Assistant Relationship Manager at Absa Bank Limited

Job Purpose

The primary objective is to support in the maximisation of sustainable Economic Profit derived from a portfolio of Corporate Customers on both individual and aggregate team basis via Customer Service, effective Business Development and Risk Management including controls and governance.

Key Accountabilities

Customer – 50%

• Develop and maintain own contacts with individuals within Customers’ organisation.
• Act as principal point of contact in the Relationship Managers’ absence.
• Co-ordinate introduction to and from other areas of the Absa Group where appropriate and monitor outcome.
• Assist in development of and revision of Customer Relationship Plans.
• Monitor Customer Relationship Plans with the Relationship Manager.
• Monitor level of Customer service and satisfaction based on Corporate Banking Service standards.
• Develop and maintain links with local business community and support Relationship Manager in same activity.
• Participate in business development presentations where appropriate.
• Conduct research to identify potential new customers and maintain a database.
• Arrange and undertake product presentations where appropriate.
• Develop and maintain contacts with specialists in other sectors and areas of the Bank and Group.
• Monitor leads and update lead tracking systems.
• Support set up of products from other areas of the Absa Group.
• Attend Corporate Banking team meetings and contribute fully including suggestions on ways to improve customer service.
• Update and maintain proper customer information for efficient customer service.
• Take up end to end relationship role for a few clients through an assigned portfolio that will be determined from time to time.

Controls & Governance – 45%

• Keep product knowledge up to date for products from other areas of the Absa Group.
• Conduct full customer due diligence on customers during on boarding and on a regular basis as per the requirements of the business and compliance teams.
• Act as a liaison for risk management information purposes with customers, accountants, solicitors and other relevant people.
• Collate customer produced financial information and co-ordinate input on the relevant credit systems by the corporate credit team.
• Use analysed financial and non-financial information to identify key issues prior to discussion with the Relationship Manager for new and existing business in conjunction with the corporate credit team.
• Assist with creation of Credit Applications.
• Support the review of facility letters and co-ordinate execution of documentation and drawdown of facilities.
• Provide technical input and undertake research for the Relationship Manager in connection with proposed security and liaise to arrange preparation and execution of security documentation.
• Review of refer list and other risk reports.
• Attend joint credit and relationship team meetings and contribute fully including suggestions on ways to improve governance and controls on the portfolio.
• Help to minimise Operational Risk in delivery of Corporate Banking Products and Services by adhering to the procedures and guidelines within Corporate Banking.
• Ensure that all activities and duties are carried out in full compliance with regulatory requirements, Enterprise-Wide Risk Management Framework and internal Absa Policies and Policy Standards. Understand and manage risks and risk events (incidents) relevant to the role

Self-Development and others – 5%

• Identify own strengths and weaknesses in skills and attributes, review self-development plans and ensure training and development are accommodated.
• Being receptive to feedback and constantly striving to develop new skills and knowledge.
• Work to enhance the capacity of the organization by getting the best out of people.

Required Performance Imperatives.                                                                                                                                                                    

• Striving to understand and meet internal and external customer needs.
• Being creative and flexible in overcoming Customers’ problems and complaints
• Owning problems and taking responsibility for solving them.
• Being proactive in selling the Bank’s products.
• Delivering against expectations and on time.
• Focusing on tasks that genuinely add value to the Bank and customers.
• Communicating opportunities to others for achieving result.
• Being efficient without reducing customer service or quality of delivery.
• Being aware of what the competitors are doing and bringing this knowledge back to the bank.
• Dealing with people in a positive and enthusiastic manner.
• Being energetic, resourceful, and flexible when dealing with others.
• always Acting professionally.
• Getting basic things right first time.
• Working with a strong sense of quality and efficiency.
• Following key processes that are necessary for maintaining standards and quality.
• Having an up-to-date knowledge of your job.
• Keeping abreast of new developments.
• Constantly pushing yourself to develop skills.
• Being receptive to feedback and coaching.
• Working outside your “box” and collaborating with others.
• Being an active and constructive member of teams.
• Helping others achieve their objectives.
• Showing pride in the brand and our products.
• Being open and honest.
• Communicating succinctly and directly.
• Having the confidence to voice opinions in front of others.
• Adopting a positive attitude to new ideas.
• Taking the initiative and making suggestions to improve performance.

Knowledge, Expertise & Experience

• Business Degree 
• Understanding of Banking Products
• Sales & Service Work Experience
• Multicultural experience