Manager Trade Credit

Old Mutual is seeking a seasoned professional to take on the role of Manager: Trade Credit in Johannesburg. This position is central to the organisation’s commitment to driving economic growth across the continent by managing the underwriting, profitability, and strategic direction of the trade credit portfolio. As an integral part of the business, the successful candidate will play a pivotal role in balancing risk management with the aggressive pursuit of new business opportunities in a competitive financial landscape.

About the role

This role requires a blend of high-level analytical skill, deep underwriting expertise, and the ability to influence market strategy. You will collaborate closely with the Business Development Office to refine pricing models, evaluate complex risks, and ensure that the portfolio aligns with broader organisational goals. The position goes beyond traditional underwriting; it involves active market monitoring, identifying competitor trends, and adjusting mandates to keep the business agile and profitable.

As a leader within the division, you will be expected to champion a culture of high performance and continuous improvement. You will act as a subject matter expert, sharing knowledge across the team and ensuring that operational workflows remain efficient even during periods of high volume. Whether it is through direct client engagement, broker relationship management, or internal process refinement, you are responsible for maintaining a service-oriented environment that adheres to strict governance and statutory standards.

Your daily responsibilities will revolve around the technical assessment of risk, team leadership, and tactical execution of business plans. Key focus areas include:

• **Risk and Portfolio Management:** Evaluating and pricing new business, conducting in-depth analysis of portfolio performance, and developing action plans to rectify underperforming segments.
• **Strategic Growth:** Identifying organic growth opportunities within existing client bases and researching market factors to capture new business.
• **Operational Excellence:** Streamlining workflows and systems to ensure service level agreements are consistently met while maintaining quality underwriting standards.
• **Stakeholder Engagement:** Visiting clients and brokers alongside the sales team to foster relationships and resolve escalated service requests.
• **Leadership and Governance:** Mentoring team members, identifying training needs, and ensuring all actions comply with corporate governance policies and legislative mandates.
• **Financial Oversight:** Managing budgets, maintaining cost-effectiveness, and reporting on financial trends to ensure the portfolio achieves its profitability targets.

What they're looking for

Old Mutual requires a candidate who demonstrates both technical depth in trade credit and strong people-leadership capabilities. The ideal applicant will possess:

• **Education:** A Bachelor’s degree or equivalent NQF Level 7 qualification in general insurance is required, with preference given to those holding or pursuing an NQF Level 9 Master’s degree.
• **Experience:** Between 5 and 8 years of dedicated experience in trade credit underwriting, supplemented by 2 to 3 years in a leadership role managing specialist underwriters. Additionally, 3 to 5 years of exposure to trade finance is essential.
• **Skills:** A robust command of numerical analysis, financial acumen, legal practices, and change management. You must be comfortable presenting complex solutions and navigating ambiguous business environments.
• **Competencies:** You should be a "servant leader" who excels at building effective teams, instilling trust, and balancing the needs of various stakeholders.

For professionals in the South African financial services sector, a role of this nature represents a senior-level appointment within one of the country's largest financial institutions. Managers in trade credit at this level of seniority typically command competitive remuneration packages that include performance-linked incentives, commensurate with the level of risk and strategic responsibility involved. This position offers a clear career trajectory into higher-level executive functions within the insurance or risk management sectors, making it an ideal step for those looking to influence the African credit landscape from a stable, established corporate platform.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree and/or equivalent NQF Level 7 qualification in general insurance.
• 5 – 8 years’ experience in Trade credit underwriting.
• 2 – 3 years’ experience leading a team of specialist underwriters.
• 3-5 years’ experience in Trade Finance

 

 

 

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Skills

Accounting, Budget Management, Change Management, Data Compilation, Executing Plans, Financial Acumen, Legal Practices, Management Reporting, Numerical Aptitude, Policies & Procedures, Presenting Solutions, Professional Presentation, Risk Management, Servant Leadership, Underwriting Management

Competencies

Balances Stakeholders

Builds Effective Teams

Business Insight

Communicates Effectively

Ensures Accountability

Financial Acumen

Instills Trust

Manages Ambiguity

Education

NQF Level 9 – Masters

Closing Date

26 October 2026 , 23:59

The appointment will be made from the designated group in line with the Employment Equity Plan of Old Mutual South Africa and the specific business unit in question.

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