Director, Loan Portfolio Management

First Abu Dhabi Bank; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

First Abu Dhabi Bank is seeking a Director for Loan Portfolio Management in Abu Dhabi. The role encompasses end-to-end management of a loan portfolio, requiring strong analytical skills, stakeholder management, and extensive experience in credit risk and portfolio optimisation. Candidates should possess significant experience in managing loan portfolios, including waivers and amendments, and a proven track record in decision-making and execution. The position demands a bachelor's degree in Finance or Business, with an MBA or CFA being advantageous. Knowledge of UAE and international markets is essential.

Qualifications

• 12+ years' relevant experience in the banking sector.
• Strong understanding of loan structures and credit risk.
• Excellent analytical skills and ability to present to stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Manage a defined loan portfolio with a focus on optimisation.
• Lead waiver and amendment processes.
• Ensure effective monitoring of the loan book.

Skills

Loan portfolio management

Credit risk management

Analytical skills

Stakeholder management

Problem credit management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Business, or related discipline

MBA and/or professional qualification (e.g., CFA)

Job description

Job Purpose

The Director, Loan Portfolio Management is responsible for the end-to-end management of a loan portfolio, combining active portfolio optimisation with full ownership of ongoing loan portfolio management activities across the existing book. The role is hands‑on and execution-focused, with accountability for improving risk‑adjusted returns, optimising balance sheet usage, and ensuring robust monitoring, control and performance of the loan portfolio across the full loan life cycle.

Key Accountabilities

Portfolio Ownership and Optimisation

• Personally manage a defined loan portfolio, maintaining name‑level understanding of material exposures, returns, concentrations and risk profile.
• Execute portfolio actions including reductions, exits, restructurings, amendments and secondary loan transactions.
• Identify and manage deteriorating or low‑return exposures, taking timely and decisive mitigating action.
• Evaluate the ongoing performance of existing loans and ensure alignment with portfolio and balance sheet objectives.
• Monitor industry and sector developments and communicate implications for portfolio exposures.

Loan Portfolio Management – Existing Book

• Lead and coordinate waiver and amendment processes in conjunction with Coverage, Credit, Legal and Agents/clients as applicable.
• Attend client meetings / calls / site visits as appropriate.
• Oversee covenant monitoring, including covenant tracking and timely escalation of issues.
• Act as a lead contributor from Loan Portfolio Management in Annual Reviews and Annual Credit Reviews, including preparation, analysis and challenge.
• Ensure effective ongoing monitoring of the loan book, including early warning indicators, watchlists and risk grading.
• Be responsible for the timely and accurate preparation of portfolio and credit reports for senior management and governance forums.

Balance Sheet, Risk, Credit and Stakeholder Management

• Provide clear, decision‑ready recommendations to support balance sheet approvals, renewals and annual reviews.
• Manage concentrated exposures, anticipate and mitigate credit deterioration, and maximise risk‑adjusted returns within economic and regulatory constraints.
• Challenge origination and coverage where proposed transactions are misaligned with portfolio objectives, capital discipline or risk appetite.
• Monitor deal / loan portfolio returns and flag low returning transactions / groups / sectors.
• Establish and maintain strong working relationships with key internal stakeholders, including Coverage, Origination, Credit Risk, CAD, Loan Agency, Legal and Compliance.
• Support the Head of Loan Portfolio Management on portfolio‑wide initiatives, KPI delivery, budgeting, reporting and business planning.

Portfolio Transformation, Systems & Strategic Initiatives

• Actively contribute to the transformation of the Loan Portfolio Management function, including enhancement of portfolio processes, analytics, systems and controls.
• Generate practical ideas and proposals to improve portfolio oversight, risk management, reporting and decision‑making, drawing on hands‑on portfolio experience.
• Support the design, testing and implementation of enhancements to the LPM system and related tools, ensuring solutions are fit‑for‑purpose and embedded in day‑to‑day portfolio management.
• Participate in project workstreams, initiatives and change programmes sponsored by the Head of Loan Portfolio Management and senior management.
• Act as a key delivery partner, helping translate strategic objectives into executable changes across the portfolio management framework.
• Act as a role model for best‑in‑class Loan Portfolio Management practices, helping uplift capability, discipline and execution standards across the wider LPM team.
• Support the development of the broader team through knowledge sharing, coaching and leadership by example, ensuring consistent application of portfolio management frameworks and risk discipline.
• Act as a change agent, helping embed new processes, tools and ways of working into day‑to‑day portfolio management activities across the team.

Role Scope

The Director owns a defined loan portfolio and is accountable for both portfolio optimisation and the ongoing management of the existing loan book. The role requires independent judgment, hands‑on execution, and escalation of complex or sensitive matters where appropriate.

Qualifications & Experience

• Significant experience in loan portfolio management, credit risk or active asset management within wholesale banking or private credit.
• Demonstrated experience managing existing loan portfolios, including waivers, amendments, covenants, annual reviews and credit monitoring.
• Proven track record of executing portfolio actions and managing deteriorating or problem credits.
• Strong understanding of loan structures, credit risk, capital usage and portfolio trade‑offs.
• Sound understanding of corporate financials, legal concepts and loan mechanics, with first‑hand experience of documenting loan transactions.
• Excellent analytical skills with the ability to present clear, well‑reasoned recommendations to senior stakeholders.
• Ability to work under pressure, manage competing priorities and deliver high‑quality output to tight deadlines.
• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Business or a related discipline; MBA and/or professional qualification (e.g. CFA) advantageous.
• 12+ years’ relevant experience in the banking sector, including at least 5 years in corporate loan markets with portfolio management responsibilities.
• Fluent in English with strong written and verbal communication skills; Arabic language skills advantageous.
• Strong awareness of UAE, regional and international markets.
• P&L responsibility.