Settlements Manager - Investor Services

Absa Ins & Fin Advise(Pty; Sandton; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Job summary

Absa Bank Limited is seeking a Settlements Manager to own the end-to-end settlements operation for AIS. You will ensure transactions are processed accurately, efficiently and within service standards, while leading execution, monitoring and authorisation of operational transactions.

You will champion process optimisation, maintain governance, and provide decisive leadership in resolving incidents and client queries.

Qualifications

• 5+ years experience in custody operations and settlements.
• Solid knowledge of regulatory requirements including SARB and Strate rules.
• Customer-facing experience with stakeholder management.
• Understanding of custody/settlements processes and transaction lifecycles.

Responsibilities

• Safeguard timely settlement by meeting market, regulatory and internal cut-off times.
• Optimize team capacity through workload planning and continuity management.
• Identify opportunities for process excellence, automation and efficiency gains.
• Monitor performance using KPIs and management information; drive corrective actions.
• Ensure governance, procedures and control frameworks are followed and auditable.
• Lead resolution of incidents, queries and escalations to protect service quality.

Skills

Custody operations

Settlements experience

Customer-facing communication

Regulatory knowledge

Education

Diploma/NQF6

Business/Management degree or higher

Job description

Empowering Africa's tomorrow, together...one story at a time.

With over 100 years of rich history and strongly positioned as a local bank with regional and international expertise, a career with our family offers the opportunity to be part of this exciting growth journey, to reset our future and shape our destiny as a proudly African group.

Belonging at Absa is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive. We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from suitably qualified individuals from diverse backgrounds. In support of our Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) commitments and Employment Equity objectives, preference may be given to candidates from underrepresented designated groups, including persons with disabilities. We encourage applicants who may require reasonable accommodation during the recruitment process to let us know so that appropriate support can be provided.

Job Summary

We are looking for a Settlements Manager to take ownership of the end-to-end settlements operation for Asset and Investor Services (AIS), ensuring every transaction is processed accurately, efficiently and within agreed service standards. In this role you will also lead the execution, monitoring, verification and authorisation of operational transactions, maintaining clear accountability and strong operational discipline

Job Description

• Safeguard timely settlement by ensuring transactions meet all market, regulatory and internal cut-off times.
• Optimise team capacity through effective workload allocation, resource planning and business continuity management.
• Champion operational excellence by identifying and delivering opportunities for process optimisation, automation and sustainable efficiency gains.
• Use key performance indicators and management information to monitor results, identify trends and drive timely corrective action.
• Embed consistent adherence to operating procedures, quality standards and control requirements across the settlements function.
• Provide decisive leadership in resolving operational incidents, client queries and escalations, protecting service quality and stakeholder confidence.
• Maintain fit-for-purpose procedures, process documentation and control frameworks that support effective governance and audit readiness.
• Contribute operational insight to the review and enhancement of policies, procedures and governance standards.
• Ensure operational records and supporting documentation are accurate, secure, accessible and retained in line with applicable requirements.
• Drive disciplined completion and evidence of all daily, weekly and monthly operational controls and checklists.
• Deliver clear, insightful reporting on operational performance, emerging risks and key management information to support informed decision‑making.

• A relevant diploma or NQF Level 6.
• 5 years' or more experience in custody operations, with strong knowledge of settlements and operational controls.
• Sound knowledge of relevant regulatory and statutory requirements, including South African Reserve Bank and Strate rules.
• A thorough understanding of custody and settlements processes, transaction lifecycles and associated operational risks.
• Proven experience in a customer-facing environment, with the judgement and communication skills to manage complex queries and senior stakeholder expectations.

Education

Bachelor`s Degrees and Advanced Diplomas: Business, Commerce and Management Studies (Required)