Head of Wholesale Credit

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Job Summary

To develop tactical strategy and delivery plans, formulate associated practice/s and to ensure operational implementation and adoption i.t.o. credit risk management methodology, practice, governance and delivery objectives.

Job Description

Accountability:  Team Leadership 30%

• Foster a high-performing and motivated team culture, maintaining strong internal relationships to support the achievement of business objectives.
• Contribute to driving business performance by delivering insightful and effective performance management information.
• Oversee high-volume credit risk workflows, ensuring delivery meets world-class standards of timeliness, quality and cost-efficiency.
• Manage key performance indicators within budget, in collaboration with relevant stakeholders.
• Identify and support the training and development needs of the team, contributing to the design and implementation of effective learning solutions.
• Demonstrate leadership by embodying Absa’s values and promoting shared goals and objectives across the team.
• Ensure robust performance management and succession planning to build a resilient and future-ready team.

Accountability:  Credit Risk Management split 30%

• Ensure   the   highest    standards   of   credit    quality    through  the   sanctioning, sampling  and  application  of  best  practice  to credit  proposals  across  wholesale portfolio and    maintenance   of    these   standards   throughout   the Corporate  and  Credit Teams.
• Ensure effective implementation and continuous delivery of credit policies and processes, while actively contributing to the development and enhancement of business and credit policy frameworks.
• Exercise personal judgement and discretion in the evaluation and approval/decline of credit proposals. Responsible for delivering consistent and timely credit risk decisions.
• Responsibility for personal & team adherence to governance , compliance and lending portfolio controls. Ensuring conformance to policy and procedures including proactive management of agreed responsibilities.
• Ensuring delivery of a world class post sanction operation and monitoring control, maximizing systems capability to resource for maximum cost efficiency and effectiveness
• Ensure robust and appropriate control over portfolio information and that reports are produced, reviewed (challenged) by all key stakeholders in the country as well as at Centre team
• Proactively manage and maintain interactive effective working relationships with internal stakeholders (including managers, peers, subordinates, and cross-functional teams), external clients, regulators, government bodies, vendors, and industry associations to support business objectives and ensure alignment across all interactions.

Accountability:  Business Partnership 20%

• Collaborates closely with the Country Commercial Director to deliver a credit service that adds strategic value and supports sustainable business growth.
• Leads structured communication and feedback mechanisms between the Credit function and Business teams to foster trust, strengthen collaboration, and enhance the visibility and appreciation of the credit function.

Accountability:  Business and Team Management 10%

• Establish and maintain a robust network of internal stakeholders and external professionals, including panel experts, to enhance team visibility and maximize strategic value.
• Drive business performance by setting clear targets, fostering accountability, and delivering insightful performance management information.
• Provide coaching and support to team members, promoting technical development and actively sharing knowledge, best practices, and innovative solutions across teams.
• Proactively embrace and implement agreed change initiatives, particularly those aimed at improving processes and enhancing quality.

Accountability:  Risk and Control 10%

• Ensure all activities are conducted in strict adherence to regulatory requirements, the Enterprise-Wide Risk Management Framework, and internal Absa policies and standards.
• Identify, assess, and manage risks and incidents relevant to the role, maintaining a strong control environment.

Education

Bachelor`s Degrees and Advanced Diplomas: Business, Commerce and Management Studies (Required)