National Manager: Trust Administration

Our client is seeking an experienced and strategic National Manager: Trust Administration to lead the administration of trust services across all regional branches. This is a senior leadership role focused on operational excellence, client service, risk management, and compliance within the fiduciary space.

You will drive national alignment of processes, oversee trust administration functions, lead people and performance management, and ensure the business adheres to regulatory and internal standards. If you have a passion for governance, service excellence, and innovation in trust management, this opportunity is for you.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic & Operational Leadership:

• Develop and execute a national Trust Administration strategy in line with broader business objectives.
• Standardise processes across all branches and ensure alignment with industry best practices.
• Represent Trust Services in internal forums and manage stakeholder collaboration with 1LoD and 2LoD.
• Oversee support teams annual strategies, risk forums, and development projects.

Trust Administration Oversight:

• Manage end-to-end trust administration ensuring legal, fiduciary, and regulatory compliance.
• Review and evaluate NTB and Stock trusts.
• Implement national quality reviews, trust evaluations, and fixed property management.
• Drive the completion and distribution of year-end financial statements.

Client Service Leadership:

• Foster a strong service culture across all branches.
• Monitor client communication standards and complaint resolution.
• Launch client satisfaction surveys and implement service improvement interventions.

Compliance & Risk Management:

• Ensure full adherence to the Trust Property Control Act, SARS, FSCA, and other regulatory bodies.
• Coordinate audits, risk reviews, and ensure zero tolerance to compliance gaps.
• Manage outsourced tax, finance, and audit service providers.

Financial Control & Reporting:

• Oversee bank and trust account reconciliations.
• Ensure the accuracy of financial records, reporting, and fee reconciliation.
• Streamline payment, investment, and disbursement processes.

MI & Reporting:

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

Project Management & Innovation:

• Lead trust-related system and process improvement projects.
• Champion operational efficiency across the business.

People Leadership:

• Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing team.
• Manage performance, succession planning, and staff development.
• Foster a culture of recognition, learning, and accountability.

Stakeholder Engagement:

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

Qualifications:

• National Certificate or Diploma in Risk Management, Commerce, Law, or Finance.
• Bachelors Degree in Law, Commerce, Risk Management, or a related financial field.

Experience & Skills:

• 2 years experience in fiduciary services, with proven multi-branch or team leadership.
• Deep understanding of fiduciary legislation, compliance, and risk frameworks.
• Demonstrated ability in people management, financial oversight, and project delivery.

Key Competencies:

• Client service excellence
• Risk and compliance oversight
• Strategic leadership
• Financial acumen
• Operational improvement
• Strong communication and stakeholder influence