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Agile Coach (Bellville, Western Cape, ZA) @ Sanlam Life Insurance Limited

ZAOnsiteFull-time
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<h1><span style="font-size:16.0px"><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><strong>Who are we?</strong></span></span></h1> <p style="text-align:justify;margin:0.0cm"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Sanlam Life and Savings (SLS) is focused on serving our retail and corporate clients in South Africa and further developing our strategic advantages in the South African market. Sanlam Life and Savings consists of the following business units Retail Mass, Corporate, Risk and Savings, Glacier and various business enabling functions. The Sanlam Life and Savings Office provides strategic direction, coordination and support to the four clusters, as well as performing governance oversight that includes assurance provided by second line of defense functions in SLS, to enable us to meet our business objectives.</span></p> <p style="text-align:justify;margin:0.0cm"> </p><div><div style="padding:10.0px 0.0px;border:1.0px solid transparent"><div style="font-size:16.0px;word-wrap:break-word"><H2 style="font-size:1.0em;margin:0.0px"><b>What will you do?</b></H2> </div><div><p> </p> <p><strong><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Job Purpose:</span></strong></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif">The Agile Coach is responsible for building, enabling, and scaling organisational agility across Sanlam Life and Savings (SLS) by strengthening the enterprise delivery system.</span></p> <p><br><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Operating as part of the Lean Agile Centre of Excellence (LACE) within the Office of the CTO, the role partners with teams, leaders, and value streams to embed Agile, product, and flow-based ways of working that improve delivery effectiveness, predictability, and value outcomes.</span></p> <p><br><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif">The Agile Coach operates beyond individual teams to:</span></p> <p><br><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif">• Shape and embed enterprise guardrails, patterns, and standards</span><br><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif">• Drive system-level improvements across Technology and Business</span><br><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif">• Enable the shift from project-based to product- and value-oriented delivery</span></p> <p><br><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif">The role acts as a change agent and system enabler, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, evidence-based decision-making, and sustainable organisational capability uplift</span></p></div></div><div style="padding:10.0px 0.0px;border:1.0px solid transparent"><div style="font-size:16.0px;word-wrap:break-word"><H2 style="font-size:1.0em;margin:0.0px"></H2> </div><div><p><strong><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Role Requirements:</span></strong></p> <p> </p> <p><strong><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Output/Core Tasks:</span></strong></p> <p> </p> <p><strong><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Capability Development &amp; Guardrails</span></strong></p> <p> </p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Define, evolve, and maintain enterprise Agile guardrails (e.g., team design, product ownership, ways of working)</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Develop reusable patterns and playbooks (e.g., lean portfolio practices, value stream alignment)</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Ensure guardrails are practical, adaptable, and outcome-focused, avoiding compliance-heavy implementation</span></li> </ul> <p> </p> <p><strong><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Implementation &amp; Enablement</span></strong></p> <p> </p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Support pilots and targeted interventions to embed new ways of working</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Enable teams and leaders to adopt and adapt Agile and product practices effectively</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Translate strategic intent into practical delivery improvements</span></li> </ul> <p> </p> <p><strong><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Coaching Across Levels</span></strong></p> <p> </p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Coach delivery teams on Agile practices, flow optimisation, and continuous improvement</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Coach leaders and stakeholders on: </span><br><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif">o Product thinking</span><br><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif">o Outcome-based decision-making</span><br><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif">o Operating model evolution</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Enable behavioural and mindset shifts required for organisational agility</span></li> </ul> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><strong>Flow &amp; Delivery Improvement</strong></span></p> <p> </p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Diagnose and address systemic constraints (e.g., dependencies, WIP overload, slow decision cycles)<br></span></li> <li><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Improve flow metrics, including: <br>o Cycle time<br>o Throughput<br>o Predictability</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Promote visibility of work and data-driven decision-making</span></li> </ul></div></div><div style="padding:10.0px 0.0px;border:1.0px solid transparent"><div style="font-size:16.0px;word-wrap:break-word"><H2 