Portfolio Manager

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 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?

The Credit Portfolio Manager is responsible for formulating, implementing, and managing credit investment strategies across a broad range of fixed income assets in line with client mandates and investment objectives. The role involves comprehensive evaluation of opportunities across the full investable universe — including listed and unlisted credit, direct lending, private credit, money market instruments, structured credit, and preference shares. The manager must demonstrate strong market insight, rigorous investment analysis, and disciplined portfolio construction, while staying abreast of global and domestic credit trends. This role requires cross-functional collaboration, active stakeholder engagement, and a focus on growing assets under management and delivering superior risk-adjusted returns.

Responsibilities Include:

1. 1. Investment Strategy, Execution & Portfolio Management
2. 2. Market Intelligence & Research
3. 3.    Stakeholder & Client Engagement
4. 4.   Risk, Governance & Accountability

• Design and implement credit investment strategies that align with client mandates and institutional investment philosophy.
• Manage exposure across listed and unlisted credit markets, money markets, structured products, and alternative fixed income assets.
• Perform detailed investment analysis, including due diligence on potential investees and transactions.
• Manage the full investment lifecycle: sourcing, analysis, execution, monitoring, and exit.
• Monitor portfolio performance, risks, and compliance with mandate guidelines and regulatory requirements.
• Optimise portfolio duration, yield, and risk-return profile in light of evolving market conditions.
• Continuously analyse domestic and global market conditions, macroeconomic indicators, interest rate movements, and sector trends.
• Provide strategic guidance on credit trends to the broader investment team.
• Track developments in ESG integration, social impact investing, and structured finance innovations.
• Contribute to internal investment forums and credit committees, offering well-supported investment views.
• Engage with potential investors, existing clients, and consultants to present fund performance, strategy, and positioning.
• Grow assets under management through client retention, business development, and differentiated performance.
• Collaborate with internal deal originators, investment bankers, and intermediaries to source new transactions.
• Provide transparent and insightful reporting to stakeholders, including investment commentary and performance attribution.
• Ensure strong risk management practices, including continuous monitoring of credit exposures, liquidity risk, and covenant compliance.
• Assess and monitor complex deal structures, including syndicated loans, credit derivatives, and synthetic exposures.
• Uphold internal governance standards, contribute to investment policy refinement, and ensure audit readiness.

Qualification And Experience

• Relevant postgraduate qualification (e.g., Finance, Investment Management, Economics, Accounting).CA(SA) and/or CFA designation preferred.
• 6-8 years' experience in financial services within credit portfolio management, credit research, or investment banking.
• Deep knowledge of corporate and institutional credit, debt structuring, and fixed income markets.
• Proven experience in assessing, executing, and monitoring credit instruments — including structured and derivative credit products.
• In-depth experience with corporate credit analysis, investment structuring, and portfolio risk oversight.
• Strong understanding of debt syndications, private credit, and structured finance.
• Familiarity with credit derivatives and synthetic exposures advantageous.
• Proficiency in investment systems, credit modelling tools, and financial analysis platforms (e.g., Bloomberg, Capital IQ, Excel-based models).

Knowledge And Skills

Formulates, revises and implements the investment plansInvestment monitoring and complianceInvestment strategies and management of complex investmentsRecommendations and presentation of resultsIndustry trends and market changes

Personal Attributes

Self-development - Contributing through othersDecision quality - Contributing through othersBusiness insight - Contributing through othersFinancial acumen - Contributing through othersAction orientated - Contributing independentlyManages ambiguity - Contributing through othersEnsures accountability - Contributing through othersPlans and aligns - Contributing through others

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

Collaborates - Contributing through othersBeing resilient - Contributing through othersCultivates innovation - Contributing through othersCustomer focus - Contributing through othersDrives results - Contributing through others

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.