Signature Relationship Manager

Liberty, a prominent financial services provider in South Africa, is seeking a seasoned professional to join their team as a Signature Relationship Manager in Paarl, Western Cape. This role is designed for an individual with a strong commercial acumen and a proven ability to cultivate and maintain robust relationships with high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth clients within Liberty's Private Banking segment.

About the Role

The Signature Relationship Manager will serve as the primary point of contact for a select portfolio of high-value clients. The core objective is to grow, retain, and deepen these client relationships by offering a personalised and high-touch banking experience. This involves understanding the complex financial needs of these clients and providing bespoke solutions across a spectrum of financial services, including lending, investments, advisory, and broader financial planning. The role is critical in driving sustainable portfolio growth, not only by nurturing existing client ties but also by actively identifying and pursuing new business and sales opportunities. A key aspect of the position is ensuring that all client interactions and portfolio management activities align with Liberty's Signature Banking value proposition, the organisation's risk appetite, and all relevant regulatory frameworks.

This is a client-centric role with a significant responsibility for portfolio management and business development. Key duties include:

• **Client Relationship Management:** Proactively build, manage, and retain trusted relationships with high-value and ultra-high-net-worth clients through regular, value-adding engagement. This involves diligent portfolio management to ensure client satisfaction and loyalty.
• **Needs Identification and Solution Provision:** Analyse clients' financial information, understand their overarching objectives, and identify specific needs and potential sales opportunities. Subsequently, recommend and deliver appropriate banking, lending, investment, insurance, and advisory solutions tailored to each client's unique circumstances.
• **Portfolio Growth and Business Development:** Drive the expansion of the client portfolio by actively acquiring new Signature clients and deepening existing relationships. This requires effective collaboration with internal specialists across various business areas to offer comprehensive financial solutions.
• **Credit and Risk Management:** Structure and motivate credit applications, including those with complex lending requirements. This necessitates conducting thorough due diligence, managing credit risk effectively, and ensuring the long-term bankability of proposed solutions.
• **Client Retention and Value Deepening:** Maintain and enhance client balances and wallet share by offering competitive pricing, taking ownership of client relationships, developing tailored propositions, and engaging proactively with all relevant stakeholders.
• **Compliance and Regulatory Adherence:** Ensure that all client interactions, advice provided, instructions processed, documentation managed, and portfolio activities are conducted in strict accordance with Financial Advisory and Intermediary Services (FAIS) Act requirements, broader compliance mandates, and all applicable regulatory guidelines.

What They're Looking For

Liberty is seeking a professional with a substantial background in banking and client relationship management. The ideal candidate will possess:

• A Bachelor’s Degree or Advanced Diploma (FAIS Aligned NQF7 or Higher) in Business Commerce, Finance, Banking, or Economics.
• Proven compliance with FAIS Fit and Proper requirements.
• A minimum of 5 to 7 years of experience in relationship banking, private banking, affluent banking, or a similar client portfolio management environment.
• Demonstrated experience in managing relationships with high-value or ultra-high-net-worth clients.
• A strong track record of successfully building long-term client relationships, identifying sales prospects, and delivering client-centric financial solutions.
• Proven experience in growing and retaining client portfolios, consistently meeting revenue targets, and deepening client value across banking, lending, investment, and advisory services.
• A solid understanding of credit structuring principles, client financial analysis, risk management practices, compliance regulations, and effective stakeholder collaboration.

In South Africa, roles such as Signature Relationship Manager typically command competitive remuneration packages, often including a base salary, performance-based bonuses, and other financial benefits, reflecting the seniority and client-facing nature of the position. Employers often include major banking groups, wealth management firms, and specialist private banking divisions. Career progression can lead to senior management roles within private banking, head of client coverage, or specialised wealth advisory positions.

• Bachelor’s Degree or Advanced Diploma (FAIS Aligned NQF7 or Higher) in Business Commerce, Finance, Banking or Economics.
• Must meet FAIS Fit and Proper requirements.

Experience Required:

• 5 to 7 years’ experience in relationship banking, private banking, affluent banking or a similar client portfolio environment.
• Proven experience managing high-value or ultra-high-net-worth client relationships.
• Strong track record in building long-term client relationships, identifying sales opportunities and delivering client-led financial solutions.
• Experience in growing and retaining client portfolios, managing revenue targets and deepening client value across banking, lending, investment and advisory solutions.
• Strong understanding of credit structuring, client financial analysis, risk management, compliance and stakeholder collaboration.

Behavioural Competencies:

• Articulating Information and Convincing People
• Interacting with People and Understanding People
• Seizing Opportunities and Pursuing Goals
• Developing Strategies and Providing Insights
• Interpreting Data and Making Decisions
• Developing Expertise and Producing Output

Technical Competencies:

• Banking Process & Procedures
• Commercial Acumen
• Customer Understanding ( Consumer Banking)
• Financial Acumen
• Product Knowledge (Consumer Banking)
• Risk Identification
• Risk Reporting