Team Leader: Admin & Support – Discovery Employee Benefits
Business Unit: Discovery Employee Benefits
Function: Administration and Office Support
Date: 7 Mar 2025
Achieve More Than YOU BELIEVE
About Discovery Employee Benefits
Discovery Employee Benefits is the first and only provider that actively shapes employee behavior, creating healthier and wealthier workforces. We are redefining how retirement savings and life insurance support companies and employees, making this an exciting space to grow your career.
About Group Life
Discovery Group Life is South Africa’s fastest-growing group risk insurer, backed by cutting-edge initiatives within Discovery Employee Benefits. We leverage Discovery’s shared value model and behavioral science to provide modern, valuable risk benefits to employees, helping them secure financial independence in retirement.
Key Purpose
This role is responsible for leading a small team that oversees the onboarding and installation of new business. Key functions include:
- Reviewing and initiating Special Rule requests, Amendments, Enhancements, and Renewals.
- Managing Umbrella contributions, billing reconciliations, and investments in compliance with Section 13A of the Pension Fund Act.
- Compiling, reviewing, and submitting AUM reports.
The role requires process implementation, maintenance, and continuous improvement to ensure that the team operates within regulatory frameworks, while also aligning with Discovery’s strategy. You will be responsible for ensuring the team has the necessary knowledge, skills, and tools to perform at optimal levels. This role is ideal for dynamic leaders who thrive in a fast-paced, evolving environment, with a strong focus on change management and operational efficiency.
Key Responsibilities
- Ensure adherence to Service Level Agreements (SLAs), implementing processes to maintain efficiency in Umbrella Fund operations.
- Oversee the full HR function for staff under management, ensuring proper training, role clarity, and team motivation.
- Ensure billing and contribution processes comply with regulatory frameworks, including Section 13A, Default Reg, and T-day.
- Maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and update them as processes evolve.
- Assist with audits and respond to audit queries.
- Generate management reports and submit them to relevant stakeholders.
- Optimize productivity within the team.
- Handle escalated queries, ensuring clear and professional communication with clients and internal teams.
- Build and maintain strong business relationships with brokers and stakeholders.
- Lead and manage projects, ensuring alignment with company objectives.
- Serve as the Subject Matter Expert (SME) in retirement fund administration, conducting root cause analysis and implementing solutions.
Personal Attributes & Skills
The ideal candidate should have:
- Strong communication skills – verbal and written.
- Analytical and reporting skills – ability to consolidate complex data into clear reports.
- Attention to detail and organizational skills.
- Conflict resolution and problem-solving abilities.
- Ability to build relationships at all levels.
- Innovative thinking – challenge the status quo and drive continuous improvement.
Education & Experience
- NQF Level 5 qualification (Essential)
- 3–5 years in an operational leadership/management role (Essential)
- 3–5 years’ experience in umbrella retirement fund contributions/billing (Essential)
- Experience with Section 13A of the Pension Fund Act, Default Reg, and T-day (Essential)
- NQF Level 6 or BCom degree (Advantageous)
- Industry qualifications in Wealth Management or Retirement Funds (Advantageous)
- Advanced MS Office skills (Excel required)
- Knowledge of accounting, investments, people management, operational processes, and process mapping
- 5+ years’ experience in employee benefits, with at least 5 years in a senior role
Employment Equity
Discovery is an Equal Opportunities Employer, committed to diversity and inclusion. The Company’s approved Employment Equity Plan and Targets will be considered during the recruitment process. Candidates with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
