Settlements Manager - Investor Services

1001 Absa Bank; Sandton; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

Absa Bank is seeking a Settlements Manager to own the end-to-end settlements operation for AIS, ensuring accurate processing and adherence to service standards. You will lead execution, monitoring, verification and authorization of transactions with strong governance and accountability.

The role requires a track record in custody operations, settlements and regulatory compliance, with the ability to manage senior stakeholders and drive continuous improvement in processes.

Qualifications

• 5+ years’ experience in custody operations and settlements.
• Strong knowledge of regulatory requirements including SARB and Strate.
• Experience communicating with senior stakeholders.
• Understanding of custody risks and controls.

Responsibilities

• Safeguard timely settlement by meeting market and internal cut-off times.
• Optimise team capacity through workload planning and continuity management.
• Identify opportunities for process improvement, automation and efficiency gains.
• Provide reporting on performance, risks and management information.
• Ensure governance, procedures and audit readiness.

Skills

Custody operations

Settlements

Regulatory knowledge

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Business, Commerce or Management Studies

Diploma or NQF Level 6 in related field

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 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

Your key accountabilities will include the following;

• 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)