Regional Credit Manager: KZN Region at Absa Bank Limited

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Job Summary

To lead and manage a regional credit lending function, including overseeing the KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga regions, ensuring effective credit risk management, operational excellence, and portfolio quality. The role ensures that lending practices align with the bank’s risk appetite in supporting sustainable business growth.

Job Description

Key Responsibilities

Portfolio Oversight

• Manage and monitor the overall health and performance of regional credit portfolios
• Analyse portfolio trends, identify risk concentrations, and recommend corrective actions
• Ensure adherence to internal risk frameworks, policies, and regulatory requirements

Business Enablement

• Enable quality business growth without putting the bank under undue risk
• Evaluate, structure, and approve credit applications beyond regional sanctioner limits
• Review credit proposals for completeness, accuracy, and sound risk assessment
• Balance customer needs with the Bank’s risk appetite and policies

Risk Management

• Embed strong risk management practices and maintain a robust control environment
• Identify early warning signals of potential non-performing loans
• Implement proactive measures to mitigate credit risk and minimise bad debts
• Ensure sound judgement, prudent decision-making, and timely escalation of risks
• Collaborate with collections and recovery teams to manage distressed exposures

Policy Adherence and Governance

• Ensure all lending activities comply with approved credit policies and procedures
• Maintain strong governance and audit readiness across regional operations
• Provide input into policy enhancements based on emerging risks and trends

Stakeholder Engagement

• Build and maintain strong relationships with business units, regions, and Credit Risk team
• Provide expert credit guidance to support customer-focused decisions
• Provide guidance on credit risk matters to relationship managers and regional teams
• Engage with senior leadership on portfolio performance and risk issues

People Management & Leadership

• Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing team
• Oversee onboarding and training of new employees
• Drive a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous learning
• Mentor team members and share best practices across functions

Key Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or related field
• Professional certification (e.g., CA(SA), CFA, FRM) preferred
• Extensive experience in credit risk management, preferably in banking or financial services
• Strong knowledge of credit analysis, risk frameworks, and regulatory requirements
• Proven experience in approving high-value and complex credit facilities
• Excellent analytical, decision-making, and stakeholder management skills
• Requirement to travel to regions for stakeholder engagement.

Key Competencies

• Credit Risk Management
• Decision-Making & Judgement
• Portfolio Management
• Leadership & Team Development
• Attention to Detail
• Stakeholder Management
• Strategic Thinking
• Risk & Control Governance

Education

Bachelor Honours Degree: Business, Commerce and Management Studies (Required), Postgraduate Diploma: Accounting

Absa Bank Limited is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. In compliance with the Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998, preference will be given to suitable candidates from designated groups whose appointments will contribute towards achievement of equitable demographic representation of our workforce profile and add to the diversity of the Bank.

Absa Bank Limited reserves the right not to make an appointment to the post as advertised