Group Company Secretariat Assistant: Group Secretariat

Sanlam; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 600 000 - 800 000; Full time

Job summary

A reputable financial services group in Cape Town is seeking a Company Secretary to oversee governance and compliance. The role includes organizing board meetings, maintaining statutory records, and supporting regulatory submissions. The ideal candidate will have a law degree, at least 3 years of experience in a similar role, and knowledge of corporate governance standards. Opportunities for career development are available within this dynamic organization.

Benefits

Career development opportunities

Commitment to diversity and inclusion

Supportive environment

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years proven experience in a company secretarial role.
• Relevant corporate governance qualification preferred but not essential.
• Working knowledge of SA Companies Act and relevant governance codes.

Responsibilities

• Organize and administer board and committee meetings as assigned.
• Prepare board packs, agendas, and minutes.
• Maintain up-to-date statutory records including CIPC filings.

Skills

Corporate Governance

Regulatory Compliance

Organizational Skills

Effective Communication

Education

Degree in Law or similar profession

Tools

Diligent Board Software

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 the largest internationally active insurance groups in the world with a presence in 30 countries and has the biggest non‑banking financial services footprint on the African continent.

The Group Office

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?

The role will provide comprehensive support to ensure the effective functioning of the company secretariat across the Group. This includes acting as Secretary for a portfolio of board and committee meetings, managing agendas, packs, minutes, and action items for assigned subsidiary boards. You will be responsible for assisting in implementing the Sanlam Group Governance Policy, coordinate responses to Know Your Client and due diligence requests, and maintain statutory records for various entities on Dilitrust, ensuring accuracy and compliance. Further responsibilities extend to timely filing of statutory returns, supporting regulatory submissions, maintaining updated structure charts, and contributing to the company secretarial procedures manual. Additionally, you will assist senior company secretaries with key tasks, oversee CIPC applications, and provide day‑to‑day administrative support to uphold governance standards across the Group.

What will make you successful in this role?

Corporate Governance and Board Support

• Organise and administer board and committee meetings as assigned.
• Prepare board packs, agendas, and accurate minutes in accordance with agreed timelines.

Statutory and Regulatory Compliance

• Maintain up‑to‑date statutory records, including CIPC filings, share registers, and director disclosures.
• Liaise with Regulators regarding licensing, reporting and compliance issues.
• Provide support during internal and external audit and regulatory reviews (where applicable).
• Maintain legal entity database.

Strategic and Operational Support

• Help embed governance into the operational culture of the Sanlam Group.
• Provide support to senior Company Secretary.

Qualification and Experience

• A degree in law or similar profession.
• Minimum of 3 years proven experience in a company secretarial role.
• Relevant corporate governance qualification (preferred, but not essential).
• Working knowledge of SA Companies Act, relevant corporate governance codes and regulations.
• Experience in using company secretarial software, specifically Diligent Board.

Knowledge and Skills

Company Secretarial and Administrative requirements Reporting and Administration Compliance and governance Risk mitigation and alignment to legislation.

Personal Attributes

Communicates effectively - Contributing independently. Decision quality - Contributing independently. Plans and aligns - 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.

Core Competencies

Being resilient - Contributing independently Collaborates - Contributing independently Cultivates innovation - Contributing independently Customer focus - Contributing independently Drives results - Contributing independently.

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.

Our commitment to transformation

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.

The closing date for applications is 05 January 2025.