Head of Business Unit: SME Lending

Purpose:

• The HBU will actively participate in defining strategic objectives of the business; business planning, financial planning and setting the direction of the business in line with the strategy required by the Organisation.
• Responsible to lead and build the team to its full potential.
• Managing and overseeing 3 large credit product portfolios.

Duties and Responsibilities (but not limited to):

• Strategic and analytical development of products per the market segment.
• Actively participate in driving and achieving sales of the credit products in each segment.
• Preparation of financial spreadsheets and models to support new and existing credit products.
• Drive the continual need for greater efficiency to ensure capacity to manage volume of workflow.
• Responsible for the data integrity of the division's information that is used to manage and monitor credit risk.
• Accountable for ensuring the right people, processes, policies, and systems are in place to achieve cost-effective and efficient management within the division that is aligned to the strategic objectives of the business operating model.
• Full Profit and Loss (P&L) responsibility of the Division.
• Manage risk and control effectively by applying applicable risk frameworks and embedding a positive risk culture.
• Responsible for delivering consistent and timely credit risk decisions.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement and driving necessary changes within the division.
• Lead and drive the performance of direct reports and create an environment where all individuals are developed to the best of their ability ensuring talent and under-performance is proactively managed.
• Drive communication and formal feedback process between the team and the business to build trust, partnership and appreciation of the credit function and product amongst stakeholders.
• Initiate and proactively embed agreed change initiatives in support of the strategic objectives, driving process and quality improvement, cost reduction, and development of the product.
• Deliver organisational costings within the agreed budgets and timeframes.
• Endeavouring to provide a world-class standard of quality of output.
• Develop and maintain a strong network of internal contacts at a senior level.
• Apply creative thinking to develop and market the products.
• Work closely with internal stakeholders such as Marketing, Sales, and Development teams to drive and coordinate product initiatives.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Matric essential.
• Bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, or other business-related fields.
• 4+ years of proven experience in a similar senior role.
• Industry experience is highly advantageous (banking / retail / merchant).
• Proven experience of managing a business and/or a division within an Organisation.
• System development experience is advantageous.
• Proven marketing, sales, and operational experience.

Skills and Competencies Required:

• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Financial Acumen.
• Entrepreneurial spirit/drive.
• Strong analytical skills.
• Embracing Change.
• Articulating Information.
• Ability to engage with senior stakeholders.
• Attention to detail especially when analysing data.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills.
• Evaluating Risk Management Effectiveness.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Ability to think strategically and make sound decisions.
• Proficiency with financial reports and statements.