Head of Legal: Retail Mass

Who are we?
Sanlam Developing Markets [SDM] (a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sanlam Life Limited) is one of the top financial services providers in the South African entry-level and emerging middle market. It aims to understand the unique requirements of clients and offers a wide range of simple and affordable financial solutions that cover needs such as funeral insurance, savings for education, life cover and personal accident plans. In terms of the Sanlam Group Governance Policy, SDM is managed by the SA Retail Mass cluster, which is part of the Sanlam Life and Savings cluster within the Sanlam Group. The cluster focusses on retail products, as well as group schemes. What will you do?

Drafting contracts, Policies, Terms and Conditions of Schemes & Reinsurance Agreements
Be able to draft contracts in line with Applicable legislation and monitor compliance thereof (Intermediary Agreements, Binder Agreements, Administration Agreements, Service Level Agreements, Reinsurance Agreements)
Amend policy documents & terms and conditions with latest legislative changes and requirements by FSCA
Manage litigation matters within SDM
Provide legal opinion on queries from the operations & business development teams relating to the scheme’s legal structure, policy document and terms and conditions of that group scheme
Oversee the cluster’s Complaints process and signing off on all OLTI & FAIS complaints
Cultivate and manage working relationships with a variety of stakeholders within Retail Mass
Keep abreast of new legislation and regulatory changes and facilitate industry comments for Retail Mass
Manage the legal team and the Complaints team and assist with escalating complaints root causes and provide guidance in remedial action to close the gaps
Identify and communicate current and anticipated legal issues
Maintain and keep up to date drafting registers and policies/agreement registers
Keep in safe custody legal documents
Provide monthly reports to Exco
Instruct and consult with external attorneys
Draft and review company policies

Qualification & experience
LLB or equivalent legal degree with extensive drafting and/or legal advisory experience
Admitted Attorney or advocate in South Africa would be advantageous
At least 7 years management experience in the insurance industry
Min 5 years’ experience in Long Term Insurance space or group life insurance (Group Risk, Cell captive insurance and Funeral products experience will be an advantage)
Min 6 years’ experience in the Financial Services Industry

Knowledge and skills
Proficiency in MS Office is essential
Extensive knowledge and good understanding of the following legislation: - FAIS, Long Term Insurance Act, Insurance Act, 2017, Retail Distribution Review, FSR Act, POPI, FICA, Long-term insurance Regulations & Policyholder Protection Rules, 2017

Personal Attributes
Well-developed communication skills both written and verbal
Planning and organizing
Problem solving
Analytical thinking
Decision making
Initiative
Confident and decisive
Results driven
Adhering to principles and values
Quality and detail orientated
Pro-activity
Achieving personal work goals and objectives
Teamwork
Coping with pressures and setbacks

Core Competencies
Flexible and Adaptable
Cultivates Innovation
Client Focus
Drives results
Collaborates
Build a successful career with us
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. We pride ourselves in helping our employees to realise their worth. Through its four business clusters - Sanlam Life and Savings, Sanlam Investment Group, Sanlam Emerging Markets, Santam, as well as MiWay and the Group Office - the group provides many opportunities for growth and development. Turnaround time
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.