Trade Finance & Exports Manager at Umba

Job Summary:

• 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

Skills & Competencies

• Strong deal structuring and analytical capability
• In-depth knowledge of trade finance products and export ecosystems
• Business development and relationship management skills
• Risk assessment and portfolio management capability
• Strong understanding of regulatory and compliance requirements
• Strategic thinking and execution ability
• Leadership and team management skills
• High level of commercial acumen and results orientation