Senior Manager: Credit (Wholesale)

Absa Bank is seeking a seasoned Senior Manager for its Wholesale Credit division, based in Johannesburg. This pivotal role involves ensuring the responsible management and sanctioning of credit for Wholesale Finance (Floorplan) clients, upholding Absa's stringent credit policies and procedures while fostering strong relationships across the credit value chain. The successful candidate will play a crucial part in supporting business growth by offering astute credit solutions tailored to client needs, all within a regulated framework.

About the Role

This position is central to maintaining the health of Absa's wholesale credit portfolio. The Senior Manager will be responsible for conducting comprehensive credit assessments, making informed decisions within their delegated mandate, and actively managing a portfolio of Wholesale Finance clients. A key aspect of the role is to ensure an efficient and effective credit approval and management process, minimising risk and optimising outcomes for both the bank and its clients.

The responsibilities within this role are multifaceted, encompassing a broad spectrum of credit management functions:

• **Credit Sanctioning:**
• Execute high-quality credit sanctioning in line with Operational Level Agreements (OLAs), with a keen awareness of risks, a solutions-oriented approach, and strict adherence to compliance requirements.
• Support business growth by assessing, structuring, and proposing credit solutions that align with client needs, ensuring all proposals meet Absa's credit policies, terms, and conditions.
• Conduct thorough initial credit due diligence for new opportunities and prepare detailed recommendations for the Credit Committee.
• Evaluate the financial health and operational stability of prospective and existing clients by analysing financial statements, cash flow projections, and other relevant documentation.
• Validate assumptions, assess borrower viability and repayment capacity, and identify potential risks and mitigating factors.
• Perform robust financial and non-financial analysis to support facility reviews or new funding proposals.
• Utilise historical client data to forecast potential growth and sustainability, and conduct sensitivity/scenario analyses to gauge the impact of economic or market changes.
• Structure lending solutions that address identified client threats and remain within established credit limits and the bank's risk appetite.
• Compile comprehensive proposals for Credit Committee approval, detailing client background, needs, research findings, and recommended solutions.

• **Portfolio and Risk Management:**
• Proactively manage the assigned credit portfolio to achieve agreed Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
• Accurately report on high-risk accounts in a timely manner.
• Develop and implement credit solutions for delinquent accounts, facilitating rehabilitation where possible, and initiating transfers to specialised recovery teams when necessary.

• **Stakeholder Management:**
• Cultivate and maintain effective working relationships with all relevant stakeholders.
• Serve as a role model for client engagement, demonstrating added value in every interaction.
• Employ strong communication skills to influence stakeholders and contribute to a collaborative environment.
• Mentor and upskill front-line colleagues, sharing expertise and best practices.

• **Risk, Control, and Governance:**
• Uphold the highest standards of control and risk management practices, fostering a positive risk and control culture.
• Ensure full compliance with all relevant policies, procedures, and legislation.
• Identify, assess, and report on risks arising from significant events, investigations, or audits.
• Exercise sound judgment and manage all applicable risks prudently, with appropriate escalations.

• **Data and Systems Management:**
• Generate relevant management information and manage exposures by maintaining accurate data in the bank's credit systems, including Default Grades (DGs), Loss Given Defaults (LGDs), limits, and review dates, to drive RWA efficiencies.

What They're Looking For

To excel in this Senior Manager role, candidates will need a strong academic foundation coupled with extensive practical experience in the financial sector.

• A BCom degree in Accounting or Finance is essential. A postgraduate qualification in these fields, or in Financial Services, would be considered advantageous.
• A minimum of 5 to 10 years of experience within a financial institution is required.
• Candidates must possess at least 5 years of credit sanctioning experience under a personal mandate.
• Prior experience in Wholesale Finance (specifically Floorplan) and commercial credit sanctioning with a mandate would be highly beneficial.
• A deep understanding of credit and risk assessment tools, risk measurement, and rating methodologies, including their assumptions and limitations, is crucial.
• Demonstrated resilience and the ability to perform effectively under pressure in a competitive environment to meet deadlines are essential attributes.
• The capacity to provide ad hoc training and coaching to junior or new staff members through relevant materials and presentations is expected.
• A solid grasp of financial markets, general business acumen, and familiarity with legal agreements and transaction documentation are important.
• The ability to partner effectively with business stakeholders to ensure credit processes, policies, and infrastructure are optimally enabled.

This role offers an opportunity to contribute significantly to Absa's mission of empowering Africa's future, within a dynamic and challenging financial landscape. In South Africa, senior credit management roles often command competitive remuneration packages, reflecting the specialised skills and responsibilities involved. The banking sector is a major employer of such professionals, with significant opportunities for career progression into broader risk management, executive leadership, or specialised credit advisory functions.

Requirements

• BCom (Accounting, Finance) - postgraduate qualification would be advantageous
• 5 to 10 years’ experience in a financial institution.
• 5 years or more credit sanctioning under a personal mandate
• Experience in Wholesale Finance(Floorplan) and commercial credit sanctioning with a mandate would be advantageous.

Education

Postgraduate Degrees and Professional Qualifications: Accounting (Required), Postgraduate Degrees and Professional Qualifications: Financial Services

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