Head of People: Operations & Technology: JG: 15: SLS: Human Capital: Bellville

What will you do?

The Head of People: Operations and Technology will be crucial in leading change (in business) and enabling change which extends beyond technology changes.  The Head of People: Operations and Technology will be responsible to develop and implement the most effective people structures, strategic goals, alignment of goals, skills (current and future) and workforce planning and developments.  Delivery will largely be to the Sanlam Life & Savings: Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Chief Technology Officer (CTO); however, alignment is important across the clusters to ensure consistency between the centralised and product businesses.

What will make you successful in this role?

Key Responsibilities:

• Support the SLS COO and CTO to implement the business strategy through effective People processes and practices.
• Drive integration and alignment across clusters to ensure consistency between the centralised and product businesses. Collaborate with business and Human Capital (“HC”) leaders across relevant businesses to ensure integration of People strategies.
• Establish, collaborate and maintain relationships with key internal stakeholders, such as business and human capital leaders, related to people, culture and transformation, providing advice and guidance.
• Design, develop and implement an effective HC strategy which addresses people structures; strategic goals; alignment of goals; skills (current and future) and workforce planning and developments. 
• The People, Technology and client servicing strategy must be adopted by various SLS Businesses to enable holistic client experiences. 
• Foster a culture that embraces digital transformation, assess the skills gaps and develop the organisation to achieve the ROI.
• Ensure alignment with SLS Human Capital imperatives and initiatives aimed at fostering talent growth and mobility.
• Lead change (in business) and enabling change which extends beyond technology changes.

Key Responsibilities: continued

• Capability building by assessing current and future capabilities required to meet business objectives.
• Appoint and develop employees who embraces the digital tools required to enhance the holistic client experience.  
• Monitor and analyse key HC data trends and utilise data insights to make recommendations to senior management on people-related topics.
• Execute people and digital transformation strategies, achieving key milestones and objectives, particularly in areas such as transformation, succession planning, performance management, development and culture.
• Oversee, monitor and report, taking corrective actions, if necessary, to uphold the effectiveness of strategy execution.
• Lead and cultivate HC team members, fostering growth and optimal performance through team cohesion and cooperation.
• Ensure the HC function and businesses are compliant with relevant regulations and requirements, upholding adherence to business processes and controls.
• Oversee the creation of programmes and initiatives that foster a work culture that promotes employee engagement and development.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Finance, Engineering, Organizational Psychology, Business Administration, or related field (Master's degree preferred).

Experience, Knowledge and Skills:

Experience: 

• Proven experience in finance, business, consulting, HC management, with at least 10 years of leadership experience. (preferably within the financial services industry)
• Experience in working with an executive team would be advantageous
• Experience in managing teams and budgets
• Demonstrated ability to drive change and manage HC initiatives effectively
• Proficiency in HC software and tools (SAP / MwS is preferred)
• Practical experience of aligning people, technology and operational strategies and ensuring execution thereof through others
• Relevant change management experience
• Relevant project management experience
• HC experience within a technology client base
• Lead change initiatives and align organisational behaviours, values and goals
• Drives transformation, change, organisational design and development

Knowledge:

• Knowledge of HC/ labour laws, regulations, and best practices.
• Best practice knowledge of future fit HC strategies
• Best practice knowledge of leadership enablement and building cohesive teams

Skills: 

• Strong analytical skills
• Being able to make decisions based on large data sets and a strong ability to interpret data and lead teams to build dashboards used for decision-making
• Digital enablement

Sanlam Core Competencies:

Personal Attributes:

• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills with the ability to influence and collaborate with senior management and executives
• Excellent communication skills
• Managing and leading in ambiguity
• Strategic mindset
• Agile leadership
• Drives engagement
• Tech savvy
• Strong problem-solving and conflict-resolution skills

Turnaround time

The shortlisting process will only start once the application due date has been reached. The time taken to complete this process will depend on how far you progress and the availability of managers. 

Closing date: 10 March 2025 

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 five business clusters – Sanlam Fintech, Sanlam Life and Savings, Sanlam Investment Group, Sanlam Allianz, Santam, as well as MiWay and the Group Office – the group provides many opportunities for growth and development.

Our commitment to transformation