Business Development Consultant

Business Development Consultant Are you looking to advance your career? Experienced in identifying, sourcing, and closing direct new business opportunities? Keep reading! Aon South Africa is hiring a Business Development Consultant. This hybrid role allows working virtually and from our Sandton head office. The Sales Consultant – New Business is tasked with uncovering, sourcing, and securing new direct business opportunities across South Africa. This role drives profitable growth aligned with Aon’s new business approach and overall objectives. It requires solid sales judgment, negotiation expertise, and relationship-building capabilities. Knowledge of unions and organized labor markets might be advantageous, but it is not the central duty. New business refers to direct opportunities generated and closed through local sales efforts and initiatives in the South African market. It does not include Global or multinational accounts unless the business states otherwise. Aon is in the business of better decisions At Aon, we build decisions for the better to protect and enrich the lives of people around the world. As an organization, we are united through trust as one engaged team, and we are passionate about helping our colleagues and clients succeed. What the day will look like Actively seek new direct business prospects beyond the larger current Aon client network, aligned with the local new business approach. Contribute to the creation and rollout of the new business growth strategy for the South African market. Identify, develop and manage relationships with prospective clients and relevant collaborators to generate balanced new business opportunities. Network and promote the Aon and Group brand, developing positive ties within the employee benefits and broader business market. Before discussions, thoroughly research prospective clients, find key contacts and decisionmakers, and learn about their business, workforce, partners, and benefit needs. Plan your approach accordingly. Apply strong sales and negotiation skills to present, position and close Aon’s solutions with decisionmakers and collaborators. Assist prospective clients in developing efficient, competitive employee benefit and risk solutions aligned with their organizational strategies and employee expectations. Build positive relationships with prospective clients through questioning, influencing, and consultative selling skills. Maintain an advanced understanding of Employee Benefits (Retirement Funding, Risk Benefits and/or Healthcare Consulting) to clearly communicate Aon’s solutions and value proposition. Manage the sales pipeline effectively – from lead generation, qualification and proposal development through to closing and onboarding, ensuring accurate and timely pipeline reporting. Work in cross-functional (matrix) teams with internal collaborators (consulting, servicing, operations, legal, marketing) to craft and deliver winning client solutions. Ensure the smooth onboarding and transfer of new clients into the business, following agreed business processes and client experience standards. Provide mentorship in provider and solution selection, ensuring alignment to client needs, Aon strategy and regulatory requirements. Represent Aon professionally in all external forums, including industry meetings, tenders, presentations and negotiations. Skills and experience that will lead to success Qualifications At least Grade 12 or an equivalent level of education. A relevant Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience is preferable. Must be registered as a representative with the FSCA in terms of the FAIS Act. Minimum NQF5 Wealth Management or equivalent. Knowledge Comprehensive understanding of the Employee Benefits sector (Retirement Funding, Risk Benefits and/or Healthcare Consulting). Exposure to the South African union and organized labor environment and related collaborator dynamics is advantageous, but not a core requirement of the role. Solid