Purpose of role:
The Country Head of the South African fund services business holds a pivotal leadership role, responsible for overseeing all strategic, regulatory, and client-focused activities within South Africa. This position requires a deep understanding of the local and international funds industry, regulatory landscape, and the ability to lead teams towards achieving business objectives. The position requires a blend of strategic oversight, operational excellence, and client relationship management.
Duties and responsibilities:
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Strategic Leadership:
- As part of the strategic Exco team, develop and execute the business strategy for Prescient Fund Services South Africa, aligning with group objectives and responding to market trends.
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Lead, mentor, and manage teams across various departments.
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Oversee resource allocation, budgeting, and performance management to ensure operational efficiency and growth.
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Entrench company culture, including values and behaviour throughout the company.
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Partner with Head of Talent to embed Prescient Employee Value Proposition (EVP) within the South African business.
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Client Relationship Management and delivery: Build and nurture strong relationships with clients and stakeholders, ensuring high satisfaction and retention.
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In partnership with the Business Development lead, identify and pursue new business. opportunities, partnerships, and product offerings to expand the PFS footprint.
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Represent the firm at industry forums, networking events, and with potential clients to enhance brand visibility.
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Conduct market research and competitor analysis to inform business strategy.
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Lead the CRM / Client delivery / Client experience teams to ensuring delivery of a consistently high-quality, proactive, and differentiated client experience across Prescient Fund Services.
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Acts as the senior client advocate within PFS, translating client needs and feedback into service improvements, clearer reporting, and stronger long‑term relationships, while partnering closely with Operations, Business Development, and Technology.
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Financial Performance:
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Deliver on revenue and profitability targets. Monitor budgets, control costs, and identify opportunities for growth.
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Prepare and manage the country’s budgets, forecasts, and financial performance metrics.
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Monitor profitability, cost control, and resource allocation to achieve business targets.
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Report on financial results and business performance to regional and global leadership.
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Stakeholder Engagement:
- Maintain strong relationships with shareholders and senior management across PFS and the broader Prescient Group:
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Prepare and present reports on performance, strategic initiatives, and regulatory matters.
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Engage with external partners such as custodians, brokers, and technology providers.
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Advocate for the interests of the business and the wider funds industry in policy and regulatory discussions.
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People Leadership: Lead, motivate, and develop the South African team.
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Lead, mentor, and develop the management team and staff, fostering a high-performance culture.
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Recruit, train, and manage staff, ensuring high levels of competency and engagement.
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Set clear objectives and performance standards for team members.
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Promote professional development and succession planning within the organisation.
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Manage holistic remuneration of staff in consultation with all relevant stakeholder
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Executive Membership / responsibilities include:
Required experience and experience:
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Bachelor’s degree in finance, business, or related field / CA(SA) / Similar.
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Significant experience in fund administration or financial services, with proven leadership in an SA fund services / asset management context.
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Strong understanding of regulatory frameworks and compliance requirements.
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Demonstrated success in client management and business development.
Required Qualifications:
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Deep knowledge of fund administration, financial services regulation, and the global funds market.
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Leadership and Influence - proven track record in leading teams and influencing senior stakeholders.
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Strong Stakeholder Management skills, excellent relationship-building skills.
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Strategic Thinking: Ability to set direction, anticipate market trends, and drive organisational change.
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Operational Excellence: Strong process management, risk awareness, and continuous improvement mindset.
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Communication: Clear and persuasive written and verbal communication; ability to represent the business externally.
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Financial Acumen: Understanding of financial management, reporting, and business performance drivers.
Key competencies:
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Deep knowledge of fund administration, financial services regulation, and the global funds market.
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Leadership and Influence - proven track record in leading teams and influencing senior stakeholders.
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Strong Stakeholder Management skills, excellent relationship-building skills.
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Strategic Thinking: Ability to set direction, anticipate market trends, and drive organisational change.
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Operational Excellence: Strong process management, risk awareness, and continuous improvement mindset.
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Communication: Clear and persuasive written and verbal communication; ability to represent the business externally.
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Financial Acumen: Understanding of financial management, reporting, and business performance drivers.
Why this role:
A fantastic opportunity for a seasoned leader, to lead the PFS South business to operational and commercial success, ensuring regulatory compliance, driving client satisfaction, and building a high-performing team. The role requires a strategic leader with deep industry knowledge and strong people and stakeholder management skills.
