Team Leader - Pensions Administration (Parktown) at Rand Mutual - RMA

Description

THE JOB AT A GLANCE

• As the Pension Team Leader, you will report into the Welfare and Pensions Manager.
• You will oversee and coordinate the pension administration team to ensure accurate, efficient processing and compliant management of pension benefits under the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act (COIDA) and Value-Added Products pension benefits for injured workers, widows, and children.
• Your role requires leadership, technical expertise in pension fund administration and strong stakeholder engagement to maintain service excellence for beneficiaries and regulatory compliance.

WHAT WILL YOU DO?

Team Supervision & Workflow Management

• Lead, supervise and mentor the pensions administration team
• Allocate and monitor workloads to ensure service level agreements (SLAs) are met, assign tasks, oversee performance and ensure deadlines are achieved
• Work closely with finance and medical management teams to ensure aligned and integrated processes
• Prepare reports for management and contribute to audits and regulatory compliance
• Conduct team meetings and training sessions to enhance compliance and service delivery.

Pension Administration Oversight

• Review and approve pension calculations, reconciliations and benefit schedules
• Ensure accurate processing of pension annuity payments (disability, widow and child pensions)
• Verify calculations and documentation before approvals
• Liaise with pensioners, beneficiaries and other stakeholders to resolve escalated queries professionally.

Compliance & Quality Control

• Ensure compliance with relevant legislation, including the Pension Funds Act, COIDA and other applicable compensation laws and internal polices
• Conduct regular audits to minimize errors in pension payments
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of legislative changes affecting pensions.

Customer Service & Stakeholder Engagement

• Handle complex pensioner inquiries and complaints
• Liaise with pensioners, employers and government bodies as needed
• Ensure a high standard of service delivery to pension beneficiaries.

Reporting & Process Improvement

• Generate performance reports on payment accuracy, turnaround times and team productivity
• Identify inefficiencies and propose improvements in pension administration processes
• Assist the Welfare and Pensions Manager in implementing best practices
• Drive continuous process improvements and efficiencies within the pensions management.

Requirements

WHAT YOU'LL BRING TO THE TABLE

Qualifications and Experience

• Grade 12 qualification/Matric Certificate
• RE1 (Regulatory Examination 1) Certificate
• Bachelor’s degree in finance, Accounting, Business Administration or related field
• 5 or more years’ experience in pension or employee benefits administration
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in pensions administration, preferably under COIDA
• Previous supervisory/team leadership experience is advantageous

Skills & Competencies

• Strong leadership and people management skills- ability to motivate and guide a team
• Financial acumen – understanding of annuity payments and payroll systems
• In-depth understanding of pension fund processes, policies, and compliance requirements
• Analytical and numerical skills with attention to detail
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement abilities
• Ability to manage pressure, deadlines, and multiple priorities
• Proficiency in pension administration systems and MS Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook).

Personal Attributes

• Integrity and ethical conduct
• Empathy and sensitivity when dealing with pensioners and beneficiaries
• Problem-solving and decision-making ability
• Service-oriented mindset with focus on quality and efficiency.