Job Description

Who are we?

Sanlam Investments Multi Manager researches, identifies, blends and manages portfolios that give you access to the best investment managers, with the aim of achieving the best possible returns at the appropriate level of risk. We design and blend unique portfolios based on a deep understanding of our clients' investment aims and a fundamental insight into how they perceive risk. By developing a mutual understanding of their investment aim and philosophy we are able to assist them in achieving their investment goals in the long run.

What will you do?

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) will play a pivotal role in the senior management team, driving growth and strategic innovation for SMMI. The role involves strong strategic and operational oversight, ensuring that SMMI's operational strategies, processes, and actions align with the SMMI and the Group's goals and objectives, especially pertaining to digital transformation.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Alignment:

• Collaborate closely with the executive team in formulating and executing SMMI's strategic plan.
• Implement business process enhancements and identify new areas for growth and innovation.
• Develop, communicate, and execute strategic operational plans.
• Ensure strategic alignment across various business units, fostering collaborative synergies to achieve common objectives.
• Engage with the executive team to identify and drive business initiatives and innovations.

Digital Transformation:

• Champion SMMI's digital transformation journey, promoting technological advancements across all operational facets.
• Collaborate with IT and other relevant departments to identify digital opportunities and leverage digital tools to optimise business processes and client interactions.
• Evaluate and champion the implementation of innovative digital solutions that drive efficiency, client satisfaction, and growth.

Operational Efficiency & Development:

• Oversee the design, enhancement, and implementation of systems that improve operational efficiency.
• Ensure that operational processes are scalable, flexible and support SMMI's overall strategies.
• Drive continuous improvement methodologies, ensuring optimal service delivery and efficiency.
• Oversee, refine, and enforce efficient and effective day-to-day operational procedures.
• Streamline front- and back-office systems to ensure seamless operations across SMMI.
• Ensure regulatory compliance across all operational facets
• Represent the business on various Group and Cluster forums and initiatives and action deliverables from these platforms as and when required.

Stakeholder & Relationship Management:

• Foster strong relationships with key stakeholders, both internal and external.
• Coordinate with business units to ensure alignment and effective execution of operational strategies.
• Build and maintain sustainable relationships with clients, focusing on delivering exceptional service.

People Leadership & Organisational Development:

• Lead, guide, and mentor large, diverse project and administrative teams to achieve results consistently.
• Spearhead the operations team's hiring, training, and professional development.
• Influence and foster a culture of excellence, innovation, continuous improvement, collaboration, and accountability.

Risk Management & Compliance:

• Oversee the development of risk management strategies, ensuring that the organisation complies with all industry regulations and standards.
• Ensure that operational risks are identified, evaluated, and managed effectively.

Business Growth:

• Drive revenue growth and margin improvements by leveraging operational efficiencies and new market opportunities.

What will make you successful in this role?

Key Qualifications & Experience:

• Master's in business administration (MBA) or equivalent from a recognised institution.
• A minimum of 10 years of experience in the financial industry, with a significant focus on investment administration and operations.
• Demonstrable track record of strategic leadership and delivering significant fundamental change to organisations.
• Extensive experience in project management, change management, systems architecture, infrastructure development, and business consulting.
• Hands-on experience in implementing digital transformation strategies in financial institutions.
• Proven ability to manage large teams and deliver results in high-pressure scenarios.
• Knowledge and experience in regulatory compliance, financial management, and risk management.

Behavioural Competencies:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent leadership and interpersonal abilities.
• Excellent people management skills
• Team player and proactive individual
• High level of accuracy and meticulous attention to detail
• Ability to build and maintain excellent relationships with various stakeholders (external managers, administrators, internal and external clients)
• Future-focused and innovative mindset.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
• Superior interpersonal and communication skills.
• Agile and adaptable in a fast-paced environment.

Build a successful career with us

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 four business clusters - Sanlam Life and Savings, Sanlam Investment Group, Sanlam Emerging Markets, Santam, as well as MiWay and the Group Office - the group provides many opportunities for growth and development.

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's Employment Equity plan and targets will be considered as part of the selection process.

Sanlam