The world of commercial property finance demands a sharp eye for risk and a deep understanding of asset value. Within FNB Commercial Property Finance, a critical role has opened for a seasoned professional to lead the credit segment for income-producing real estate. This is an opportunity for a strong credit mind to not only assess but also shape the strategic direction of credit origination and management for a significant and complex portfolio.

About the Role

This position is central to managing the credit exposure associated with FNB's income-producing real estate (IPRE) portfolio. The successful incumbent will be responsible for the entire credit lifecycle, from developing the origination strategy to independently assessing, structuring, and recommending approvals for funding requests. Crucially, they will ensure all credit activities align strictly with the bank's defined credit risk appetite, internal policies, and prevailing regulatory mandates. This involves a continuous refinement of product policies, including the annual update of the IPRE credit policy and the overarching risk appetite framework, making this a strategic as well as operational role.

The core of this role involves the independent assessment and management of credit risk within the IPRE space. Key responsibilities include:

• **Credit Origination and Assessment:** Taking ownership of the credit origination strategy and independently evaluating IPRE credit applications. This encompasses new facilities, renewals of existing credit lines, and amendments to current agreements.
• **Financial and Property Analysis:** Performing in-depth financial analysis, scrutinising property cash flows, the financial health of borrowers, and the stability of tenant profiles. A critical aspect will be assessing the fundamental drivers of property value and risk, such as location, asset quality, tenant concentration risks, the stipulations of lease agreements, and potential vacancy rates.
• **Valuation Review:** Carefully reviewing professional valuation reports, stress-testing underlying assumptions, and evaluating loan-to-value (LTV) metrics to ensure they meet FNB’s risk thresholds.
• **Facility Structuring:** Designing and structuring credit facilities that incorporate appropriate covenants, competitive pricing, and robust security measures specifically tailored to mitigate identified credit risks.
• **Credit Submissions and Presentations:** Compiling clear, well-reasoned credit submissions for review. The role also requires presenting these recommendations effectively to Credit Committees, articulating the rationale and key risks.
• **Portfolio Monitoring:** Proactively monitoring the approved IPRE portfolio to ensure ongoing compliance with covenants, tracking revaluations, and identifying early warning indicators of potential distress.
• **Stakeholder Engagement:** Collaborating closely with deal teams, legal departments, valuation experts, and other risk functions to ensure seamless and efficient transaction execution.
• **Distressed Asset Management:** Providing support in managing distressed or watchlist accounts, contributing to the development and implementation of remediation strategies to mitigate losses.

What They're Looking For

To excel in this demanding role, candidates will need a robust foundation in credit risk management, particularly within the property sector. Essential requirements include:

• **Educational Background:** A relevant tertiary qualification in Finance, Accounting, Property Studies, or a closely related field. A Chartered Accountant (CA(SA)) qualification would be highly advantageous.
• **Experience:** A significant track record, typically spanning five to eight years or more, specifically in IPRE or commercial property credit risk. This experience should demonstrate a thorough understanding of the unique dynamics and risks inherent in this market.
• **Technical Skills:** A solid grasp of property valuation methodologies, sophisticated cash-flow modelling techniques, and effective credit structuring principles.
• **Judgement and Independence:** Proven ability to exercise sound credit judgement and operate with a high degree of independence and autonomy.
• **Communication:** Strong written and verbal communication skills are paramount, particularly for crafting persuasive credit papers and delivering confident presentations to committees.
• **Governance:** A good understanding of both regulatory requirements and internal credit governance standards applicable to banking institutions in South Africa.

For professionals in South Africa with this level of expertise in commercial property credit risk, roles often offer competitive remuneration packages, reflecting the specialised nature of the skillset. Employers typically include major banks like FNB, as well as other financial institutions, property funds, and investment firms. Career progression can lead to more senior strategic credit roles, portfolio management, or executive leadership within the property finance divisions.

Requirements:

• Relevant tertiary qualification in Finance, Accounting, Property Studies, or a related field. (CA/SA is ideal)

• Strong experience in IPRE or Commercial Property credit risk (typically 5–8+ years).

• Solid understanding of property valuations, cash-flow modelling, and credit structuring.

• Proven ability to exercise sound credit judgement and operate independently.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, particularly for credit papers and committee presentations.

• Good understanding of regulatory and internal credit governance standards.

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Important Closing Date Note

Take note that applications will not be accepted on the below date and onwards, kindly submit applications ahead of the closing date indicated below.