style="font-size:1.0em;margin:0.0px"></H2> </div><div><p><strong><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Enterprise Alignment &amp; Operating Model Evolution</span></strong></p> <p> </p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Align delivery practices with portfolio and value stream priorities</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Support the transition to product-aligned, long-lived teams</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Influence organisational design and interaction models across Business and Technology</span></li> </ul> <p> </p> <p><strong><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Continuous Improvement &amp; Experimentation</span></strong></p> <p> </p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Embed Lean Startup and Build–Measure–Learn practices</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Facilitate retrospectives and improvement loops at team, programme, and enterprise levels</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Promote a culture of experimentation, learning, and evidence-based improvement</span></li> </ul> <p> </p> <p><strong><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Community &amp; Capability Growth</span></strong></p> <p> </p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Build and enable Communities of Practice across Agile, Product, and Delivery disciplines</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Support training, onboarding, and capability development journeys</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Contribute to internal knowledge sharing and organisational learning</span></li> </ul> <p> </p> <p><strong><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Delivery Support (Where Required)</span></strong></p> <p> </p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Provide coaching support to in-flight initiatives and strategic programmes</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Improve delivery execution without becoming embedded as a delivery resource</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Ensure Agile practices drive meaningful outcomes, not mechanical compliance</span></li> </ul></div></div><div style="padding:10.0px 0.0px;border:1.0px solid transparent"><div style="font-size:16.0px;word-wrap:break-word"><H2 style="font-size:1.0em;margin:0.0px"><b>What will make you successful in this role?</b></H2> </div><div><p> </p> <p><strong><span style="font-size:10.0pt">Experience</span></strong></p> <p> </p> <p><strong><span style="font-size:10.0pt">Essential</span></strong></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:10.0pt">3–5+ years’ experience in Agile Coaching, delivery transformation, or similar roles</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:10.0pt">Proven experience working in large, complex organisations</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:10.0pt">Demonstrated ability to scale Agile practices beyond individual teams</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:10.0pt">Experience coaching across multiple levels, including: </span><br><span style="font-size:10.0pt">o Delivery teams</span><br><span style="font-size:10.0pt">o Senior stakeholders and leadership</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:10.0pt">Strong experience in: </span><br><span style="font-size:10.0pt">o Agile frameworks (Scrum, Kanban, Lean, Disciplined Agile)</span><br><span style="font-size:10.0pt">o Flow-based delivery and continuous improvement practices</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:10.0pt">Track record of improving delivery outcomes (flow, predictability, quality)</span></li> </ul> <p> </p> <p><strong><span style="font-size:10.0pt">Advantageous</span></strong></p> <p> </p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:10.0pt">Experience in enterprise Agile transformations</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:10.0pt">Exposure to product management and product operating models</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:10.0pt">Experience influencing or supporting operating model design</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:10.0pt">Familiarity with: </span><br><span style="font-size:10.0pt">o Value stream mapping</span><br><span style="font-size:10.0pt">o Flow metrics and analytics</span><br><span style="font-size:10.0pt">o Portfolio and funding models in Agile environments</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:10.0pt">Experience in financial services or regulated environments</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:10.0pt">Exposure to DevOps and continuous delivery practices</span></li> </ul> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><strong>Qualifications</strong></span></p> <p> </p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:10.0pt">Bachelor’s degree in Business, Information Technology, Engineering, or related field (or equivalent practical experience)</span></li> </ul> <p> </p> <p><strong><span style="font-size:10.0pt">Preferred Certifications:</span></strong></p> <p> </p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:10.0pt">Agile certifications (e.g., Certified Scrum Professional, PSM/CSM, Disciplined Agile)<br></span></li> <li><span style="font-size:10.0pt">Coaching or facilitation certifications (advantageous)<br></span></li> <li><span style="font-size:10.0pt">Scaled Agile or Lean certifications (advantageous)</span></li> </ul> <p> </p></div></div><div style="padding:10.0px 0.0px;border:1.0px solid transparent"><div style="font-size:16.0px;word-wrap:break-word"><H2 style="font-size:1.0em;margin:0.0px"></H2> </div><div><p><strong><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Competencies</span></strong></p> <p><br><strong><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Technical &amp; Professional