The Risk Manager is responsible for developing and implementing strategies that reduce mental health-related risk expenditure while improving benefit design, clinical outcomes, and appropriate utilisation of healthcare services. The role focuses on population health management, mental health risk mitigation, stakeholder engagement, and the development of innovative risk and disease management programmes across Discovery businesses.

Key Responsibilities

Risk Strategy and Programme Development

• Develop, implement, and enhance population-based mental health risk management strategies for medical scheme populations
• Design and deliver risk and disease management programmes to improve clinical outcomes and cost efficiency
• Own and refine mental health clinical pathways used across Personal Health Pathways and related products
• Identify opportunities for innovation in mental health benefit design and risk containment

Data Analysis and Risk Monitoring

• Analyse population health data to identify mental health risks across schemes and provider networks
• Provide insights and recommendations to mitigate identified risks
• Monitor utilisation trends, provider performance, and outlier reports
• Deliver regular risk and performance reporting to stakeholders

Stakeholder Engagement and Leadership

• Engage with senior stakeholders including medical scheme executives, trustees, healthcare providers, brokers, and industry bodies
• Provide subject matter expertise across Discovery Health, Vitality, Discovery Life, Group Risk, Employee Benefits, and Healthy Company
• Lead cross-company collaboration forums to align mental health strategies
• Provide thought leadership in mental health risk management at industry level

Commercial and Operational Management

• Manage budgets, cost containment initiatives, and profitability targets
• Oversee procurement and contract management with third-party service providers
• Collaborate with systems and operations teams to ensure strategic alignment and execution
• Support the optimisation of benefit structures across client schemes

Innovation and Industry Development

• Stay current with developments in healthcare delivery, mental health, data science, and healthcare transformation
• Identify opportunities to incorporate new technologies and research into risk management strategies
• Contribute to the development of innovative healthcare solutions and initiatives

Skills and Competencies

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Advanced Excel, PowerPoint, and Word proficiency
• Strong research and data interpretation skills
• Deep understanding of the mental health landscape
• Knowledge of healthcare funding and private healthcare systems
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills
• Ability to operate in a complex, cross-functional environment

Education and Experience

• Postgraduate qualification (Honours or higher) in Health Sciences, Analytics, Engineering, Project Management, or related field
• Additional qualifications in Health, Data Science, Health Economics, Behavioural Science, or Neuroscience are advantageous
• Minimum 2+ years’ experience in healthcare leadership, population health, or risk management
• Experience in clinical or healthcare-related environments
• Proven experience in cross-functional project delivery in healthcare initiatives
• Experience engaging with senior executives and stakeholders
• Management consulting or product development experience is advantageous

Employment Equity
The company’s Employment Equity Plan and targets will be applied during the recruitment process. As an equal opportunity employer, applications from individuals with disabilities are encouraged.