Who are we?
Sanlam Private Wealth crafts customised portfolios for high and ultra-high net worth private clients, charitable institutions, trusts and corporate entities. With assets under management and administration of more than R250 billion, we offer an integrated suite of wealth management solutions, including local and offshore investment portfolios, fiduciary and tax services, equity-backed finance, global stockbroking and derivatives trading.
Our clients are at the core of everything we do. We employ people with passion who thrive in an entrepreneurial, high-energy environment while operating within a strong governance framework.
Overview
The Portfolio Manager is responsible for managing and growing investment portfolios for high and ultra-high net worth clients, families and related entities. The role combines disciplined portfolio construction and investment oversight with trusted client stewardship, business development and collaboration across Sanlam Private Wealth’s specialist capabilities. The incumbent is expected to build a sustainable, high-quality client book while protecting long-term client outcomes and meeting all governance and regulatory requirements.
What will you do?
- Manage customised local and offshore investment portfolios for high and ultra-high net worth clients, families, trusts, charitable institutions and corporate entities.
- Construct and maintain portfolios across equities and multi-asset classes in line with each client mandate, risk profile and long-term objectives.
- Align individual client portfolios with approved investment strategies and model portfolios, applying sound judgement where customisation is required.
- Monitor portfolios, markets, investment research, performance, risk and material market movements, and take appropriate action within mandate.
- Engage clients on investment strategy, portfolio performance and relevant market developments through regular reviews and ongoing communication.
- Build, retain and grow a profitable client book through credible relationships, referrals, net flow generation and disciplined business development.
- Complete new client mandates and obtain and execute client instructions relating to investments, corporate actions, dividends and other portfolio matters.
- Work with Wealth Managers and specialist teams to deliver integrated solutions across investment management, wealth structuring, fiduciary and tax services, and equity-backed lending.
- Build effective relationships with direct clients, intermediaries and professional advisers, adapting communication to the nature of each relationship.
- Maintain accurate client and portfolio records and comply with all applicable governance, risk, regulatory and internal policy requirements.
What will make you successful?
- A proven investment and client track record in the high and ultra-high net worth segment.
- Established client relationships and evidence of consistent asset and net flow growth.
- Strong knowledge of the private client industry, wealth management and local and offshore markets.
- An ownership mindset, with the commercial discipline to build a high-quality, sustainable client book rather than pursue volume alone.
- The ability to integrate investment thinking with holistic client solutions and multi-generational wealth considerations.
- Credibility, sound judgement and a disciplined approach to governance, risk and long-term client outcomes.
Qualification and experience
- A relevant postgraduate degree.
- A minimum of five years’ relevant experience in the investment management industry, preferably with an established client base.
- Demonstrated experience in managing equities and multi-asset class portfolios, portfolio construction, and balancing risk and return trade-offs.
- Relevant regulatory examination qualification, including RE5 applicable to Category II, where required.
- JSE trading examination qualification.
- A sound understanding of the FAIS Act and its application within a private client investment environment.
- Progress towards a relevant postgraduate or professional qualification, such as CFA or FRM, would be advantageous.
Knowledge and skills
- Strong understanding of financial markets, valuation discipline, portfolio construction and investment risk.
- Knowledge of local and offshore investment instruments, trading and private client processes.
- Excellent client relationship management, presentation and communication capability.
- Commercial acumen and the ability to identify and convert appropriate growth opportunities.
- Critical and analytical thinking, supported by strong numerical capability.
- High standards of accuracy, organisation and attention to detail.
- Ability to collaborate effectively with central investment teams, Wealth Managers, intermediaries and specialist functions.
Personal qualities
- Integrity and accountability in all business activities.
- Entrepreneurial, self-starting and results-oriented.
- Client-focused, professional and credible.
- Resilient and effective under pressure.
- Curious, adaptable and committed to continuous learning.
- Collaborative, respectful and willing to challenge constructively.
- Passionate ownership of results and long-term client outcomes.
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 achieving great things. We pride ourselves in helping our employees to realise their worth.
Through its business clusters – Sanlam Personal Finance, Sanlam Emerging Markets, Sanlam Investments, Sanlam Corporate, Santam, Mi-way, as well as the Group Office – the Sanlam Group provides many opportunities for growth and development.
Turnaround times
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.
- To be considered for the above opportunity please upload your detailed CV on or before 27 November 2026.
- Please note that if you are not contacted within two weeks after the closing date your application has been unsuccessful.
Our commitment to transformation
The Sanlam Group is committed to transformation and embracing diversity, and our employment equity plan and targets will be considered as part of the recruitment process. This commitment is what drives us to achieve a diverse workplace with employment equity as a key goal to create an inclusive workforce, representative of the demographics of our society as well as people with disabilities.