and places strong emphasis on customer experience, broker relationships and service excellence. Within this environment, the Actuary – Distribution Strategy will use technical product knowledge, market intelligence and advanced data analysis to guide strategic decisions, improve distribution performance and support the development and launch of competitive life insurance products.

This opportunity combines actuarial expertise with commercial thinking, research, product positioning and stakeholder engagement. The successful candidate will analyse large datasets, investigate competitor activity, identify sales opportunities across distribution channels and prepare insights for senior management. The role also includes developing launch and campaign materials, supporting financial advisers and franchises, and participating in meetings and presentations involving brokers and high-net-worth clients. Candidates with a degree in Actuarial Science, strong analytical capabilities and an interest in the life insurance and financial services industries are encouraged to apply.

Key Responsibilities

• Use market intelligence, customer insights and industry research to support the development and annual launch of innovative life insurance products and services.
• Apply technical product knowledge and competitor analysis to identify commercial opportunities and strengthen Discovery Life’s market position.
• Analyse large datasets to identify new business trends, emerging market opportunities and potential areas for growth.
• Provide senior management with clear, evidence-based insights to support strategic planning and business decision-making.
• Identify sales opportunities across Discovery Life’s various distribution channels using data analysis and business performance information.
• Conduct detailed competitor and industry research to understand market developments, product positioning and the competitive landscape.
• Contribute to Research and Development initiatives through product ideation, strategic thinking, product development and launch planning.
• Develop compelling product positioning and prepare launch materials, roadshow presentations and campaign resources for financial advisers and franchises.
• Support the effective rollout of product launches and campaigns to help distribution teams meet their objectives and performance targets.
• Build automated tools and dashboards that provide timely, real-time insights for business planning and decision-making.
• Provide technical product support to Discovery Life’s distribution channels to assist with the successful execution of business deliverables.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders across product development, distribution, research and other relevant business functions to improve products, processes and strategies.
• Provide support to the Life Executive Committee and related structures to facilitate the efficient functioning of the distribution team.
• Use market feedback, data analysis and performance monitoring to inform strategies developed with the broader product development team.
• Support initiatives aimed at improving policy conservation, customer retention and product persistency across distribution channels.
• Develop targeted presentations for clients and brokers, translating technical product information and analytical findings into clear, relevant business insights.
• Lead meetings with high-net-worth clients and large life writers, providing informed product and market perspectives.
• Build a strong understanding of Discovery Life’s products and the competitive environment to serve as a subject matter authority during meetings and presentations.
• Communicate research findings, product insights and strategic recommendations effectively to colleagues, management, financial advisers and other stakeholders.
• Contribute intellectual thought leadership through appropriate materials such as claims documents and articles for journalists.
• Identify opportunities to improve the customer and financial adviser experience through innovative products, effective distribution strategies and data-driven recommendations.

Requirements and Skills

• Matric certificate with Mathematics.
• A Bachelor of Science (BSc), Bachelor of Business Science (BBusSc) or equivalent degree in Actuarial Science.
• An Honours degree in Actuarial Science will be advantageous.
• At least two years of work experience in the life insurance or financial services industries will be advantageous.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to present complex technical information clearly to different audiences.
• Advanced analytical and technical skills.
• Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities.
• Knowledge of actuarial modelling.
• Knowledge of data analysis and the ability to interpret large datasets to identify trends and business opportunities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook.
• Ability to use data and market intelligence to support strategic recommendations and commercial decisions.
• Understanding of product development, competitor analysis and market positioning will be beneficial to the role.
• Ability to develop clear reports, presentations and other materials for management and distribution stakeholders.
• Strong interpersonal and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively across different business functions and work towards shared objectives.
• Initiative, curiosity and a willingness to learn quickly.
• Adaptability when responding to changing business priorities and market conditions.
• Ability to communicate professionally and confidently in meetings and presentations.
• A proactive approach to identifying opportunities, improving processes and supporting business growth.

The Actuary – Discovery Life Distribution Strategy opportunity at Discovery Place in Sandton, Gauteng, is suited to an individual who can combine actuarial knowledge, advanced analytics and commercial insight to support product innovation and distribution growth. The role offers the opportunity to contribute to Research and Development, strengthen relationships with financial advisers and brokers, and help shape strategies that improve new business performance and policy retention. Discovery will consider its approved Employment Equity Plan and targets during recruitment and actively encourages suitably qualified people with disabilities to apply. Interested candidates should submit their applications through the official Discovery careers website and review the listing for any additional application requirements.

Apply here