Relationship Executive - Growth Business (FAIS)

Empowering Africa’s tomorrow, together…one story at a time.

Job Summary

Job Purpose

The Relationship Executive is responsible for the acquisition, growth, retention, and management of a portfolio of Agriculture and Commercial Banking clients within the Growth Segment. The role requires developing trusted client relationships, identifying opportunities to deepen share of wallet, delivering tailored financial solutions, and ensuring sustainable portfolio growth while maintaining strong risk and compliance standards.

Job Description

The incumbent will serve as the primary point of contact for clients and will work collaboratively across specialist teams to provide exceptional banking experiences and achieve financial performance targets.

Minimum Requirements

Qualifications

• Degree or Diploma in Commerce, Finance, Economics, Agriculture, Business Management, or a related field.

• FAIS compliant or willing to obtain relevant accreditation.

• RE5 qualification will be advantageous.

Experience

• Minimum 2 to 3 years' relationship management experience within Commercial Banking, Business Banking, or Agricultural Banking.

• Proven experience managing a portfolio of Agriculture and Commercial clients.

• Demonstrated success in sales, revenue growth, lending, deposits, and client acquisition.

• Sound understanding of agricultural financing, commercial credit, risk assessment, and financial analysis.

• Experience engaging with business owners, farmers, and key decision-makers.

Key Responsibilities

1. Drive Financial Targets

• Maintain primary ownership of a portfolio of Growth Account clients differentiated by complexity and business requirements.

• Achieve agreed financial targets relating to: Revenue growth Deposits and liabilities growth Lending growth New-to-Bank acquisition Non-interest revenue generation Portfolio profitability

• Identify and execute cross-selling opportunities across the bank's product suite.

• Develop and implement portfolio growth plans to maximize client value and wallet share.

2. Relationship and Service Management

• Build, maintain, and strengthen long-term relationships with Agriculture and Commercial clients.

• Conduct regular client engagements and site visits in line with the Commercial Growth Account Value Proposition.

• Understand clients' businesses, industries, challenges, and growth objectives.

• Deliver proactive and solution-driven financial advice.

• Coordinate internal stakeholders to ensure seamless service delivery.

• Provide client insights and feedback to support product enhancement and innovation initiatives.

3. Credit and Risk Management

• Take ownership of portfolio risk management.

• Conduct credit assessments and identify potential risks within the client portfolio.

• Monitor client performance and early warning indicators.

• Ensure facilities remain within approved risk appetite and policy guidelines.

• Maintain a comprehensive understanding of regulatory, compliance, and governance requirements impacting both the bank and clients.

• Ensure all transactions and activities comply with internal policies, regulatory frameworks, and risk standards.

4. Business Development and Client Acquisition

• Identify and acquire new Agriculture and Commercial Banking relationships.

• Develop referral networks through industry associations, agricultural organizations, accountants, attorneys, and business forums.

• Build a sustainable pipeline of opportunities.

• Represent the bank at industry events and networking opportunities.

5. Collaboration and Teamwork

• Foster a collaborative, client-centric, and high-performance culture.

• Share knowledge, market insights, and best practices with colleagues.

• Support junior team members through coaching and mentorship.

• Challenge existing ways of working and actively contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.

• Provide constructive feedback and support an empowering team environment.

Competencies

Technical Competencies

• Financial Analysis

• Commercial Credit Assessment

• Risk Management

• Business Development

• Portfolio Management

• Stakeholder Engagement

• Regulatory & Compliance Knowledge

Behavioural Competencies

• Client Centricity

• Relationship Building

• Commercial Acumen

• Results Orientation

• Strategic Thinking

• Negotiation & Influencing Skills

• Problem Solving

• Collaboration & Teamwork

• Resilience & Adaptability

• Accountability

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Portfolio Revenue Growth

• Lending Growth Achievement

• Deposit Growth Achievement

• New-to-Bank Acquisition

• Non-Interest Revenue (NIR) Growth

• Client Retention Rate

• Risk and Credit Quality Metrics

• Portfolio Profitability

• Client Satisfaction Scores

• Compliance and Audit Outcomes

The ideal candidate is a commercially minded relationship banker with strong Agriculture and Commercial Banking experience, capable of balancing growth, client service excellence, and sound risk management. They are highly relationship-focused, possess strong credit acumen, and have a proven track record of delivering sustainable business growth while maintaining regulatory compliance and client trust.

Education

Bachelors Degree and Professional Qualifications: Business, Commerce and Management Studies (Required)

Absa Bank Limited is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. In compliance with the Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998, preference will be given to suitable candidates from designated groups whose appointments will contribute towards achievement of equitable demographic representation of our workforce profile and add to the diversity of the Bank.

Absa Bank Limited reserves the right not to make an appointment to the post as advertised