Head of Credit Administration - Emiratization

We are currently conducting a confidential executive search for an experienced Head of Credit Administration on behalf of a well-established local bank in the UAE.

Reporting directly to the Chief Risk Officer, the role will lead the Credit Administration function, with a strong focus on governance, controls, operational excellence, and transformation.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the Credit Administration strategy in alignment with the Bank's risk appetite, credit policies, and regulatory requirements.
• Oversee end-to-end Credit Administration, credit limits, documentation, and collateral management across Corporate, Commercial, International, Treasury, and Retail portfolios.
• Strengthen portfolio-level monitoring of credit limits, documentation, collateral, and key control mechanisms.
• Ensure adherence to approved credit sanctions and maintain robust credit control standards.
• Partner with Risk, Credit, Business, and Legal teams to strengthen governance and credit controls.
• Drive digital transformation, automation, and process re-engineering across Credit Administration.
• Lead the implementation of limits and collateral management systems, including data migration, validation, reconciliation, and UAT.
• Manage regulatory, audit, and governance requirements, including remediation of internal and external audit findings.
• Identify control gaps and implement effective risk mitigation and remediation strategies.
• Lead cross-functional initiatives to improve operational efficiency and strengthen the overall Credit Administration framework.
• Build a strong risk-aware culture and lead, develop, and mentor the Credit Administration team.

Ideal Candidate

• 15+ years of experience in Credit Administration, including significant leadership experience heading a CAD function.
• Strong expertise in credit documentation, limits, collateral, portfolio monitoring, and credit controls.
• Proven track record in banking transformation, automation, and process improvement.
• Strong exposure to regulatory, audit, risk, and governance frameworks.
• Bachelor's or Master's degree from a recognised international institution.
• Excellent English communication and stakeholder management skills.
• UAE National – Mandatory.