Competencies</span></strong></p> <p> </p> <ul> <li style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Strong knowledge of: </span><br><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif">o Agile, Lean, and product delivery principles</span><br><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif">o Flow-based delivery and value stream thinking</span><br><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif">o Organisational design (e.g., Team Topologies)</span></li> <li style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Skilled in: </span><br><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif">o Coaching (team, leadership, system-level)</span><br><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif">o Facilitation (workshops, retrospectives, alignment sessions)</span><br><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif">o Diagnosing delivery system issues using data and observation</span></li> <li style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Ability to translate complex concepts into actionable practices</span></li> <li style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Strong capability in data-driven decision-making and flow metrics</span></li> </ul> <p style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif"> </p> <p><strong><span style="font-size:10.0pt">Behavioural Competencies</span></strong></p> <p> </p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:10.0pt">Strong stakeholder engagement and influencing without authority</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:10.0pt">Excellent communication and facilitation skills</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:10.0pt">Systems thinking and problem-solving ability</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:10.0pt">High adaptability and comfort with ambiguity</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:10.0pt">Ability to challenge constructively and drive behavioural change</span></li> </ul> <p> </p> <p><strong><span style="font-size:10.0pt">Leadership &amp; Impact Competencies</span></strong></p> <p> </p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:10.0pt">Strategic thinking with a strong execution focus</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:10.0pt">Ability to operate across team, programme, and enterprise levels</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:10.0pt">Outcome-oriented mindset (value over activity)</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:10.0pt">Strong collaboration and relationship-building capability</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:10.0pt">Commitment to continuous improvement, transparency, and learning</span></li> </ul> <p> </p> <p><strong><span style="font-size:10.0pt">Attributes</span></strong></p> <p> </p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:10.0pt">Curious and learning-oriented</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:10.0pt">Pragmatic and outcome-driven</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:10.0pt">Resilient in complex organisational environments</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:10.0pt">Influential without relying on positional authority</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:10.0pt">Passionate about customer value and team effectiveness</span></li> </ul></div></div><div style="padding:10.0px 0.0px;border:1.0px solid transparent"><div style="font-size:16.0px;word-wrap:break-word"><H2 style="font-size:1.0em;margin:0.0px"><b>Build a successful career with us</b></H2> </div><div><p>We’re all about building strong, lasting relationships with our employees. We know that you have hopes for your future – your career, your personal development and of achieving great things. We pride ourselves in helping our employees to realise their worth. Through its five business clusters – Sanlam Fintech, Sanlam Life and Savings, Sanlam Investment Group, Sanlam Allianz, Santam, as well as MiWay and the Group Office – the group provides many opportunities for growth and development.</p></div></div><div style="padding:10.0px 0.0px;border:1.0px solid transparent"><div style="font-size:16.0px;word-wrap:break-word"><H2 style="font-size:1.0em;margin:0.0px"><b>Core Competencies</b></H2> </div><div><div>Cultivates innovation - Contributing through others</div><div>Customer focus - Contributing through others</div><div>Drives results - Contributing through others</div><div>Collaborates - Contributing through others</div><div>Being resilient - Contributing through others</div></div></div><div style="padding:10.0px 0.0px;border:1.0px solid transparent"><div style="font-size:16.0px;word-wrap:break-word"><H2 style="font-size:1.0em;margin:0.0px"><b>Turnaround time</b></H2> </div><div><p><span style="font-size:10.0pt">The shortlisting process will only start once the application due date has been reached. The time taken to complete this process will depend on how far you progress and the availability of managers. </span></p> <p> </p> <p><strong><span style="font-size:10.0pt">Closing Date: 2 June 2026</span></strong></p></div></div><div style="padding:10.0px 0.0px;border:1.0px solid transparent"><div style="font-size:16.0px;word-wrap:break-word"><H2 style="font-size:1.0em;margin:0.0px"><b>Our commitment to transformation</b></H2> </div><div></div></div></div><p><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif">The Sanlam Group is committed to achieving transformation and embraces diversity. This commitment is what drives us to achieve a diverse, inclusive and equitable workplace as we believe that these are key components to ensuring a thriving and sustainable business in South Africa. The Group&apos;s Employment Equity plan and targets will be considered as part of the selection process.</span></p>

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