Manager: Trust Administration

Empowering Africa’s tomorrow, together…one story at a time.

With over 100 years of rich history and strongly positioned as a local bank with regional and international expertise, a career with our family offers the opportunity to be part of this exciting growth journey, to reset our future and shape our destiny as a proudly African group.

Job Summary

Management of the administration of Legal Claims Trusts (RAF & Medical Negligence) in accordance with the Trust Mandate, by ensuring that all assets, are properly and timeously invested, insured and administered to the optimal benefit of the beneficiaries within the legislative parameters.

This role is accountable for the delivery of defined services, solutions, or practices within a business or functional area. The incumbent applies subject matter expertise and operational insight to implement plans, optimise processes, and ensure quality execution. The role requires effective coordination, stakeholder engagement, and the ability to lead teams or initiatives that contribute to business performance and customer satisfaction.Job Description

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee the administration of Trusts, ensuring compliance with Trust Deeds and applicable legislation.
• Assign new trusts to appropriately qualified Trust Administrators and supervise trust asset management to maximise value and outcomes for beneficiaries.
• Ensure trust assets are appropriately invested, insured, and administered in accordance with fiduciary obligations and client directives.
• Maintain expert knowledge of fiduciary legislation and regulatory frameworks, including the Trust Property Control Act, FAIS, FICA, and related governance requirements.
• Implement and maintain robust governance, risk management, compliance, and internal control frameworks, ensuring audit readiness and adherence to company policies.
• Manage operational risks and implement measures to prevent losses, policy breaches, and fee reversals arising from negligence or non-compliance.
• Engage with key stakeholders such as Executors, Attorneys, Co-Trustees, the Master's Office, SARS, the Road Accident Fund, and other regulatory bodies on trust-related matters.

Leadership, Talent Development & Culture

• Lead, coach, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of Trust Administrators and support staff to achieve business, service, and operational excellence.
• Drive performance through regular feedback, coaching, succession planning, development initiatives, and performance management processes.
• Foster a collaborative, accountable, customer-focused, and inclusive culture aligned with organisational values and strategic objectives.
• Delegate administrative and operational responsibilities effectively while maintaining accountability for service quality and outcomes.

Business Development, Growth & Client Engagement

• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to implement marketing, awareness, and client engagement initiatives that support sales and business growth objectives.
• Represent the organisation at industry forums, professional networks, conferences, and client engagements, enhancing the business's market presence and reputation.
• Present trust and fiduciary solutions to prospective clients, intermediaries, trustees, and business partners in a professional, compliant, and compelling manner.

Strategic Leadership & Market Intelligence

• Contribute to the development and execution of business unit and regional strategies, translating strategic objectives into measurable operational plans and delivery milestones.
• Provide strategic insights and recommendations based on market intelligence, competitor analysis, industry developments, and regulatory changes.
• Stay informed on investment trends, economic conditions, interest rates, and trust-specific investment opportunities through ongoing research and engagement with investment partners.
• Support product development, service enhancement, and business planning through market analysis and stakeholder feedback.

Stakeholder & Relationship Management

• Build, maintain, and strengthen strategic relationships with regulators, policymakers, intermediaries, trustees, attorneys, investment managers, and other key stakeholders.
• Manage complex stakeholder engagements, including high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth clients, trustees, and industry bodies.
• Ensure effective and transparent communication with both internal and external stakeholders regarding trust administration, service delivery, risks, and business outcomes.
• Manage and support complex trust matters while maintaining exceptional client service standards and stakeholder satisfaction.

Operational Excellence & Service Delivery

• Oversee efficient and effective trust operations, ensuring alignment with business strategy, client expectations, and regulatory requirements.
• Continuously improve operational processes, systems, controls, and service delivery models to enhance efficiency, reduce risk, and improve client outcomes.
• Coordinate and review monthly management reports, operational metrics, and financial performance indicators to support revenue growth and sustainable business performance.
• Establish, monitor, and report on key performance indicators (KPIs), service standards, financial targets, and client outcomes.
• Resolve operational challenges and ensure service continuity across all trust administration activities.

Digital Transformation, Data & Inno****vation

• Promote the adoption of digital tools, platforms, and technologies to improve operational efficiency, client experience, and service delivery.
• Identify opportunities for automation, digitisation, and continuous improvement within Trust Services operations.
• Leverage data, analytics, and reporting to support decision-making, identify trends, enhance performance, and uncover business opportunities.
• Support organisational change initiatives and ensure team readiness, engagement, and successful implementation of new processes and technologies.

Customer Experience & Service Excellence

• Champion a customer-centric approach by using client feedback and insights to enhance service delivery and client satisfaction.
• Ensure the consistent delivery of professional, responsive, and high-quality trust administration services.
• Collaborate across teams to deliver seamless client experiences and positive beneficiary outcomes.

Education and Experience Required

• NQF level 6: relevant B Degree, or
• Advanced Estate and Trust Diploma, or
• LEAD Certificate, or
• Certificate in Advanced Trust Law
• Two years' experience on management level
• Four years' experience in the fiduciary environment
• Strong understanding of trust structures, estate planning, and fiduciary responsibilities.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
• Familiar with regulatory frameworks governing trust services.

Knowledge & Skills:

• MS Office (Word, PowerPoint and Excel, Outlook)
• Interpersonal skills
• Present a professional image both internally and externally
• Communication skills
• Ability to work under pressure
• Planning
• Relationship Management
• Analytical Skills
• Numerical skills
• Presentation skills
• Coaching and mentoring skills
• Financial analysis and risk assessment
• Marketing and Sales Skills

Competencies:

• Working with people
• Adhering to principles and values
• Analyzing
• Relating and networking
• Applying expertise and technology
• Delivering results and meeting customer expectations
• Planning and Organising
• Achieving personal work goals and objectives

Education

Bachelor`s Degrees and Advanced Diplomas: Estate and Trust Management, Bachelor`s Degrees and Advanced Diplomas: Financial Economics, Bachelor`s Degrees and Advanced Diplomas: Law*Absa Bank Limited is an equal o