Actuarial Basis and Assumptions Setting Manager

Purpose Statement In this role, you will lead the process used to set and manage actuarial assumptions across the Valuations and Modelling department. You will be responsible for ensuring assumptions are accurate, well-supported by data, and governed through appropriate controls and approval processes. This includes analysing experience data, developing and reviewing assumptions, assessing business impacts, and presenting recommendations to governance forums. You will also oversee the overall basis-setting framework, including the methodology, governance, and operating model. Working closely with teams across the business, you will coordinate basis-setting activities, provide final assumption recommendations, and drive continuous improvements to the way assumptions are developed and managed. Education (Minimum) Honours Degree in Actuarial Science or Mathematics Masters Degree in Data Science or Statistics Education (Ideal or Preferred) Honours Degree in Actuarial Science, Mathematics, Statistics, Data Science or a related quantitative field. Qualified Fellow of the Actuarial Society of South Africa (FASSA) or equivalent actuarial professional body preferred Knowledge and Experience Knowledge Advanced assumption-setting methodologies, best-estimate principles, experience analysis, credibility assessment and dynamic basis strategies. Basis-setting operating models, annual planning, governance gates, ownership models, data readiness, dependency tracking and controlled production processes. Experience database ownership, Insurance Data delivery models, validation controls, sign-off evidence, maintenance governance and future product database requirements. Python-based actuarial applications, controlled automation, documentation automation and technology-enabled process improvement (where relevant). Life insurance products, claims experience, policyholder behaviour, expenses, investment assumptions, IFRS 17, SAM, capital, forecasting, pricing and economic valuation requirements affected by assumptions. Impact assessment methods including actual versus expected experience, individual basis change testing, analysis of surplus feedback, basis change impacts, IFRS valuations and budget impacts including impact on earnings emergence. Basis governance, control design, model readiness, implementation dependencies, audit walkthroughs, HAF sign-off processes, peer review of insurance bases and ORSA adverse scenario principles. Regulatory, IFRS 17, SAM, capital and management reporting requirements relevant to actuarial assumptions and outputs. Experience 8 + years of actuarial or insurance finance experience, including significant experience in assumption setting, basis analysis, experience investigations, impact assessment and governance. Proven experience leading and owning basis-setting operating models, annual basis plans, governance gates, ownership models, data readiness, experience investigations, assumption development and final basis recommendations. Demonstrated experience owning assumption pack frameworks, basis change registers, impact dashboards, executive packs, ALCO/management decision-support material, basis-setting reports and HAF sign-off processes. Proven experience applying advanced actuarial judgement to credibility, trends, sensitivities, business mix, operational changes, short-term market events, external benchmarks, financial impacts, pricing implications, regulatory implications and strategic trade-offs. Significant experience designing and overseeing controls over data readiness, experience investigations, assumption calculations, documentation, approvals, model implementation, scenario testing, reconciliations, post-implementation checks and experience database maintenance. Experience owning or leading basis-setting applications, controlled automation, governance workflows, and process improvement initiatives. Experience providing audit walkthroughs, peer review of insurance bases, ORSA adverse scenario input and governance evidence. Demonstrated ability to coordinate complex basis-setting projects with valuations, modelling, data and finance teams. Skills Decision making skills Influencing Skills Negotiation skills Planning, organising and coordination skills