Who are we?
Sanlam Investment Group
The Sanlam Investment Group is uniquely equipped and positioned to deliver on its purpose of empowering generations to be financially confident, secure and prosperous. Through our vast in-house expertise and strategic partner networks, we can access all asset classes across the globe, private and public, actively and passively managed, to develop investment solutions that are in our clients’ best interests and have a positive impact on society. Backed by the Sanlam Group’s balance sheet, the Sanlam Investment Group has a true competitive advantage in its ability to invest alongside clients, particularly in private markets where impact investing drives the agenda.
The Sanlam Investment Group is uniquely equipped and positioned to deliver on its purpose of empowering generations to be financially confident, secure and prosperous. Through our vast in-house expertise and strategic partner networks, we can access all asset classes across the globe, private and public, actively and passively managed, to develop investment solutions that are in our clients’ best interests and have a positive impact on society. Backed by the Sanlam Group’s balance sheet, the Sanlam Investment Group has a true competitive advantage in its ability to invest alongside clients, particularly in private markets where impact investing drives the agenda.
The Sanlam Investment Group is one of the largest, most diversified financial services and investment firms in Southern Africa with assets under management and administration of more than R2 trillion. It is a B-BBEE level 1 contributor and one of the largest black-empowered asset managers on the African continent.
Sanlam Alternative Investments (SAI)
The purpose Sanlam Alternative Investments (SAI) business is to help build the African continent and make a real sustainable difference in the emerging economies in which we operate in, aligning to the Sanlam Group’s mission of financial inclusion. The SAI business has a broad range of capabilities that include Private Equity, Specialised Finance, Property, Infrastructure and Partnerships. Sanlam is the biggest non-banking financial institution on the continent, operating in Africa for over 100 years.
What will you do?
We are seeking an experienced and driven Senior Dealmaker to join our Credit Origination team. The ideal candidate will have at least 5 years of experience in higher-yield credit origination, with a proven track record of sourcing and structuring South African credit exposures yielding JIBAR + 3%-4% and above. This role requires strong borrower relationships, deep credit structuring expertise, and the ability to deliver high-quality transactions aligned with the firm’s risk appetite.
Key Responsibilities include:
1. Deal making (i.e., origination of credit investments), including:
- Originate, structure, and execute high-yield credit transactions within the South African market.
- Leverage strong borrower and market relationships to source attractive deal flow.
- Ensure all transactions are appropriately structured with strong credit protections and security packages.
- Prepare detailed investment memos and present transactions to internal credit committees.
- Collaborate with internal credit, legal, and portfolio management teams to progress deals through the investment process.
- Maintain a deep understanding of market dynamics, pricing, and sector risks.
- Conduct in-depth credit analysis to ensure transactions meet risk and return thresholds.
- Manage multiple transactions simultaneously, maintaining high attention to detail and process discipline.
2. Group interaction and functions:
- Ongoing interaction within SAI, Sanlam Financial Markets (SFM) and support functions.
- Ongoing interaction with Sanlam, Sanlam Investments (SI) and other clusters.
- To be a centre of expertise on Credit for the Sanlam Group.
3. Structuring:
- Consideration of market risk, tax, regulatory, legal and accounting related matters, etc including interaction with experts.
- Structure transactions with appropriate security in place to mitigate potential losses
Skills and Technical Competencies
- Minimum 5 years of experience in high-yield credit origination, preferably within a bank or credit asset manager.
- Demonstrable track record in originating credit assets yielding JIBAR + 3%-4% and higher
- Strong relationships with South African corporate borrowers (most likely business banking type clients as opposed to large corporate borrowers), private equity sponsors, family offices and financial intermediaries/brokers.
- A strong existing borrower base with immediate transaction opportunities.
- Solid credit structuring skills with an ability to negotiate and secure favourable terms.
- Strong credit analysis background with the ability to independently assess borrower risk and transaction suitability.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Highly motivated, detailed-oriented, and capable of working independently under pressure.
- Ability to manage multiple transactions and priorities concurrently.
- Strong legal skills
Qualification and Experience
BCom, CFA or CA with 4 to 6 years related experience.
Knowledge and Skills
Investment strategies and management of complex investments
Responsible for originating and securing complex private equity investment transactions.
Investment Industry Knowledge
Negotiates deals with third parties and will present proposed deals to the Credit Committee.
Reporting and Administration
Personal Attributes
Organisational savvy - Contributing strategically
Manages complexity - Contributing strategically
Financial acumen - Contributing strategically
Business insight - 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.
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 ensure 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.