Website Sygnia Asset Management
Sygnia Group is a specialist financial services group focused on the provision of multi-management, index tracking and administration solutions to institutional and retail clients in South Africa and abroad. We provide a wide range of financial services to a diverse group of domestic and internation… read moreal clients. Whether you’re a corporation, a financial institution or an individual, we’ll work with you to create your ideal investment solution. Tailored. Transparent 7th Floor, The Foundry Building Cardiff Street Green Point, Western Cape 8001 South Africa
The Role:
The Operations Manager is responsible for leading and optimising end-to-end operational functions within the LISP and Retail Investments environment. This role oversees multiple operational teams through Team Leaders, ensuring efficient execution of client/advisor servicing, transaction processing, compliance, and service delivery aligned to regulatory and business objectives. The role requires strong leadership, regulatory expertise, and operational excellence to support scale, risk management, and superior client experience.
The duties and responsibilities of this position include (but are not limited to):
Operational Leadership & Strategy
Drive operational strategy aligned with business goals and growth targets
Lead, mentor, and develop Team Leaders to ensure high performance and succession planning
Establish a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and client-centricity
Translate strategic objectives into operational plans and measurable outcomes
Team Management & Capability Building
Manage performance of 3 Team Leaders overseeing ±48 administrators
Implement structured performance management frameworks (KPIs, SLAs, KRAs)
Coach leaders on people management, productivity, and engagement
Identifying training needs and management thereof.
Drive workforce planning, capacity modelling, and resource optimisation
Lead employee engagement and retention initiatives
Operations Oversight (LISP & Retail Investments)
Oversee end-to-end processes, including:
Investment onboarding (KYC, FICA, AML compliance)
Trade processing (unit trusts, LISPs, switches, redemptions)
Client / Advisor servicing and query resolution
Coordinate cross-functional activities to ensure end-to-end service delivery
Evaluate quality standards from multiple sources and develop action plans to address process gaps, mitigate risks, and enhance the client/advisor experience.
Overall platform administration and monthly & adhoc reporting
Ensure:
SLA adherence and turnaround times
High levels of accuracy and quality control
Process standardisation and documentation
Regulatory & Risk Management
Ensure compliance with relevant regulations (e.g., FAIS, FICA, POPIA, AML)
Implement and monitor internal controls and risk mitigation frameworks
Manage audit processes (internal and external) and address findings
Ensure adherence to Treating Customers Fairly (TCF) principles
Maintain operational risk registers and incident management processes
Maintain Business Continuity Processes
Process Optimisation & Continuous Improvement
Identify inefficiencies and implement process improvements
Drive automation and digitisation initiatives
Use Six Sigma principles where applicable (Focuses on Speed and efficiency, focuses on quality and accuracy, eliminates waste, reduces variation, improves flow, Uses data/statistics)
Monitor operational metrics and implement data-driven improvements
Stakeholder Management
Engage and build healthy relationships with internal stakeholders (Distribution, Compliance, IT, Finance)
Collaborate with third party providers and platform partners
Provide operational input into new product launches and system enhancements
Present operational performance to senior leadership
Financial & Performance Management
Manage departmental budget and cost efficiencies/cost reduction
Track productivity, cost-per-transaction, and operational KPIs
Drive efficiency improvements while maintaining high service quality
Qualifications and Experience:
Bachelor’s degree in finance, Business Administration, or related field
Postgraduate qualification (advantageous)
8–12+ years in investment operations within LISP & Retail/platform environments
5+ years in a leadership role managing managers and team leaders
Strong understanding of retail investment products (unit trusts, retirement products, discretionary investments)
Proven experience managing large operational teams (40+ staff)
Experience with regulatory frameworks in financial services Demonstrated ability to work independently and manage competing priorities effectively.
Core Competencies:
Deep knowledge of LISP & Retail platforms and investment administration systems
Strong understanding of:
Trade lifecycle
Fund pricing and valuations
Reconciliations and cash management
Data analysis and reporting (Excel, BI tools advantageous)
Process improvement methodologies
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Apply via company website ( http://www.sygnia.co.za ) or