Branch Head: Simeka Benefit Consulting - Durban

Location: Durban, KwaZulu Natal, ZA

Who are we?

Simeka Consultants and Actuaries (Simeka) is a consulting and advisory business in the employee benefits industry.
We offer innovative solutions and services to a wide range of clients encompassing retirement funds, employers, medical scheme members, trade unions and members of retirement funds.

Our goal is to continue assessing and enhancing our offering to ensure that we meet the needs of our clients. Our aim is to maximise synergies and cost efficiencies by blending products and crafting tailor-made solutions.

We’re all about building strong, lasting relationships with our employees. We know that you have hopes for your future – your career, your personal development and of achieving great things.

What will you do?

To consult to the trustees/management committees of retirement funds and employers, assist in the daily managing and logistical control of the funds, to co-ordinate and facilitate between departments, with the ultimate objective of owning the relationship of a portfolio of clients.

Ensure the smooth running of a branch and the daily activities of a team of Consultants to deliver on the strategic direction of the branch and Simeka overall by ensuring client satisfaction, retention and overall client expansion. This role will be balanced between managing the branch and managing an individual portfolio of clients.

Key Responsibilities

1. Management oversight to the Durban benefit consulting team and be a leader within the broader Simeka business.
2. Ensuring that a portfolio of clients is adequately serviced.
3. Technical excellence and client centricity in servicing corporate clients.
4. Embodying TCF in client interaction.
5. Drive a robust high-performance culture based on the core values that Simeka employees are required to demonstrate.
6. Manage the communication plan of the Funds.
7. Facilitating and coordinating internal departments.
8. Self-development.
9. Build client relationships and ensure client retention.
10. Ensure that the overall standard of agenda packs, minutes and consulting advice is maintained.
11. Attend and coordinate Trustee Meetings and/or Joint Forum Meetings.
12. Provide monthly reporting via required reports on operating functions of portfolio.
13. Direct employee training to improve efficiency.
14. Ensure that standard procedures, practices and Client servicing are maintained and adhered to.
15. Risk awareness and the management of these risks.
16. Awareness of regulatory legislation and developments within the industry.
17. Monitor budgets, targets and fees.
18. Participate in Simeka’s vision to become a thought leader.
19. Strong focus on growing the business.
20. Possess the drive and determination to deliver results and inspire others to continuously improve.

Qualification and Experience

1. BCom Degree or BA Law / LLB or equivalent NQF level.
2. CFP advantageous.
3. FAIS accreditation required.
4. Own car and driver’s license.
5. Minimum of 7 years Benefit Consulting Experience at a management level is required.

Knowledge and Skills

• A proven track record of managing people is advantageous.
• Knowledge of Employee Benefits and wider financial services industry and process.
• Product knowledge and understanding of the Group Risk and/or Retirement Fund Industry.
• Computer literate with proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and PowerPoint).

Core Competencies

1. Cultivates Innovation by creating new and better ways for the organisation to be successful.
2. Client Focus - Building strong customer relationships and delivering customer-centric solutions.
3. Drives Results - Consistently achieving results, even under tough circumstances.
4. Collaborates - Building partnerships and working collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives.
5. Resilience - Rebounding from setbacks and adversity when facing difficult situations.
6. Organisational Savvy – Maneuvering comfortably through complex policy, process and people related organizational dynamics.
7. Manages Complexity – Making sense of complex, high quantity and sometimes contradictory information to effectively solve problems.
8. Drives Engagement – Creating a climate where people are motivated to do their best to help the organisation achieve its objectives.
9. Business Insight – Applying knowledge of the business and marketplace to advance the organization’s goals.
10. Displays Care – Showing care and consideration to our clients that extends beyond professionalism.

Turnaround time

The shortlisting process will only start once the application due date has been reached. The time taken to complete this process will depend on how far you progress and the availability of managers.

Our commitment to transformation

The Sanlam Group is committed to achieving transformation and embraces diversity. This commitment is what drives us to achieve a diverse, inclusive and equitable workplace as we believe that these are key components to ensuring a thriving and sustainable business in South Africa. The Group's Employment Equity plan and targets will be considered as part of the selection process.