Risk Manager
Johannesburg, Gauteng, ZA
Who are we?
Sanlam Investment Group
The Sanlam Investment Group is uniquely equipped and positioned to deliver on its purpose of empowering generations to be financially confident, secure and prosperous. Through our vast in-house expertise and strategic partner networks, we can access all asset classes across the globe, private and public, actively and passively managed, to develop investment solutions that are in our clients’ best interests and have a positive impact on society. Backed by the Sanlam Group’s balance sheet, the Sanlam Investment Group has a true competitive advantage in its ability to invest alongside clients, particularly in private markets where impact investing drives the agenda.
The Sanlam Investment Group is one of the largest, most diversified financial services and investment firms in Southern Africa with assets under management and administration of more than R2 trillion. It is a B-BBEE level 1 contributor and one of the largest black-empowered asset managers on the African continent.
Sanlam Alternative Investments (SAI)
The purpose Sanlam Alternative Investments (SAI) business is to help build the African continent and make a real sustainable difference in the emerging economies in which we operate in, aligning to the Sanlam Group’s mission of financial inclusion. The SAI business has a broad range of capabilities that include Private Equity, Specialised Finance, Property, Infrastructure and Partnerships. Sanlam is the biggest non-banking financial institution on the continent, operating in Africa for over 100 years.
What will you do?
The individual will be responsible for identifying, assessing, and managing the risks associated with Alternative Investments within the portfolios and funds managed by SAI. The successful candidate will work closely with the investments, compliance, and operations teams to develop and implement strategies that mitigate and / or appropriately manage financial and other relevant risks, while safeguarding the investors’ financial interests.
What will make you successful in this role?
• Risk Identification and assessment:
o Develop and maintain risk methodologies, approaches, models, and process for alternative investment across the following asset classes: private equity, private debt, property, and infrastructure.
o Conduct in-depth analysis of the risks associated with different Alternative Investment strategies, portfolio structures, investments and other asset classes.
o Perform scenario analysis and stress testing to identify potential vulnerabilities.
• Risk mitigation and strategy development:
o Develop and implement risk mitigation and management strategies tailored to each Alternative Investment product and / or underlying investments.
o Work with the investment teams to assess risk-adjusted returns and suggest ways to balance and optimise risk and reward in the portfolios and / or funds.
o Ensure that risk management practices align with the SAI’s and / or managed funds’ overall investment goals and risk appetite of its clients and / or target market.
• Monitoring and reporting:
o Monitor the risk exposures of alternative investments on an ongoing basis.
o Regularly report on the performance, risk, and compliance status of Alternative Investments to senior management and stakeholders.
o Provide recommendations for portfolio adjustments and optimisation based on the analysis of emerging risks.
• Compliance and regulatory adherence:
o Ensure compliance with relevant regulations and industry standards, including those specific to Alternative Investments.
o Collaborate with the compliance team to ensure risk management practices meet both internal and regulatory requirements.
o Keep abreast on changes to financial regulations affecting Alternative Investments and adjust risk management strategies accordingly.
• Cross-functional collaboration:
o Work closely with the portfolio managers and credit analysts to assess the risk-return profile of Alternative Investment positions and portfolios.
o Support decision-making by providing actionable insights and risk analysis to senior leadership and investment committees.
o Assist with due diligence processes when evaluating new Alternative Investment opportunities.
Qualification and Experience
Knowledge and Skills
Personal Attributes
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.
Core Competencies
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
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 ensure 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.