Trade Finance & Exports Manager at Umba

To lead the growth of the trade finance and export business by driving client acquisition, structuring competitive export financing solutions, mobilizing deposits, and ensuring portfolio quality and regulatory compliance.
Responsibilities:
Client Acquisition & Export Growth

• Identify, source, onboard, and manage relationships with exporters across key sectors.
• Drive acquisition and activation of export/FX clients in line with business targets.
• Ensure optimal utilisation of approved trade limits.

Trade Finance Structuring & Revenue Generation

• Lead structuring and execution of trade finance solutions including invoice financing, guarantees, LPO financing, and FX solutions.
• Deliver trade finance income targets across performance bonds, bid bonds, advance/performance guarantees, and LPO financing.
• Drive FX transaction volumes and optimise yield per transaction.

Deposits Mobilisation & Transactional Banking

• Mobilise deposits from export clients to support liquidity and funding objectives.
• Grow low-cost deposits (CASA) within the trade portfolio.
• Optimise cost of funds on trade-related deposits.
• Increase fee income from transactional banking (FX, guarantees, trade flows).

Portfolio Quality & Risk Management

• Maintain portfolio quality within acceptable thresholds.
• Ensure early identification and resolution of arrears.
• Uphold high standards in credit structuring, monitoring, and reporting.
• Ensure full compliance with CBK regulations and internal credit policies.

Market Intelligence & Strategy

• Provide insights on exporter needs, industry trends, and competitor offerings.
• Identify opportunities to enhance product-market fit and competitiveness.

Team Leadership & Performance Management

• Lead and manage the trade finance/export team to achieve targets.
• Drive staff productivity (business per person).
• Conduct performance reviews, coaching, and capability development.
• Maintain acceptable attrition levels and build a strong succession pipeline.
• Ensure compliance with leave and HR policies.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Business, Economics, or a related field
• Master’s degree or professional certification (CPA, CFA, ACCA) is an added advantage
• Minimum 7–10 years’ experience in trade finance, corporate banking, or export finance
• Proven track record in structuring trade finance deals and managing client portfolios
• Strong understanding of FX markets, trade products, and regulatory requirements