Chief Operating Officer

What will you do?

The successful candidate will lead the business’s operational function, optimising the operating platform to support growth. The role is responsible for strengthening and embedding operational procedures, improving the client experience, ensuring effective risk management and compliance, leading the operational team, and managing key stakeholders. This strategic role reports to the SCI CEO and requires a seasoned, dynamic, hands-on leader with strong experience in CIS Transfer Agency (TA) and asset administration.

What will make you successful in this role?

Operational Strategy

• Develop and implement strategies to optimise operational processes and improve efficiency.
• Streamline operations to improve business efficiency and service delivery, with client satisfaction at the centre.
• Strategic Planning and Execution: Partner with SCI CEO and the executive team to shape and deliver the company’s operational strategy, translating strategic priorities into actionable plans and measurable KPIs.

Risk and Compliance

• Develop, implement, and maintain Anti-Money Laundering (AML) policies and procedures to prevent financial crime.
• Implement efficient, client-centric AML onboarding procedures that align with regulatory requirements.
• Lead incident response efforts to minimise operational disruption.
• Work with compliance and legal teams to identify and address regulatory and legal risks.
• Develop and maintain a robust risk management framework.

Service Provider Management

• Manage and strengthen relationships with key service providers to ensure efficient, high-quality, and cost-effective service delivery.
• Establish effective oversight mechanisms to monitor and report on outsourced activities.
• Oversee vendor relationships and ensure compliance with service level agreements (SLAs).
• Oversee contract and liability administration.
• Ensure liability management is effective and aligned with organisational objectives.

Change Management:

• Lead internal change initiatives where needed to align operational functions with strategic goals, while building strong, collaborative relationships across teams, including client enablement and compliance.
• Oversee Project Management activities across the business.

Team Management

• People Management: Build and lead a high-performing team that can meet the business’s evolving needs. Oversee talent acquisition, training, and the professional development of the operational team.
• Design a target operating model that supports future business requirements.
• Leadership and Mentorship: Provide strong leadership to the operational team and foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Performance Management: Set clear performance metrics and conduct regular reviews to ensure the operational team meets its objectives and contributes to business success.

Qualification and Experience

• Minimum 10 years of experience at a senior management level in operations optimisation, preferably in the Collective Investments Schemes and/or financial services industry with CIS (Long only and Hedge Funds), TA and asset administration experience.
• Relevant Degree in Business Management or a related field, an advanced degree is highly advantageous.
• Strong experience in Collective Investments Schemes Control Act (CISCA), Financial Advisory and Intermediary Services (FAIS), Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Financial Intelligence Centre Act (FICA) regulations.
• Proven track record in operational leadership and executive management.
• Strong vendor management skills and experience.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Excellent problem-solving and good communication skills.

Personal Attributes

• Strategic Vision: Ability to think strategically and translate business goals into actionable operational plans.
• Execution-Oriented: A pragmatic and results-driven approach with a focus on operational excellence.
• Strong Communicator: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex concepts clearly to diverse audiences.
• Influential Leader: The ability to inspire, motivate, and manage both internal teams and external partners.
• Resilience and Adaptability: A resourceful problem-solver who can navigate complexity and thrive in a dynamic, high-growth environment.
• Integrity and Professionalism: An unwavering commitment to the highest ethical standards.

Core Competencies

• Cultivates innovation - Contributing strategically
• Customer focus - Contributing strategically
• Drives results - Contributing strategically
• Collaborates - Contributing strategically
• Being resilient - Contributing strategically

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.

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. 

Our commitment to transformation