Custodian Relationship Manager

SUMMARY:
We are seeking a dynamic and highly analytical Global Custodian Relationship Manager to take ownership of building and managing strategic relationships with some of the world’s largest custodian banks. You will lead a team of Custodian Network Executives, ensuring the timely collection of documentation and data required to optimize our international tax recovery processes on behalf of our global clients.
This role is ideal for a finance professional who thrives on efficiency, relationship management, and problem-solving within a fast-paced, data-driven environment.

POSITION INFO:

Key Responsibilities

Relationship Management

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with leading global custodian banks.
• Gain an in-depth understanding of each custodian’s documentation and operational processes.
• Drive collaboration and efficiency in information exchange between our business and custodians.

Operational Leadership

• Ensure the team successfully obtains all required documentation from custodian banks within set deadlines.
• Oversee the consolidation and resolution of custodian-related queries from various international tax offices.
• Investigate and resolve custodian complaints by identifying root causes, preparing reports, and recommending sustainable solutions.
• Provide mentorship, guidance, and performance oversight to the Custodian Network Executives.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with internal finance and client service teams to ensure smooth claim submissions and client updates.
• Work closely with client service teams to obtain required client authorisations and documents as prescribed by custodian banks.
• Provide regular progress updates and key insights to internal stakeholders.

Continuous Improvement

• Identify opportunities to streamline custodian interactions and internal processes to increase recovery yields.
• Contribute to the development of best practices and operational excellence across the Custodian Network team.
• Maintain professional knowledge through continuous learning and leveraging organisational tools and resources.

Qualifications & Experience

• A Commerce/Finance degree (Honours preferred) with 5+ years of experience, including 2+ years in a team leadership capacity within a professional corporate environment; OR
• A qualified finance professional (CA(SA), CFA, or equivalent) with relevant post-qualification experience.

Additional Requirements

• Proven client-facing experience in a senior professional environment.
• Strong track record of exceeding performance expectations.
• Project management experience with both internal and external stakeholder engagement.
• Ability to navigate complex external expectations and manage them effectively.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills with a talent for influencing and collaboration.
• Excellent problem-solving ability and analytical thinking.
• High proficiency in Excel and strong financial acumen.
• Skilled in simplifying and communicating complex information through clear, concise writing.
• Impeccable written and verbal English communication skills.

Personal Attributes

• Analytical, data-driven, and detail-oriented.
• Exceptionally organized with the ability to thrive under pressure.
• Gritty and persistent — someone who doesn’t give up easily.
• Passionate about process efficiency and operational excellence.
• Motivated by impact, performance, and continuous improvement.
• Self-aware, open to feedback, and growth-oriented.
• A natural leader who takes ownership and pride in their work.
• Confident, persuasive, and able to build rapport at all levels.
• Someone who values quality, accountability, and high standards.