Job Description

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

Skills Required