• Job Description

  Req#: 24313

  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 43 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 four 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 and Risk Management, Strategy, Human Resources, Market Development and Brand Sustainability.

  What will you do?

  Shared responsibility for handling the most complex legal matters or projects including mergers and acquisitions transactions. Acts as counsel on corporate and commercial matters including the most complex governmental and regulatory standards. Reviews legal documentation and provides advice on appropriate action. Overseeing legal matters requiring external legal assistance. Provides leadership, functional advice and training to less experienced attorneys.

  Identify and recommend measures to address legal issues, including legal risks, which may impact on Sanlam Limited, Sanlam Life Insurance Limited as well as the Sanlam Group (collectively Sanlam). Provide legal advice on matters impacting on Sanlam and advise on and draft agreements governing relationships between Sanlam and its service providers and counterparts.

  What will make you successful in this role?

  The following are the key outcomes expected from this position:

  • Provide specialist legal support and advice to Sanlam Group Corporate Finance in respect of corporate and commercial transactions, including specifically mergers, acquisitions and disposals (along with regulatory notifications and applications in relation thereto);
  • Participate and assist in the performance of legal due diligence investigations where Sanlam Group entities consider new ventures or entry into new jurisdictions as required;
  • Assist the Sanlam Group Strategy Function with mergers and acquisitions, including structing advice, due diligence exercises, drafting, reviewing and negotiating transaction agreements, managing external counsel engagements, and assisting with closing and implementation activities; and
  • Draft and review various documents including due diligence templates, shareholder agreements, memoranda of understanding, memoranda of incorporation, loan agreements, non-disclosure agreements and related commercial agreements.

  In addition to the above, the successful candidate may be expected to contribute to the following activities:

  • Identification of all regulatory measures, current and upcoming, impacting on Sanlam Limited, Sanlam Life Insurance Limited or the Group as a designated insurance group and potentially, a designated financial conglomerate;
  • Assessment of the potential impact of the measures identified in terms of above;
  • Facilitate clear communication channels between all legal functions in the Group to ensure a free flow of information;
  • Provide legal services to Sanlam Group Functionaries that will include legal advice and support in respect of:
    • General legal advice;
    • The vetting of legal terms & conditions to be used in agreements;
    • The vetting of commercial terms & conditions to be used in agreements; and
    • The vetting, interpretation and drafting of contracts;
  • Provide legal advice in support of the Company Secretariat and any other Group service/ function that may require such advice;
  • Coordinate the advice to the Boards of Sanlam Limited and Sanlam Life Insurance Limited of all relevant regulatory developments and the potential impact thereof on the respective entities;
  • Coordinate and facilitate the interpretation of regulatory measures applicable to the Sanlam Group in a manner that ensures a consistent approach to implementation, but allows for justified variances in implementation due to unique business environments;
  • Act as coordinator between internal and external legal resources where it is required or where the interests of the Group demand such coordination; and
  • Assist with the development and implementation of a Group Legal Risk Management Framework.

  Qualification and Experience

  • LLB Degree.
  • Admitted Attorney with 8 to 10 years post-admission experience in relation to corporate and commercial transactions, including specifically mergers, acquisitions and disposals (“M&A”).
  • Appropriate corporate experience, preferably in the financial services sector. Experience in Corporate Governance, Company Law and JSE Listings Requirements would be advantageous.
  • An understanding of the complexities associated with a multi-national diversified financial service Group operating in multiple jurisdictions will be an advantage.

  Knowledge and Skills

  Compliance and legal projects management

  Legal advice and documentation reviews

  Coordinates legal action that may require external legal assistance

  Utilises negotiation and communication skills and related, risk, financial and legal expertise in the management of the client relationships.

  Execute the required corporate governance and risk management

  Personal Attributes

  Business insight - Contributing strategically

  Persuades - Contributing strategically

  Builds networks - Contributing strategically

  Manages complexity - Contributing strategically

  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 strategically

  Collaborates - Contributing strategically

  Cultivates innovation - Contributing strategically

  Customer focus - Contributing strategically

  Drives results - Contributing strategically

  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 24 January 2024.

  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.

• About the company

  As one of the largest financial services groups in South Africa, Sanlam provides insurance, investment, financial planning & retirement advice to individuals, businesses & institutions.

Notice