SME Operations Specialist

Astra Tech; Dubai; On-site; AED 180,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

Astra Tech is seeking an SME Lending Operations Specialist to manage end-to-end SME lending operations in a dynamic fintech environment in the UAE. You will handle onboarding, disbursements, repayments and ongoing servicing with a focus on accuracy and regulatory compliance.

You will work closely with Finance, Risk, Compliance and Tech to optimize processes, leverage automation, and ensure timely reporting and risk mitigation in a fast-paced setting.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of relevant experience in SME lending operations or loan servicing.
• Strong knowledge of SME lending products and associated financial processes.
• Experience with loan management systems and regulatory compliance in UAE/GCC.

Responsibilities

• Manage end-to-end SME lending operations including onboarding, disbursements, repayments and servicing.
• Coordinate loan onboarding: documentation, verification, account setup, compliance checks.
• Oversee disbursements ensuring accuracy and timely execution per TATs.
• Manage repayment schedules, allocations, early settlements and servicing through LMS.
• Perform reconciliations and collaborate with Finance for accurate records and reporting.
• Monitor repayment performance and coordinate with Credit Risk/Collections for issue resolution.
• Maintain lending records and operational reports for visibility into performance.
• Identify opportunities to streamline workflows using AI and automation.
• Collaborate with Product/Tech on LMS enhancements and UAT for new features.
• Ensure compliance with CBUAE, AML/CFT, policies and audit standards.

Skills

SME lending operations

Credit operations

LMS experience

Regulatory compliance UAE

AML/CFT awareness

Data analysis

Excel

Stakeholder management

Automation/digital tools

Tools

LMS

Job description

Role Summary

We are looking for an SME Lending Operations Specialist to join our growing lending business at Botim. The role will be responsible for managing end-to-end SME lending operations, covering customer onboarding, loan disbursements, repayment management, reconciliation and ongoing loan servicing.

Role Summary

We are looking for an SME Lending Operations Specialist to join our growing lending business at Botim. The role will be responsible for managing end-to-end SME lending operations, covering customer onboarding, loan disbursements, repayment management, reconciliation and ongoing loan servicing.

The successful candidate will bring strong knowledge of SME lending products, hands‑on experience with loan management systems and a sound understanding of lending operational processes and regulatory requirements within the UAE or wider GCC region.

As part of our growing fintech ecosystem, we are looking for a digitally savvy professional who can leverage technology, AI and automation to enhance operational efficiency, streamline processes and support the scalability of our lending business.

Responsibilities

• Manage end-to-end SME lending operations, covering customer onboarding, loan disbursements, repayment scheduling, loan servicing and closure.
• Coordinate loan onboarding activities, including documentation, verification, account setup and operational checks, ensuring compliance with internal policies and regulatory requirements.
• Oversee loan disbursement processes, ensuring accurate and timely execution in accordance with established turnaround times (TATs).
• Manage loan repayment schedules, payment allocations, early settlements, loan adjustments and ongoing servicing activities through loan management systems (LMS).
• Perform loan‑related reconciliations, investigate discrepancies and collaborate with Finance to ensure accurate transaction records, ledger entries and reporting.
• Monitor loan repayment performance, overdue accounts and relevant portfolio indicators, coordinating with Credit Risk and Collections teams to support timely resolution of issues.
• Maintain accurate lending records and operational reports, providing management with visibility into disbursements, repayments, outstanding balances and operational performance.
• Identify opportunities to streamline lending workflows, reduce manual intervention and improve operational accuracy through digital tools, AI and automation.
• Collaborate with Product and Technology teams on loan management system enhancements, process improvements, user acceptance testing (UAT) and the implementation of new lending functionalities.
• Ensure lending operations comply with applicable CBUAE regulations, AML/CFT requirements, internal policies and audit standards.
• Work closely with Credit Risk, Finance, Compliance, Collections and other internal stakeholders to ensure efficient operational execution and continuous process improvement.

Requirements

• 3–5 years of relevant experience in SME lending operations, credit operations or loan servicing within a bank, fintech or financial services organisation, preferably operating in the UAE or wider GCC region.
• Strong hands‑on experience managing SME lending operations across both onboarding and post‑onboarding activities.
• Sound understanding of SME lending products, including working capital financing, term loans, revolving credit facilities and related business lending solutions.
• Practical experience working with loan management systems (LMS) and a strong understanding of loan disbursements, repayment scheduling, servicing, settlements and reconciliation processes.
• Good understanding of loan accounting, ledger reconciliation, credit monitoring and operational reporting.
• Familiarity with UAE lending regulations, AML/CFT guidelines and relevant compliance and audit requirements.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with excellent attention to detail and the ability to identify and resolve operational discrepancies.
• Digitally savvy, with the ability to leverage AI, automation tools and emerging technologies to improve operational workflows, reporting and efficiency.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and experience working with lending data, operational reports and financial reconciliations.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across multiple business functions.
• Ability to operate effectively in a fast‑paced, technology‑driven fintech environment.