Trade Finance Manager at Stratostaff

ROLE PURPOSE 

The Manager – Trade Finance will lead the growth and development of the Bank’s Trade Finance business, with responsibility for acquiring, nurturing and growing Enterprise and Business Banking relationships. The role will drive portfolio growth, revenue generation and transaction structuring while maintaining strong portfolio quality, risk management and regulatory compliance. The ideal candidate will bring strong Trade Finance expertise, commercial acumen, business development capability and the ability to work effectively across Business, Credit, Risk, Product and other key functions. 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES   

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and implement the Trade Finance strategy in line with the Bank’s annual and three-year business plans.
• Provide strategic advice to management on Trade Finance opportunities, market developments and business performance.
• Develop and champion the Trade Finance sales strategy to drive portfolio growth, revenue and market penetration.
• Identify new business opportunities, product gaps and emerging customer needs to inform product development and service improvements.
• Provide market, client and competitor intelligence to support business and product strategy.
• Build and maintain strategic relationships with customers, financial institutions and other industry stakeholders to facilitate business opportunities and the Bank’s participation in relevant transactions.

Business Development & Portfolio Management

• Drive acquisition, retention and growth of Trade Finance clients across the Enterprise and Business Banking segments.
• Proactively manage the Trade Finance portfolio through targeted acquisition and relationship development strategies.
• Work closely with Business Development teams to identify customer needs and structure appropriate Trade Finance solutions.
• Support credit applications by providing Trade Finance input and working closely with Credit, Risk, Product and Sales Support teams.
• Participate in client visits and provide technical expertise in structuring Trade Finance transactions that optimize fees, commissions and overall client value.
• Monitor approved credit line utilization and support the active management of the Trade Finance portfolio.
• Act as the key technical point of contact for Trade Finance transactions, providing timely guidance to internal teams and customers.
• Respond to client requests within agreed timelines and provide appropriate holding communication where further input is required.

Risk & Compliance

• Maintain the quality of the Trade Finance portfolio within the Bank’s approved risk appetite and profitability requirements.
• Ensure Trade Finance activities comply with applicable regulatory requirements, internal policies and control standards.
• Maintain an appropriate understanding of Trade-Based Money Laundering (TBML) risks and related due diligence requirements.
• Work closely with Risk, Credit and relevant control functions to identify, manage and mitigate Trade Finance risks.
• Monitor portfolio performance and take appropriate action where emerging risks or performance concerns are identified.

Performance & Reporting

• Monitor Trade Finance business performance against agreed volume, revenue and profitability targets.
• Analyze business and portfolio data to identify trends, opportunities, risks and areas requiring intervention.
• Prepare and provide Trade Finance performance reports to management as required.
• Track portfolio utilization, revenue, fees and commissions and provide insights to support decision making.
• Support delivery of the Bank’s Trade Finance budget and agreed business growth targets.

Capability & Team Management

• Lead, motivate and develop the Trade Finance team to deliver agreed business and client objectives.
• Provide coaching and technical guidance to team members to strengthen Trade Finance capability.
• Conduct Trade Finance training for Bank staff and support knowledge sharing across relevant business teams.
• Ensure completion of mandatory, product and technical training requirements.
• Support succession planning and development of internal Trade Finance talent.
• Liaise with the Group Trade Finance team and remain up to date with relevant industry developments, publications, client events and market initiatives.

MEASURABLE OUTCOME

• Portfolio Growth: Achieve agreed annual growth in Trade Finance portfolio volumes and business across target segments.
• Revenue: Deliver agreed Trade Finance budget targets for fees, commissions and other income.
• Portfolio Quality: Maintain the Trade Finance portfolio within approved risk appetite, credit quality and regulatory parameters.
• Business Acquisition: Deliver agreed targets for new Trade Finance clients, transactions and wallet share.
• Client Service: Maintain timely turnaround and effective resolution of Trade Finance client and business requests.
• Team Capability: Achieve at least 90% attainment in Trade Finance learning and assessment requirements across the team.
• Compliance: Maintain full adherence to applicable Trade Finance policies, regulatory requirements and control standards.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE & ATTRIBUTES

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Economics, Banking or a related field.
• MBA or relevant postgraduate qualification is an added advantage.
• Minimum 8 years’ experience in banking, with at least 5 years’ experience in Trade Sales, Trade Finance or Product Management.
• Demonstrated experience in Trade Finance business development, sales and portfolio management.
• Strong knowledge of Trade Finance products, their risk profiles and regulatory requirements.
• Experience in credit structuring, portfolio management and working with Credit, Risk and Business Development teams.
• Good understanding of Trade-Based Money Laundering risks and related due diligence requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to grow Trade Finance business while maintaining portfolio quality and profitability.