CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

What will you do?

The ideal candidate will be responsible for building out the current platform into a robust, global, and scalable operational platform that can support SAI’s ambitious growth strategy and meet the rigorous due diligence standards of global institutional investors, underpinning our commitment to transparency and reliability. This platform will be critical in enabling SAI's growth trajectory by streamlining core business processes, enhancing data integrity and ensuring seamless integration across all operations. This role requires a seasoned, dynamic and hands on leader who can drive change, standardize processes, and build strong relationships with both internal and external stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities include:

Strategic Operations

• Operational Platform Development: Design and implement best-in-class, globally ready operational platform that can meet the stringent requirements of institutional investor operational due diligence. This includes transitioning operations from an internally focused model to one capable of supporting a significant increase in third-party investments.
• Fund Establishment and Management: Oversee the establishment of new funds, both in South Africa and globally. This requires a strong understanding of various fund structures, as well as the regulatory and compliance requirements of targeted fund jurisdictions.
• Service Provider Management: Manage and optimize relationships with key third-party service providers, including fund administrators, external legal counsel, and outsourced service providers. Ensure these relationships are structured to provide efficient, high-quality, and cost-effective services.
• Strategic Planning and Execution: Collaborate with the CEO and executive team to define and execute the company's strategic vision. Translate strategic goals into actionable operational plans and key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Project Management: Lead and manage critical projects, driving operational enhancements and new initiatives from conception to successful implementation.

Operations Management

• Financial and Risk Oversight: Work closely with the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Chief Risk Officer (CRO) to ensure a unified approach to budgeting, financial management, and risk oversight. Collaborate on financial planning, forecasting, and the implementation of robust risk management frameworks. Ensure compliance with internal policies and external regulations.
• Technology and Infrastructure: Leverage and optimize technology solutions provided by the wider Sanlam Group. Work with internal and external technology partners to ensure that the operational platform is secure, scalable, and supports the strategic objectives of SAI. Review SAI technology/systems to ensure that they are best suited for the business and that all licenses (including valuation and information management software) that are key to the operation of the underlying businesses are regularly checked and updated or renewed timeously.
• Change Management: Drive and effect internal change where required to align operational functions with strategic goals. Build strong, collaborative relationships across different teams, including fund product managers, SAI executives, and various Sanlam Group stakeholders.
• Investor Reporting and Integration: Standardize and enhance investor reporting to meet global best practices. Ensure seamless operational integration from initial governance and approval processes all the way through to investor relations and reporting.
• Data Governance: Responsible for data governance oversight of SAI in line with regulatory and Sanlam group forums and policy.  Strong knowledge of regulatory requirements and data stewardship best practices is essential.
  Streamline SAI operational processes and ensure that processes and methods in use are properly documented.
  Management of the Portfolio Management and Client Report unit, ensuring that all client queries are managed, followed up timeously and addressed accordingly.

More Responsibilties:

Team Management

• People Management: Build a high-performing team that can meet the evolving needs of the business. Oversee talent acquisition, training, and professional development for operational team.
• Leadership and Mentorship: Provide strong leadership to the operational team, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Performance Management: Establish clear performance metrics and conduct regular reviews to ensure the operational team meets its goals and contributes to the business success.

Experience

• Minimum 10 years of experience in a similar senior leadership position within the asset management industry.
• Demonstrable experience in establishing and scaling a global asset management platform.
• Proven track record in fund establishment, including a deep knowledge of different fund structures and regulatory frameworks in various jurisdictions.
• Expertise in managing third-party service provider relationships, including fund administrators and legal teams.
• Experience in standardizing and improving investor reporting to meet global institutional standards.
• Strong understanding of operational due diligence processes and requirements.

Ability to drive internal change management and build consensus across multiple teams and stakeholders.

Qualification

Knowledge and Skills

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.

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 business clusters – Sanlam Life and Savings, Sanlam Investment Group, Sanlam Emerging Markets and Santam – 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