Head: Commercial Asset Finance

Absa is inviting applications for a senior executive position within their Business Banking division. This is a critical leadership role for an individual prepared to shape the future of their Commercial Asset Finance portfolio. Operating out of the bank’s Sandton hub, this position carries full accountability for the end-to-end performance, strategic direction, and growth of a vital lending product line.

About the role

This position is designed for a seasoned financial leader who understands the mechanics of secured lending and the nuances of the South African business landscape. You will not only manage a portfolio; you will define how Absa supports local enterprises in acquiring the essential equipment and assets they require to expand their operations.

The role requires a delicate balance between commercial ambition and prudent risk management. You will be expected to drive sustainable, risk-adjusted growth while ensuring the product suite remains competitive and relevant. By collaborating across various internal functions, including Credit, Risk, and Finance, you will ensure that the business unit delivers on its profitability targets while adhering to the bank’s broader strategic objectives.

What you’ll do

Your primary mandate is to translate high-level business goals into actionable commercial plans. This involves steering the lifecycle of asset finance products, from initial development through to distribution. Your day-to-day responsibilities will include:

• **Strategic Oversight:** Managing the overall P&L for the Commercial Asset Finance portfolio, with a focus on revenue, pricing, and capital efficiency.
• **Product Innovation:** Leveraging customer insights and market analytics to refine existing offerings and pioneer new, digital-first financing propositions.
• **Stakeholder Engagement:** Developing strong relationships with a vast ecosystem, including equipment manufacturers, suppliers, dealers, and internal Business Banking distribution teams.
• **Operational Excellence:** Overseeing the infrastructure that supports the business, including the data, processes, and technology used for credit origination and portfolio management.
• **Leadership:** Building and mentoring a high-performing team. You will be responsible for fostering a culture of disciplined execution, innovation, and inclusivity, while ensuring a robust talent pipeline for the future.

What they’re looking for

Absa is seeking a candidate with a strong academic foundation and a proven track record in financial services. Applicants must hold an NQF Level 8 qualification in a relevant discipline, such as Finance, Economics, or Commerce.

Beyond formal education, the bank is looking for:

• Substantial experience in senior leadership within commercial banking, specifically focusing on asset finance, vehicle finance, or equipment lending.
• Demonstrated expertise in managing significant commercial portfolios and product P&Ls.
• A deep understanding of the entire credit lifecycle, including deal structuring, pricing, and risk management.
• Proven ability to lead large, specialist teams and navigate complex stakeholder environments.

Possessing a postgraduate qualification or specific industry knowledge—particularly in sectors like agriculture, transport, logistics, or manufacturing—will be considered a distinct advantage.

Practical context for applicants

This role represents a pinnacle position within the South African banking sector. Roles at the "Head of" or executive level within major retail and commercial banks in Sandton typically command highly competitive executive packages, often structured with significant short-term and long-term incentives.

For professionals in commercial lending, this career path often leads toward broader divisional management or C-suite executive roles within the broader financial services ecosystem. As Absa places a high emphasis on their Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) framework, candidates from designated groups underrepresented in the senior banking sector are strongly encouraged to apply. The fast-paced environment at an institution like Absa ensures that this role offers significant visibility and the chance to influence the economic trajectory of businesses across the country.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent NQF Level 8 qualification in Commerce, Finance, Business, Economics or a related discipline.
• Significant senior leadership experience in Commercial Asset Finance, Vehicle and Asset Finance, equipment finance, lending products or a closely related commercial banking environment.
• Demonstrated accountability for a material commercial portfolio, product P&L or business unit.
• Strong knowledge of commercial lending, asset-finance origination, pricing, credit, deal structuring and portfolio management.
• Proven experience in commercial strategy, product leadership, business growth and executive stakeholder management.
• Demonstrated experience leading senior and specialist teams.

Advantageous

• Postgraduate qualification in business, finance, strategy or leadership.
• Experience within asset-intensive sectors such as agriculture, transport and logistics, manufacturing, commercial vehicles, equipment or yellow goods.
• Established relationships across customer, dealer, supplier, manufacturer or original equipment manufacturer ecosystems.
• Experience leading product, digital or operating-model transformation.

Education