Executive Assistant: Corporate Affairs And Sustainability

Findojobs South Africa; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 300,000 - 450,000; Full time

Job summary

A major financial services group is seeking an Executive Secretary to support the Corporate Affairs and Sustainability team. The role includes proactive diary management, preparation of documents, event coordination, and travel arrangements. Ideal candidates should have a Diploma and 6-8 years of experience in a corporate setting, with proficiency in Microsoft Office and strong communication skills. This position requires confidentiality and the ability to engage confidently with executives and stakeholders.

Benefits

Opportunities for growth and development

Qualifications

• 6-8 years experience supporting executives in a large corporate environment.
• Experience in international travel arrangements.
• Strong communication skills and ability to engage with stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Provide secretarial support to the executive.
• Manage travel arrangements and itineraries.
• Prepare meeting documentation and assist with presentations.

Skills

Proactive diary management

Advanced Microsoft Office proficiency

Confidentiality and discretion

Event planning

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Grade 12 and relevant Diploma / Certificate

Tools

Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

Asana

Job description

Who are we?

Sanlam was established as a life insurance company in South Africa but has since transformed into a diversified financial services group that operates across the African continent, India, Malaysia and selected developed markets, with listings on the Johannesburg, A2X and Namibian stock exchanges. In 2018 the Group celebrated its centenary as well as 20 years since demutualisation and listing in South Africa and Namibia. Sanlam is one of thelargest internationally active insurance groups in the world with a presence in 31 countries and has the biggest non-banking financial services footprint on the African continent.

The Group's five business clusters (Sanlam Fintech, Sanlam Life and Savings, Sanlam Investment Group, Sanlam Allianz and Santam) house the Group's business operations. The Group Office provides strategic direction and support to the five clusters, assisting them in realising their strategies and meeting their business objectives. The Group Office is responsible for governance and for the Group's centralised functions, which include : Finance, Actuarial, Risk and Balance Sheet Management, Strategy, Human Capital, Corporate Affairs and Sustainability.

What will you do?

A role exists in the Corporate Affairs and Sustainability team, reporting to the Group Executive : Corporate Affairs and Sustainability. The successful candidate will be required to perform secretarial and general office duties.

What will make you successful in this role?

Secretarial support to an Executive :

• Proactive diary management.
• Ensure managers are equipped with necessary documentation to proceed with meetings.
• Screen incoming calls and correspondence, responding independently, on behalf of the executive, where possible.
• Clearing executive’s mailbox, as guided.
• Preparation and support with PowerPoint presentations.
• English language editing support
• Responsible for arranging events or conferences by arranging facilities and catering, issuing information or invitations, coordinating speakers.
• Preparing records such as agendas, notices, minutes, and resolutions for corporate meetings.
• Responsible for arranging travel plans and itineraries, and compiles documents for travel-related meetings.
• Format information for internal and external communication – memos, emails, presentations, and reports.
• Organise and maintain office filing of documents.

Administration :

Source required information requested by manager.

Support manager(s) with all Corporate Affairs and Sustainability actions on myWorkspace.

Arrange and manage payment of invoices.

Sanlam credit card and cellphone administration.

Taking of minutes and responsible for managing follow-ups where required.

Adhoc requests, and some may include supporting the executive with minor personal admin.

General Office Management :

Act as an office manager by keeping up with office supply inventory.

Management of the storeroom, office equipment and general kitchen facilities.

Support to a larger office environment – Office management to a broader team.

International and national travel and accommodation arrangements

Research valuable information on international destinations on behalf of manager(s).

Provide a well-documented travel itinerary in advance.

Qualification and Experience

Grade 12 and relevant Diploma / Certificate with 6-8 years related experience in supporting executives in a large corporate.

Additional requirements

Be confident to engage with other Group Executives and Board members.

Be confident to engage with local and international stakeholders.

Be able to work under pressure and have a high stress tolerance.

International travel arrangement experience.

Advanced experience in Microsoft Office ( Word, Excel & PowerPoint ).

Working experience in using the project management tool, Asana will be an advantage

Understanding of professional business communication methods and processes.

Adhere and be sensitive to organisational impacts / influences (red tape, protocol etc.,).

A sound knowledge of etiquette that is followed or prescribed in a social and / or professional setting on an executive level.

Displays a high level of confidentiality and discretion. Confidentiality is about the obligation to keep information private, while discretion is about the skill of knowing how and when to act or speak in a way that maintains that privacy.

Be available and prepared to work after hours.

Knowledge and Skills

Reservation ManagementSecretarial SupportAdministrationManages various Stakeholder queries and support

Personal Attributes

Communicates effectively – Contributing independently

Plans and aligns – Contributing independently

Optimises work processes - Contributing independently

Action Orientated - Contributing independently

Understands that they are an extension of the executive and of the company, and should therefore espouse values of integrity, care, collaboration, innovation, and treating people with courtesy and respect.

Proactive in finding better and more efficient ways of carrying out tasks

Positive mindset and can-do attitude

Refrain from office gossip

Core Competencies

Cultivates innovation – Contributing independently

Customer focus and Client-service oriented – Contributing independently.

Drives results – Contributing independently

Collaborates – Contributing independently

Being Resilient – Contributing independently

Problem solver – with guidance

Communicate effectively - Contributing independently

Plans and aligns - Contributing independently

Action orientated - Contributing independently

Optimises work processes - Contributing independently

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 five business clusters – Sanlam Fintech, Sanlam Life and Savings, Sanlam Investment Group, Sanlam Allianz, Santam, as well as MiWay and the Group Office – the group provides many opportunities for growth and development.

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.

The closing date for applications is 25 July 2025.