Executive Manager : Credit Risk (Lending / Credit Granting)

Fempower Executive Search is proud to partner with a prominent Development Finance Institution (DFI) in sourcing a visionary Executive Manager: Credit Risk to lead credit strategy and governance across a national lending portfolio.

This is a confidential, high-impact leadership opportunity with a state-owned financial institution dedicated to driving inclusive economic development in key sectors such as agriculture and infrastructure.

The Role

Reporting at the executive level, this position will lead a critical portfolio focused on building robust credit risk frameworks aligned to the institution's lending mandate. The role requires strategic foresight, hands-on lending experience, and the leadership capacity to guide senior risk professionals.

Minimum Academic Requirements

1. Honours degree in Agricultural Economics, Finance, Commerce, Credit Risk, or Accounting (Master's preferred)

Key Requirements

1. Direct credit granting experience within the agricultural value chain at senior management level
2. Must have held an individual lending mandate outside of committee structures
3. Executive-level experience in managing credit risk functions, frameworks, policies, and governance
4. Proven ability to lead senior managers and cross-functional professionals
5. Minimum 10 years' experience in:
1. Credit Risk within Corporate / Commercial Banking
2. Agricultural Lending and Credit
3. Banking or Financial Services
4. Developing risk-related tools, models, policies, and systems
6. 4+ years at Executive Management level
7. 5+ years in Development Finance or Agri-Finance preferred

Key Competencies

1. Strategic credit leadership and governance in a legislated environment (FICA, NCA, Companies Act)
2. Track record in implementing credit risk mitigants
3. Experience with complex lending structures beyond traditional credit scoring
4. Ability to drive innovation and transformation in front-end risk processes

Ideal Candidate Sources

Commercial Banks, reputable DFIs, and professionals with Agri-credit experience.

Why Apply?

Be part of a national institution at a critical inflection point—one that seeks courageous, forward-thinking leaders to build sustainable risk foundations and enable transformative funding.

Desired Skills:

1. Credit Management
2. Credit Risk
3. Lending
4. Structured Finance

About The Employer:

Banking