Vacancies at Absa Bank Limited

Job Summary

Manage China Desk under Business Banking

• To manage and sustain a portfolio of Commercial customers, building long term relationships founded on efficient and reliable support for their business. This is achieved particularly through quick risk decisions and managing consistency and quality of operational service.
• The primary objective is to maximize risk-adjusted portfolio contribution.
• The jobholder will be responsible for business development both with new customers and with existing customers where they are expected to increase “wallet share”.
• Executing sales growth tactics and targets in collaboration with the key business partners (Transactional Banking, Global Markets, Asset Based Finance, Commercial Property Finance, Ecosystem, Bancassurance, Agribusiness, and any other product / solution functions).

Job Description

Key Accountabilities

Sales and Service: 75%

• Achievement of the portfolio’s annual financial targets:
• Balance Sheet Growth,
• Revenue and Profitability,
• Growth in share of market, and
• Portfolio At Risk kept within set limits to minimize potential NPL.
• Driving customer satisfaction (NPS score), developing and growing relationships with existing and potential customers, identifying opportunities for business development and guiding product development.
• Maintain Customer Account Plans for all customers in the portfolio such that contact with customers is prioritized.
• Conduct Annual and, if appropriate, Interim Reviews of Borrowing customers facilities.
• Where applicable, conduct Annual and/or Interim Reviews of Non-borrowing customers.
• Determine the key messages, e.g., agreed service standards, negotiated pricing, relationship team contact points, and new product changes, deciding upon the most appropriate communication method.
• Deal with and find solutions to customer complaints.
• Determine the products that are most effective in meeting customers' needs and be able to sell these at short notice both reactively and proactively.
• Research, create, and follow up a target list for potential new business.

Business Management – 70%

• Research, create, and follow up on a target list for potential new business.
• Identify priority customers using the relationship Customer Account Planning templates to assess their present and potential contributions.
• Gather all the required information that is needed to prepare and assess credit applications. The role holder will be expected to input certain key information such as judgmental information. (They will work with Assistant Relationship Manager, Business Development Manager for relevant product, and the Corporate Credit Manager resources to construct credit applications).
• Adherence to approved policies and procedures and providing feedback on the same so as to keep them competitive;
• Audit issues closed with Nil repeat findings, and
• 100% SLA Adherence to agreed turnaround times.
• Control and quality of the portfolio, using available triggers and adherence to Risk management guidelines and policies.

Staff Management – 5%

• Day-to-day coaching and development of the portfolio Assistant Relationship Managers (ARM’s).
• Performance tracking and periodic reviews of the supporting ARM.
• Making the bank a great place to work (360o feedback).

Preferred Qualifications.

• A relevant business-related degree from a recognized university.
• Additional professional / advanced qualifications are an added advantage.

Preferred Experience

• At least 5 years in relationship management in Business / Corporate Banking.
• At least 3 years in managing Chinese clients/ China Desk

Knowledge and Skills

• A detailed knowledge of the Commercial and Corporate set of products as well as a broad understanding of the products available in Absa.
• For Complex products, will have a detailed knowledge of the requirements of the more sophisticated customers.
• Introduce the product and coordinate the introduction of the relevant Group product specialist.
• A broad understanding of policies and strategies within the country as they relate to the demands of the customer base.
• A detailed understanding of Country and Group guidelines and policies relating to Credit Risk and related management.

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Job Summary

To lead the Family-Owned Businesses sector within the Bank by developing and executing a segment strategy that delivers tailored financial solutions, drives portfolio growth, and strengthens client relationships. The role ensures the bank becomes the preferred partner for family-owned enterprises by addressing their unique business and legacy needs.

Key Focus Areas

As the Sector Lead for Family-Owned Businesses, you will be at the forefront of shaping how Absa partners with one of the most influential and dynamic segments in the African economy. You will lead the design and execution of a compelling value proposition that speaks to both the commercial and generational aspirations of family-run enterprises. Your role will be to unlock growth opportunities, deepen relationships, and position Absa as the bank of choice for legacy-driven businesses. You will champion innovation, digital transformation, and tailored advisory to meet the evolving needs of this segment. With a strong focus on governance, succession, and sustainable financing, you will help clients future-proof their businesses. You will lead a high-performing team, fostering collaboration across the bank to deliver seamless, high-impact solutions. Your strategic insights will shape product development, risk management, and client engagement models. You will be a trusted advisor to business owners, helping them navigate complexity with confidence. This is a role for a visionary leader who thrives on building ecosystems, driving performance, and delivering purpose-led growth. Join us in redefining business banking for Africa’s family-owned enterprises.

Job Description

Key Accountabilities / Deliverables / Outcomes

Business Development, Segment Strategy & Growth – 30%

• Responsible for driving sustainable financial growth by forging strong relationships with clients, identifying new business opportunities with clients across the various sectors withing business Banking
• Develop and execute a market-leading strategy for the Family-Owned Businesses segment aligned to Business Banking goals.
• Identify and size market opportunities, define growth levers, and lead go-to-market initiatives.
• Collaborate with product, marketing, and analytics teams to shape segment-specific offerings.

Client Relationship Management – 25%

• Build and manage strategic relationships with high-value family-owned business clients.
• Deliver bespoke financial and advisory solutions that address both business and generational needs.
• Act as a senior relationship sponsor for key clients, ensuring exceptional service and retention.

Portfolio & Risk Management – 15%

• Monitor and manage the credit quality of the segment’s portfolio, ensuring NPLs remain within acceptable thresholds.
• Lead proactive portfolio reviews and early warning interventions.
• Partner with Credit and Risk teams to ensure sound deal structuring and risk-adjusted returns.

Team Leadership & Collaboration – 10%

• Lead, coach, and develop a team of Relationship Managers and Sector Analysts to deliver on segment objectives.
• Foster cross-functional collaboration with product, credit, operations, and digital teams.
• Drive a high-performance culture with clear KPIs and accountability.

Performance Monitoring & Reporting

• Track and report on segment KPIs including financial performance, client satisfaction, and retention.
• Use data and insights to refine strategy and drive continuous improvement.
• Present regular updates to senior leadership on progress and opportunities

Digital Adoption & Innovation – 5%

• Champion the adoption of digital tools and platforms to enhance client experience and operational efficiency.
• Identify and implement digital solutions tailored to the needs of family-owned businesses.
• Collaborate with Digital and Technology teams to pilot and scale innovations.

Risk, Governance & Compliance – 5%

• Ensure full compliance with regulatory, operational, and internal governance standards.
• Embed a strong risk culture within the team, with clear ownership of compliance responsibilities.
• Lead periodic audits, reviews, and training to uphold the highest standards.

Role/Person Specification

Qualification

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Economics, or related field. MBA or relevant postgraduate qualification preferred.

Experience

• 8–10+ years in business/commercial/corporate banking with experience in relationship management, credit risk, and segment strategy. Experience working with family-owned or SME clients is highly desirable.

Knowledge and Skills

• Credit risk management and deal structuring
• Business development and portfolio growth
• Understanding of family business governance and succession planning
• Strategic thinking and client value proposition development
• Strong interpersonal and stakeholder management skills