Head SME Banking at National Bank of Kenya

Job Ref no. HR/029/2017

Division:  Retail Banking Division

Reporting to:  Director Retail Banking

Position scope: The successful candidate will be responsible for setting the strategic agenda for SME Banking Department through balance sheet growth, Customer Acquisition, Customer retention, profit & loss targets in order to support achievement of overall business strategy; in a cost effective and high return manner.

The job holder will be involved in product development oversight aimed at sustaining the Bank’s competitive position within SME and Micro Baking Segments.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and lead the implementation of the SME Segment strategy in line with the overall Retail Banking Strategy; to ensure achievement of profitability targets through revenue maximization and prudent cost management.
• Drive sustainable growth and acquisition of new customers for the SME & Micro Banking through the creation, development and maintenance of high quality advisory relationships.
• To build and maintain productive and strategic relations with customers / suppliers / line manager / stakeholders to drive the development and delivery of business solutions and revenue growth for the SME Segment.
• To drive customer-led propositions for the SME & Micro Banking Segment by developing a pipeline of value adding customer solutions to include customer experience, products, and service offers.
• Manage an effective SME customer’s loyalty program for networking and deepening of National Bank SME market penetration through the Mobile lending strategy.
• Ensure strong cross- selling of existing and new products to existing and new clients; and in this process, maintain effective liaison with all relevant business units in the Bank.
• Champion the delivery of consistent, seamless and trusted customer service to ensure customer retention and loyalty.
• Facilitate training programs to enhance product knowledge to the Retail Banking teams, branch staff and sales teams on SME and Micro Banking Products.
• Maintains a detailed and current understanding of the industry; (at SME & Micro Banking, current market structures; regulatory requirements and issues) to ensure that that opportunities are realized and the risks mitigated.
• Ensure timely submission of quality credit proposals in conformity with the Credit Policy guidelines and requirements whilst maintaining the quality of the SME portfolio within the stipulated Non-Performing Loans (NPL) and Portfolio at Risk (PAR) parameters.
• Ensure compliance to the Bank’s policies, procedures and regulatory requirements.
• Lead, motivate, and continuously develop a credible high performing SME team.

Skills & Experience

• University Degree in a business related field. An advanced degree will be an added advantage.
• Professional Product Development or Project Management Qualification.
• Minimum 8 years general banking experience with at least 5 years’ experience in SME Sector 3 years of which must have been in a leadership position.
• Must have hands on experience in Credit Analysis & Administration, Sales, Relationship Management, Customer Service, commercial and product development functions of a commercial bank at managerial level.
• Demonstrated consistent high performance in role(s) held in the last three years.
• A thorough knowledge of Small Medium Enterprise (SME) Products, Retail Banking products and services, and extensive Banking Industry knowledge.
• Excellent interpersonal, and negotiation skills with the ability to network, generate new business and develop strong business relations.
• Strong leadership skills with demonstrated competences in championing high performance management.
• Membership of a Marketing professional body will be desirable.
• A good understanding of risk, credit policies and procedures.
• Excellent planning, Organization, problem solving and analytical skills.