Regional Relationship Manager - SME Supreme Region at Equity Bank Kenya

Job Purpose:

The role holder will lead the business banking segment and drive development in alignment with the Bank's overarching strategy. They will be responsible for achieving key business development targets, while fostering and maintaining critical relationships with stakeholders to support the Bank's strategic goals. As an integral member of the Bank's leadership team, they will contribute to the formulation of long, medium, and short-term strategic plans that advance both the Bank’s and departmental objectives. Additionally, they will ensure clear communication of the Bank's business strategy to all stakeholders, while keeping the team aligned and focused on achieving business development goals.

Key Responsibilities:

Business Development:

• Develop annual and quarterly financial plans and budgets for the Supreme business.
• Manage both borrowing and non-borrowing customers to enhance loyalty, minimize risk of loss, and drive business growth.
• Regularly assess strategic initiatives within Supreme branches/segments, taking appropriate actions when needed.
• Lead efforts across segments to grow the business in optimal proportions and achieve set targets. 
• Build and strengthen relationships with existing and potential customers. Identify and share market opportunities and insights to guide business development and product innovation.
• Conduct regular business visits to bank clients, prospects, and branch affiliates.
• Maintain a sustainable, profitable, and high-quality balance sheet.
• Drive cost management by enforcing resource optimization and cost-efficiency initiatives.
• Continuously assess and refine customer value propositions for various market segments.

Market & Customer Service:

• Collaborate with key business stakeholders to develop and implement sales initiatives effectively.
• Provide ongoing market intelligence to identify new market opportunities, customer trends, regional government directives, and policy changes.
• Represent and promote the Bank as its brand ambassador.
• Contribute to the development and execution of strategies that strengthen the Equity brand and enhance its presence in target markets.
• Coordinate and drive business banking marketing initiatives.
• Identify, cultivate, and maintain strategic business partnerships.
• Position Equity Bank Kenya as the preferred banking choice.
• Ensure full compliance with the Bank’s customer service standards.
• Drive market share growth in alignment with strategic objectives, ensuring profitability, ethics, and sustainability.

Audit Risk & Compliance:

• Ensure the loan book quality across various segments within the region meets established standards.
• Monitor and enforce compliance with policies and procedures from regulatory authorities, Equity Bank, and other stakeholders.
• Implement effective Business Continuity Plans for different segments.
• Ensure continuous improvement in audit and risk ratings, maintaining alignment with set thresholds and key performance indicators.
• Communicate the Bank’s risk and control environment to unit staff, fostering a clear understanding and appreciation of these principles.

People Management:

• Leverage existing competencies and develop new ones to achieve a competitive advantage.
• Ensure the recruitment and retention of a skilled workforce to deliver exceptional service, meet targets, and optimize business efficiency and effectiveness.
• Manage succession planning at the segment level, ensuring competent successors are in place for key positions to support business continuity and cost management. · Mentor and coach staff to enhance their capabilities in performing assigned roles.
• Offer career guidance and provide learning opportunities and assignments to foster engagement and career advancement.
• Foster a positive work environment, maintaining high morale and motivating staff.
• Set clear performance expectations and conduct timely performance evaluations to ensure consistent high performance.
• Hold weekly performance review meetings with Business Banking Relationship Managers in Supreme Business branches.
• Drive staff growth and development, identifying talent and recommending alignments to available opportunities.
• Identify staffing gaps and advise the Regional RM Business on optimal staff deployment across branches.
• Adhere to HR policies in managing employees and ensuring compliance

Performance & Reporting:

• Maximize the use of the Bank’s Management Information System for effective staff performance management.
• Ensure optimal segmentation of the Bank’s client database, enabling targeted marketing across various business segments.
• Submit accurate and timely reports to key stakeholders to support informed decision-making.
• Perform any other duties as assigned by the line manage

Qualifications

Qualifications and Experience:

• 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 Relationship Manager – SME or similar role.

Key Competencies and Skills

• Strong understanding of organizational effectiveness and operations management.
• Proven experience in budgeting and forecasting.
• Exceptional leadership and management abilities.
• Expertise in developing, implementing, and reviewing policies and procedures.
• Proficient in overseeing budgeting, reporting, planning, and auditing processes.
• In-depth knowledge of relevant legal and regulatory requirements.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to identify and capitalize on opportunities for the company.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Exceptional organizational and time-management abilities.