National Manager: Trust Administration

SUMMARY:
Our client is seeking an accomplished and strategic National Manager: Trust Administration to oversee and enhance the administration of trust services across all regional branches

POSITION INFO:

Role: National Manager: Trust Administration
Category: Fiduciary
Location: Pretoria
Salary: Market-Related

Our client is seeking an accomplished and strategic National Manager: Trust Administration to oversee and enhance the administration of trust services across all regional branches. This senior leadership position is pivotal in driving operational excellence, regulatory compliance, client service, and risk management within the fiduciary sector.

The successful incumbent will align trust administration nationally, standardise processes, lead high-performing teams, and ensure strict adherence to fiduciary and regulatory requirements. This is an opportunity for a dynamic leader with a strong fiduciary background, proven operational expertise, and a passion for service excellence and governance.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic & Operational Leadership

• Develop and execute the national Trust Administration strategy in alignment with business objectives.

• Standardise processes across branches and embed industry best practices.

• Represent Trust Services at senior forums, ensuring collaboration with 1LoD and 2LoD stakeholders.

• Oversee support teams’ annual strategies, risk forums, and development projects.

Trust Administration Oversight

• Manage end-to-end trust administration with strict adherence to fiduciary, legal, and regulatory frameworks.

• Review and evaluate NTB and Stock trusts.

• Implement national quality reviews, trust evaluations, and oversee fixed property management.

• Ensure the accurate and timely completion of year-end financial statements.

Client Service Leadership

• Drive a client-centric culture across all branches.

• Monitor service standards, client communications, and complaint resolution.

• Conduct client satisfaction surveys and implement continuous service improvements.

Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure full compliance with the Trust Property Control Act, SARS, FSCA, and other applicable regulatory bodies.

• Coordinate audits and risk reviews while maintaining a zero-tolerance approach to compliance gaps.

• Manage outsourced tax, finance, and audit service providers.

Financial Control & Reporting

• Oversee reconciliations of trust and bank accounts.

• Ensure accurate financial reporting, fee reconciliations, and sound record-keeping.

• Streamline payment, investment, and disbursement processes.

Management Information (MI) & Reporting

• Prepare and present key financial, operational, and risk reports to Trust MANCO and senior leadership.

Project Management & Innovation

• Lead system and process improvement projects within Trust Administration.

• Champion initiatives that drive operational efficiency and innovation.

People Leadership

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing national team.

• Drive performance management, succession planning, and skills development.

• Foster a culture of accountability, continuous learning, and recognition.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Build and maintain strong relationships with trustees, clients, regulators, and key internal stakeholders.

Qualifications

• National Certificate or Diploma in Risk Management, Commerce, Law, or Finance (Essential).

• Bachelor’s Degree in Law, Commerce, Risk Management, or a related financial discipline (Preferred).

Experience & Skills

• Minimum 2 years’ experience in fiduciary services with proven multi-branch or team leadership.

• In-depth knowledge of fiduciary legislation, compliance, and risk management frameworks.

• Demonstrated expertise in people leadership, financial oversight, and project delivery.

Key Competencies

• Client Service Excellence

• Strategic Leadership & Execution

• Risk & Compliance Oversight

• Financial Acumen

• Operational Improvement & Innovation

• Strong Communication & Stakeholder Influence