Open to opportunities

Gugu User

@guguuser

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Results-driven professional with 10+ years in financial services and entrepreneurship.

South Africa

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What I'm looking for

Seeking a challenging role in financial services or entrepreneurship where I can leverage my skills in sales management, business development, and compliance to drive growth and success.

I am a driven and entrepreneurial individual with over a decade of experience in financial services and business development. My career highlights include winning multiple sales awards at Sanlam and Liberty Life, as well as founding The Shekinah Group, which successfully secured government tenders and sub-contracts.

In my corporate roles, I excelled as a Sales Manager, leading teams to achieve financial targets and building strong client relationships. I also have a strong background in compliance and regulatory processes, having worked as a FICA Consultant at Investec.

My entrepreneurial ventures have allowed me to develop a diverse skill set, including tender response, procurement, and project management. I am passionate about identifying opportunities and driving business growth, both in corporate and entrepreneurial settings.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Sales Development Manager

Sanlam

Apr 2016 - Jul 2020 (4 years 3 months)

Led the development of financial advisers, achieving financial targets and maintaining productivity. Conducted sales readiness training and ensured compliance with regulatory standards. Managed onboarding and training for new financial planners while resolving customer queries.

Sales Training Compliance Customer Service Project Management Recruitment Relationship Management Problem Solving Communication

Trainee Manager

Sanlam

Apr 2015 - Mar 2016 (11 months)

Participated in a management training program to fast-track into a Sales Manager role. Recruited and trained new financial advisers on Wealth Management and FAIS requirements while developing sales presentations.

Recruitment Sales Training Presentation Skills Customer Service Team Management Communication Problem Solving Relationship Management

Sales Manager

Metropolitan Life

Apr 2014 - Jan 2015 (9 months)

Sourced and recruited new financial advisers, monitored their development, and reported on sales achievements. Identified new business opportunities and ensured compliance with FAIS requirements.

Sales Management Recruitment Business Development Compliance Reporting Relationship Management Team Leadership Customer Service Communication Problem Solving

Financial Adviser

Liberty Life

Apr 2012 - Apr 2014 (2 years)

Built and maintained client relationships while achieving sales targets. Addressed customer service requests and reviewed client portfolios to ensure satisfaction.

Client Relationship Management Sales Customer Service Portfolio Management Communication Problem Solving Reporting Negotiation

FICA Consultant

Investec

Aug 2010 - Dec 2011 (1 year 4 months)

Acquired and verified FICA documents for clients, ensuring compliance with banking policies. Liaised with clients and escalated suspicious transactions to the Compliance team.

Compliance Risk Management Communication Problem Solving Customer Service Database Management Reporting

Lead Generator

Platinum Life

Feb 2010 - Jul 2010 (5 months)

Generated leads for financial products, contributing to the sales pipeline and supporting the sales team in achieving targets.

Lead Generation Sales Support Communication Customer Service Team Collaboration Problem Solving Time Management Negotiation Relationship Management

Intern

PPS

Mar 2009 - Feb 2010 (11 months)

Assisted in various administrative tasks and supported the team in daily operations, gaining valuable industry experience.

Administrative Support Teamwork Communication Time Management Problem Solving Customer Service Learning Agility

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

Moonstone

National Credit Act (NCA) CARD, Financial Services

2020 - 2024

Completed the National Credit Act (NCA) CARD for FNI, focusing on compliance and regulatory frameworks in financial services.

PSG Consult

Wealth Management Certificate, Wealth Management

2012 - 2012

Achieved a Wealth Management Certificate (NQF 5), enhancing skills in financial planning and investment management.

Moonstone

RE5 Certificate, Financial Services

2008 - 2008

Completed the RE5 Certificate, which is essential for financial services professionals in South Africa.

Rhodes University

Bachelor of Economics, Economics

2002 - 2005

Completed a Bachelor of Economics with a focus on Management and Commercial Law. Developed a strong foundation in economic principles and management strategies.