Head of Paraplanning

Lead a High-Performing Financial Planning Support Team

Location: Kloof, Durban

An established and respected financial services practice is seeking an experienced Head of Paraplanning to lead and develop its paraplanning function. This is an exciting opportunity for a technically strong financial planning professional who enjoys combining leadership, operational excellence, and hands-on paraplanning expertise.

You will play a pivotal role in ensuring the delivery of high-quality financial planning support to advisers while driving continuous improvement across systems, processes, and team performance. If you are passionate about mentoring others, improving efficiencies, and providing expert technical guidance, we'd love to hear from you.

Key Responsibilities

Team Leadership & Management

• Lead, manage, and develop the paraplanning team.

• Conduct recruitment, interviews, onboarding, and exit processes.

• Oversee performance management, appraisals, coaching, and development.

• Monitor team workloads and allocate work effectively.

• Facilitate regular communication with advisers and support teams.

Technical Financial Planning Support

• Review and assist with:

  • Wealth Management Plans

  • Records of Advice

  • Risk Assessments and Insurance Quotes

  • Tax calculations

  • Estate planning calculations

  • Performance comparisons and financial modelling

• Provide technical guidance and support to paraplanners.

• Assist with complex financial planning calculations and client-related investigations.

Systems & Process Improvement

• Drive continuous improvement of paraplanning processes and procedures.

• Maintain and enhance templates, documentation, and technical resources.

• Manage and optimise Xplan and related advice systems.

• Identify automation opportunities and lead system enhancement projects.

• Liaise with system providers and stakeholders to improve efficiencies.

Training & Development

• Deliver ongoing training on financial planning topics, processes, and advice systems.

• Facilitate knowledge sharing and upskilling within the paraplanning team.

• Ensure procedures and best practices remain current and effectively communicated.

Minimum Requirements

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree.

• Post Graduate Diploma in Financial Planning.

Experience

• Minimum of 5 years' experience within the financial planning industry.

• Proven paraplanning experience within a wealth management or financial advisory environment.

• Experience working with financial planning software, preferably Xplan.

Technical Skills

• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and Word.

• Advanced understanding of:

  • Wealth management

  • Risk planning

  • Tax planning

  • Estate planning

  • Financial modelling and analysis

Key Competencies

We are looking for someone who demonstrates:

• Advanced financial planning and technical expertise

• Strong leadership and team development capability

• Excellent organisational and workload management skills

• Process improvement and project management abilities

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

• Excellent communication and report-writing skills

• High attention to detail and commitment to quality

• A proactive approach to continuous improvement and efficiency gains

Employment Details

Start Date: As soon as available

Location: On-site

Working Hours:
Monday to Friday, 08:00 – 16:30

Salary:
R50,000 per month (gross), negotiable depending on experience.

Why Apply?

This role offers the opportunity to take ownership of a critical function within a professional financial planning environment. You'll have the chance to influence processes, develop a talented team, drive operational excellence, and be recognised as the technical leader within the paraplanning division.

If you're ready to take the next step in your financial planning career and make a meaningful impact, we'd love to hear from you.