Commercial Asset Finance Manager

As a leading African financial institution with a rich heritage spanning over a century, Absa is on an exciting trajectory of growth and transformation. This commitment extends to fostering a dynamic environment where individuals can contribute to shaping the future of finance across the continent. In Johannesburg, an opportunity has arisen for a skilled professional to take the helm as Commercial Asset Finance Manager, a role critical to driving business objectives within a key customer segment.

About the Role

The Commercial Asset Finance Manager will assume full accountability for the performance and growth of the Commercial Asset Finance (CAF) product within a designated customer segment. This position requires a proactive and collaborative approach, working closely with customer segmentation teams to ensure the successful achievement of CAF business goals. The ultimate aim is to expand market share and enhance the Absa brand's presence within the segment while consistently delivering an exceptional customer experience.

This role is pivotal in understanding and catering to the capital expenditure (capex) requirements of clients. It involves leading a team of CAF specialists who will provide expert advice and tailored solutions to customers. A strong understanding of the regulatory and compliance landscapes, both for Absa and its clients, is essential, as the manager will be the primary point of contact for managing and resolving all governance and risk-related issues impacting the team and the portfolio.

The responsibilities of the Commercial Asset Finance Manager are multifaceted, encompassing strategic planning, client engagement, risk management, and team leadership. Key duties include:

• **Relationship Management:** Cultivating and maintaining robust relationships with customer segments and third-party stakeholders to foster business development and sales commercialisation.
• **Client Solutioning:** Overseeing service delivery by establishing clear engagement protocols and guiding a team of CAF specialists to offer superior advice on client capex needs.
• **Risk Management:** Taking ownership of the portfolio's risk profile, understanding both internal and external regulatory environments, and acting as the key contact for risk resolution. Ensuring strict adherence to the Enterprise Wide Risk Management Framework and internal policies is paramount.
• **Sales Strategy and Execution:** Developing and optimising sales strategies aligned with business objectives to meet and exceed forecasted targets. This includes briefing operational management teams on new campaigns and addressing any concerns.
• **Performance Reporting:** Supporting the CAF Product Head with accurate and insightful reporting on team achievements, production volumes, and profit margins. Managing the budget process for the portfolio and investigating any financial discrepancies is also crucial.
• **Team Development:** Mentoring and coaching the CAF team to achieve business objectives, ensuring they possess a strong understanding of all applicable governance in the asset finance domain.
• **Customer and Supplier Engagement:** Building strategic relationships with key clients who frequently require financing solutions, managing their applications, and contributing to a culture of service excellence.
• **Process Improvement:** Providing expert advice on defining standard operating procedures (SOPs) and identifying opportunities for value-added process improvements to meet operational objectives.
• **Contract and Service Level Management:** Negotiating and managing Service Level Agreements (SLAs) with internal departments and external stakeholders, ensuring compliance and taking action on non-compliance. Overseeing the implementation of Business Processing Centre (BPC) requirements and ensuring timely generation of contracts and securities.

What They're Looking For

To excel in this role, Absa seeks a candidate with a strong foundation in finance, an understanding of commercial asset finance, and proven leadership capabilities. Educational requirements include an Honours degree in Commerce, Finance, Marketing, or Business. An MBA, CA, or CIMA qualification would be advantageous.

The ideal candidate will possess:

• **Experience:** 3-5 years in a similar role, with 1-2 years at a junior specialist level within Commercial Asset Finance. Experience in Credit Risk Assessment and people management is also preferred.
• **Technical Competencies:** Knowledge of compliance regulations within the financial and insurance services sector, along with strong reporting and interpretation skills.
• **Behavioural Competencies:** Demonstrated analytical thinking, a drive for change and improvement, a commitment to customer excellence, strong ethics, persuasive influencing skills, and a focus on people development.
• **Customer Focus:** An extensive understanding of best practices for cultivating a customer-centric culture and managing customer experiences.
• **Collaboration and Influence:** The ability to build extensive collaborative networks internally and externally, even at senior levels, to support business goals.
• **Business Acumen:** A solid grasp of financial and economic drivers, with the capacity to identify and capitalise on opportunities.
• **Problem-Solving Leadership:** The skill to rapidly analyse situations, integrate information from various sources, critically evaluate findings, and diagnose problems effectively.

This role offers a significant opportunity for a seasoned professional to impact Absa's commercial asset finance strategy within a dynamic South African market. The compensation and benefits would be competitive, reflecting the seniority and critical nature of the position. Typical remuneration for such management roles in South Africa's banking sector can vary widely based on experience and specific responsibilities, but often includes performance-based bonuses. Growth paths could lead to broader leadership roles within the bank's commercial or corporate banking divisions.

Education and Experience Required

• Honours degree (Commerce, Finance, Marketing, Business).
• MBA/CA/CIMA advantageous
• 3-5 years in similar role of which 1-2 years at a junior specialist level
• Commercial Asset Finance experience
• Preferred: Credit Risk Assessment experience
• Experienced manager of people

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