Regional Relationship Manager - SME at Equity Bank Kenya

Job Purpose:

The role holder will lead the business banking segment and drive development initiatives aligned with the region's overarching strategy. They will be accountable for achieving strategic business development targets and cultivating strong relationships with key stakeholders to support the Bank's long-term goals. As a proactive member of the Bank’s leadership team, they will contribute to the formulation of strategic plans—spanning long, medium, and short-term objectives—aimed at advancing both the Bank’s and departmental success. They will effectively communicate and align the Bank’s business strategy across all stakeholders, ensuring staff remain motivated and focused on achieving business development objectives.

Key Responsibilities

Business Development:

• Develop and implement annual and quarterly financial plans and budgets for the region. 
• Manage borrowing and non-borrowing customers in the region to boost customer loyalty, reduce risk of loss, and drive business growth.
• Regularly assess and adjust strategic initiatives within the region/segments to ensure effective outcomes.
• Lead and direct efforts within the segments to grow the business and achieve set targets in optimal proportions.
• Cultivate and strengthen relationships with both existing and potential customers, identifying and sharing market opportunities and insights to guide business and product development.
• Lead and conduct regular business visits to bank clients, prospects, and branch/affiliates to foster relationships and drive growth.
• Maintain a sustainable, profitable, and high-quality balance sheet by managing key financial metrics.
• Enforce cost optimization strategies to maximize resource efficiency and minimize expenses.
• Continuously evaluate and enhance customer value propositions for different customer segments.

Market & Customer Service:

• Collaborate with regional business stakeholders to develop and implement sales initiatives.
• Continuously gather and analyze market intelligence to identify new markets, customer trends, regional government directives, and policy changes.
• Represent and promote the Bank as its brand ambassador in all interactions.
• Contribute to the development and execution of strategies that strengthen and position the Equity brand within target markets.
• Coordinate and lead business banking marketing initiatives to drive awareness and engagement.
• Initiate, build, and sustain strategic business partnerships to support long-term growth.
• Position Equity Bank Kenya as the preferred banking choice in the market.
• Ensure strict adherence to the Bank’s customer service standards and policies.
• Drive market share growth in alignment with strategic goals, ensuring profitability, ethical practices, and sustainability.

Audit Risk & Compliance:

• Ensure the loan book quality across various segments within the region meets established standards.
• Actively participate in the Regional Credit Committee in accordance with policy guidelines.
• Enforce adherence to policies and procedures set by regulatory authorities, Equity Bank, and other stakeholders.
• Develop and implement effective Business Continuity Plans for each segment.
• Drive improvements in audit and risk ratings for the region, ensuring they remain within set thresholds based on key performance indicators.
• Communicate and clearly articulate the Bank’s risk and control environment to unit staff, ensuring a strong understanding and adherence.

People Management:

• Leverage existing competencies and create new ones to secure a competitive advantage.
• Ensure the recruitment and retention of skilled human resources to deliver exceptional service, achieve targets, and optimize business efficiency.
• Manage succession planning at the segment level, ensuring competent successors are in place for key positions to ensure business continuity and effective cost management.
• Mentor and coach staff to build their capacity and enhance performance in their assigned roles.
• Provide career guidance, offer learning opportunities, and assign tasks that support engagement and career development.
• Foster a positive work environment by maintaining high morale and keeping staff motivated across the region.
• Set clear performance expectations and conduct timely performance evaluations to maintain high performance standards.
• Conduct weekly performance review meetings with Business Banking officers in the region to monitor progress and address concerns.
• Drive regional staff growth and development by identifying talent and aligning them with appropriate opportunities.
• Identify staffing gaps and advise the Regional RM Business on the optimal deployment of staff across branches.
• Ensure compliance with HR policies in the management of employees.

Performance & Reporting:

• Optimize the Bank’s Management Information System to effectively manage staff performance.
• Ensure the proper segmentation of the Bank’s client database and implement targeted marketing strategies across various business segments.
• Submit relevant and timely reports to key stakeholders to support informed decision-making.
• Perform any additional duties as assigned by the line manager.

Qualifications

Qualifications and Experiences

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, finance, or a related field. 
• At least eight (8) years of experience in commercial credit, financial analysis, or banking, four (4) years of which must be as a Business Client Advisor or similar role.

Key Competencies & Skills

• Strong understanding of organizational effectiveness and operations management.
• Proven experience in budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning.
• Exceptional leadership and management abilities.
• Skilled in developing, implementing, and reviewing policies and procedures.
• Expertise in overseeing budgeting, reporting, planning, and auditing processes.
• In-depth knowledge of relevant legal and regulatory requirements.
• Proficient in identifying and addressing challenges and opportunities for the company.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Outstanding organizational and time-management abilities.