Motor Wreck Admin Manager

CAREER OPPORTUNITY

This career opportunity is available at Motor Claims: Wreck and Salvage Department, as a Claims Motor Wreck Admin Manager and will be based in Parktown 

WHAT WILL YOU DO?

Santam’s Motor Claims division has an opportunity for a Motor Wreck Moderator Manager, responsible for providing strategic and operational leadership to the Motor Wreck Administration teams on a national basis. The successful incumbent will oversee all Total Loss (write off) and wreck administration activities, ensuring alignment with Santam’s claims philosophy, claims policy, standard operating procedures, and regulatory requirements. A strong focus is placed on governance, quality, operational efficiency, and delivering exceptional service to brokers, intermediaries, clients, and internal stakeholders.
The role requires close collaboration with internal departments such as Salvage Management, Claims Operations, Assessing, Finance, IT, and Business Governance, as well as external partners including brokers, finance houses, auction houses, towing networks, and service providers. The incumbent will also play a key role in capability development, digital transformation initiatives, and continuous improvement across the wreck and total loss value chain.

WHAT WILL MAKE YOU SUCCESSFUL IN THE ROLE?

1. Key Responsibilities
A. Operational Management
•    Oversee the full lifecycle of wreck management, including assessment, classification, valuation, disposal, and claim settlement.
•    Ensure all wreck claims are processed accurately and within stipulated SLA timelines.
•    Optimise salvage recovery values while protecting the company from financial leakage.
•    Monitor and manage wreck inventory with salvage partners, tow operators, and auction houses.
B. People Leadership
•    Lead, coach, and develop a team of Wreck Administrators.
•    Allocate workload, monitor performance, and conduct regular performance reviews.
•    Provide guidance on complex or disputed wreck claims.
•    Drive a culture of accountability, service excellence, and continuous improvement.
C. Compliance & Governance
•    Maintain accurate records and audit trails for all wreck decisions, valuations, and settlements.
•    Identify and manage fraud risks related to salvage and wrecks.
D. Stakeholder & Vendor Management
•    Collaborate with internal stakeholders such as Claims Assessors, Legal, Finance, and Underwriting.
•    Manage relationships with salvage partners, panel beaters, towing contractors, and auction vendors.
•    Monitor vendor performance to ensure compliance with contractual terms and service expectations.
E. Reporting & Continuous Improvement
•    Prepare and analyse wreck performance reports: recovery rates, costs, turnaround times, and exceptions.
•    Identify opportunities to improve processes, reduce costs, and enhance claim accuracy.
•    Implement best-practice wreck moderation methodologies and tools.
2. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
•    Wreck claim turnaround time
•    Accuracy of claim payments and moderation decisions
•    Compliance and audit results
•    Team performance and productivity
•    Customer and broker satisfaction (where applicable)

QUALIFICATION AND EXPERIENCE

Essential
•    Matric / Grade 12
•    Minimum 5–7 years’ experience in insurance claims, salvage management, or related operational environments
•    At least 2–3 years in a supervisory or managerial role
Preferred
•    Diploma or degree in Insurance, Business Management, or related field
•    Experience with salvage auction systems and insurance claims management platforms
•    Knowledge of FAIS, TCF, POPIA, and relevant insurance regulations

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

Technical Skills
•    Strong understanding of salvage/wreck valuation methodologies
•    Claims moderation expertise
•    Analytical and report writing skills
•    Risk and fraud detection skills
Behavioural Competencies
•    Leadership and people development
•    Decision-making and problem-solving
•    Attention to detail
•    Strong communication and stakeholder engagement
•    Integrity and ethical judgement
•    Ability to handle conflict and negotiate
Team Leadership & Operational Management
•    Lead, manage, and develop the team of wreck administrators.
•    Drive performance excellence through coaching, capability building, and regular performance feedback.
•    Ensure high levels of staff motivation, engagement, and adherence to organisational policies.
•    Oversee day to day workflow allocation and ensure turnaround times and service standards are consistently met.
Stakeholder Relationship Management
•    Maintain strong and effective working relationships with salvage partners, brokers, clients, and finance houses.
•    Resolve escalations relating to write off disputes, or customer dissatisfaction.
•    Serve as a primary liaison for total loss claims.
Financial & Salvage Oversight
•    Provide sound financial recommendations for settlement decisions.
•    Monitor and improve salvage recovery performance, storage timelines, and total loss ratios.

WHO WE ARE:

Santam is the market leader in the general insurance industry in Southern Africa. As a large, diversified, andexpanding company, we are committed to transformation and growth. While our headquarters are in SouthAfrica, we are rapidly extending our presence into emerging markets across Africa and Asia.
With a client base of over 1 million policyholders, Santam serves individuals, commercial enterprises, specialistbusiness owners, and institutions—including 80 of the Top 100 companies listed on the JSE. Our commitmentto Insurance, Good and Proper goes beyond just providing cover—we offer peace of mind, ensuring our clientscan focus on living in the moment, not worrying about the unexpected. Because at Santam, we believe thefreedom to seize every day is worth protecting.
People drive our business, and we are committed to attracting the best talent, whether for permanent roles orshort-term opportunities.
Santam is committed to diversity, inclusion, and belonging. As an equal opportunity employer, we encourageapplications from candidates of all backgrounds, including persons with disabilities. We are dedicated to neuro-inclusivity and fostering a workplace where everyone can thrive.
Take the next step in your career—apply now and be part of a company that’s shaping the future of insurance.This is Freedom!