Associate Client Relations Manager

About Sanlam Corporate
Sanlam Corporate forms part of Sanlam Life and Savings Cluster which offers retail and corporate life insurance, health and investment products in South Africa. Our vision is to be the preferred partner to Corporate and Public Sector by providing an awesome client experience and comprehensive solutions that enable the financial resilience and prosperity of those entities and their employees. We tap into over 100 years of expertise to provide cost-effective Employee Benefits and Healthcare Solutions that enable financial confidence for our members. We enable our clients to make better retirement and risk decisions today through determined and passionate thought leadership and best-in-class people, innovative products and proven processes all designed to help people live a better life tomorrow.

We believe in creating and cultivating a positive, energised working environment that gives every individual the opportunity to achieve success by embracing diversity and growing our talent. We do this through living our values of having the courage to be bold, care, collaboration and an intolerance for mediocrity. 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 awesome things. We pride ourselves in helping our employees to realise their worth and live with confidence. What will you do?

**Key Responsibilities**:
The successful applicant will be part of the core, management team and will be responsible with the Strategic Client Relations Manager for the success of the business
This management position is responsible for a portfolio of clients. The Associate Client Relations Manager accepts total responsibility for the relationships and administration of the retirement funds and underwriting of group risk schemes within this portfolio (with limited supervision). The relationships include those with Employer and Member Trustees, Union representatives, Employer HR, Employees, Staff, other Service providers, Consultants etc.
Deliver excellent client service (strategic and operational) to all stakeholders e.g. Board of Trustees, Principal Officers, Consultants, HR Managers, Brokers and Members
Contribute to the profitability of the company through management of income, negotiation of annual fees and identification of opportunities for growth
Provide effective written and verbal communication to all clients e.g. through presentations, providing of trustee and claims reports, new entrant and switch certificates and benefit statements
Attendance of trustee meetings and sub-committee meetings related to the portfolio of clients - this could include travelling
Identify client needs. Set targets and take accountability for the monitoring and achievement of performance objectives as indicated in Service Level Agreements
Maintain, improve and develop internal business processes to ensure effective service delivery
Nurture and build strong relationships with clients
Maintain and strengthen relationships with internal departments in order to resolve queries
What will make you successful in this role?
Matric/Grade 12 (with Accounting and/or Mathematics)
Relevant degree/diploma preferred
Five years of employee benefit experience with at least the last 3 years spent in a similar role, ideally with exposure to client/Board of Trustees
Three to 5 years management experience Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel and Outlook)
A valid driver’s license and own transport Knowledge and skills
In depth knowledge of the Retirement Fund Administration Environment
In depth knowledge of the Pension Funds’ Act
In depth knowledge of the Group Risk industry
Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Outlook, Excel, Power Point)
Ability to formulate, interpret, implement and improve business processes
Ability to communicate and build relationships effectively at all levels of business i.e. from administrative staff to executive level
Able to handle difficult clients and resolve client matters telephonically & face to face
Able to handle conflict and displays assertive demeanour when necessary
Report writing skills
Presentation skills
Speaking Afrikaans would be an advantage
Good negotiation skills
Focus on providing high quality client service
Strong attention to detail and proactive attitude
Strong ability to organize and prioritize
Strong results and delivery focus
Solid project and time management skills
Ability to work independently
Innovative and demonstrates initiative
Ability to perform well under pressure and meet deadlines
Ability to collaborate and pull information together
Proactive and a team player
Personal Attributes Interpersonal savvy - Contributing independently Decision quality - Contributing independently Action orientated - Contributing independently Optimises work processes - Contributing independently Build a successful career with us
We’re all about building strong, lasting relationsh