Head of Fiduciary

OVERALL PURPOSEProvide expert advisory, fiduciary, and legal services to ultra-HNW families regarding trusts, estate planning, wills, and related fiduciary matters. Ensure clients ’wealth and legacies are structured, preserved, and passed on according to their wishes and relevant law. Fulfil the role of Expert Trustee for clients.Principal Elements & AccountabilitiesTrust & Estate Planning Forming, structuring, and advising on trusts including tax implications and drafting of trust amendments. Reviewing and drafting of Wills. Reviewing and drafting of Trust Deeds and Letters of Wishes. Advising on estate planning strategies for HNW clients. Advising and establishment of philanthropic structuresFiduciary / Trustee Role Acting as independent trustee or adviser for families internationally. Ensuring fiduciary duties are met.Legal Compliance & Governance Ensuring compliance with South African legal, tax, and regulatory frameworks in trusts and estates. Staying current with changes in trust law, estate law, taxation, curatorship rules etc. Liaising with courts, regulatory bodies if needed. Understanding of foreign trusts and their interactions with South African trusts and wills. Drafting of basic legal agreements.Client Leadership & Relationship Management Serving as primary point of contact for HNW families on their trust & estate matters. Managing expectations, communication, transparency. Coordination with other advisors (tax, investment, legal, financial planning).Advisory & Strategic Input Developing strategic long-term plans for preservation and transfer of wealth. Advising on cross-jurisdictional considerations where relevant. Succession planning for families and their businesses.Mentoring & Knowledge Transfer & Marketing Training, mentoring junior legal/trusts staff. Internal training sessions to wider client teams. Presenting at client events on areas of specialities. Documenting processes and precedents. Ensuring institutional knowledge is preserved.Key Skills & Competencies Expertise in trusts, estate planning, wills, under South African law. Understanding of foreign trusts and interactions with South African trusts. Strong legal drafting ability. Deep understanding of taxation and legal compliance. High integrity, discretion, trustworthiness. Ability to manage multiple complex client relationships.FAMILY OFFICE - HEAD OF FIDUCIARY (SOUTH AFRICA) Strategic thinking, able to anticipate future issues. Excellent communication (legal & non-legal), negotiation. Leadership / mentorship capacity. Proactive.Qualifications & Experience Law degree (LLB or equivalent) plus relevant commerce / tax background. Admitted Attorney in South Africa. Experience in trusts, estates & fiduciary law. Prior experience in senior role in a law firm or corporate fiduciary / trust & estate environment. Proven track record advising HNW / ultra-HNW clients.PERFORMANCE METRICS Quality and timeliness of trust & estate structuring work. Client satisfaction / retention. Compliance record (no legal/regulatory issues). Effectiveness of mentorship / knowledge transfer. Contribution to strategic family office goals (e.g. growth, cross-jurisdiction service).