Technically strong and experienced Risk Team Leader to lead a team responsible for the administration of death claims in terms of Section 37C of the Pension Funds Act, read together with the Rules of the Fund, as well as ill-health/disability retirement claims.
The role ensures accurate adjudication, compliant decision-making and timeous payment of benefits in line with the Pension Funds Act, fund rules and regulatory guidance.
Risk Claims Administration
- Lead and oversee the accurate and timeous processing of death claims (Section 37C) and ill-health/disability retirement claims
- Ensure correct classification, assessment and treatment of claims in accordance with the Pension Funds Act and the Rules of the Fund
- Review, verify and authorise claim calculations, documentation and final benefit payments
- Ensure correct application of taxable and tax-free benefit components Validate and approve changes to banking details and payment instructions
- Ensure consistent and defensible application of Section 37C of the Pension Funds Act in death benefit adjudication
- Assess and review dependency, financial need and beneficiary information, including minor and major children, spouses, dependants and nominees
- Ensure that recommendations and decisions are properly motivated, documented and aligned to case law and best practice
- Provide technical guidance to Risk Administrators and Senior Risk Administrators on complex Section 37C matters
- Liaise and collaborate with Trust / Beneficiary Fund Administration teams where death claim outcomes result in trust arrangements
- Ensure accurate handover of approved allocations and beneficiary information to the relevant departments
- Support continuity and accuracy of benefits where minor beneficiaries are involved
Team Leadership & Performance Management
- Lead, coach and supervise Senior Risk Administrators, Risk Administrators and Ill Health Assessors to ensure optimal performance
- Set performance objectives, monitor delivery and provide ongoing coaching and feedback
- Foster a culture of compliance, accountability, professionalism and service excellence
- Support skills development, mentorship and succession planning within the team
Compliance, Record-Keeping & Reporting
- Ensure all claim documentation and notes are accurately captured on the administration system and maintained in an audit-ready state Ensure adherence to POPIA, FICA, FAIS, fund rules and internal control frameworks
- Prepare and analyse daily, weekly and monthly operational reports
- Compile and present reports for management and Trustees, including responses to Section 37C-related queries
- Build and maintain professional relationships with internal teams, service providers and stakeholders
- Ensure all internal and external communication is handled professionally and timeously