Vice President and Head of Program Lending - Business Banking Group

RAKBANK; Dubai; On-site; AED 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent financial institution in Dubai is seeking a Head of Program Lending to lead the design and execution of credit programs tailored for SME customers. The role involves collaborating across teams to build compliant and digitally enabled lending solutions while driving profitability and financial inclusion. Candidates should have deep expertise in SME lending, strong leadership skills, and a strategic mindset. This position offers competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits.

Benefits

Competitive compensation

Medical coverage

Comprehensive life insurance

Career advancement opportunities

Qualifications

• Deep expertise in SME lending and program-based finance.
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams and deliver product roadmaps.
• Strong commercial acumen with a proven track record in profitability.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and execution of scalable credit programs for SMEs.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to build underwriting and eligibility models.
• Monitor KPIs including approval rates and delinquency ratios.

Skills

SME banking knowledge

Credit dynamics expertise

Lending product familiarity

Digital ecosystems knowledge

Credit program structuring

Influencing skills

Resilience

Commitment to improvement

Job description

About the Role:

As Head of Program Lending within the Business Banking Group, you’ll lead the design, development, and execution of scalable, risk-aligned credit programs tailored for SME customers. This role is pivotal in driving financial inclusion, enabling credit growth, and expanding RAKBANK’s reach across diverse SME segments. You’ll work cross-functionally to build lending solutions that are commercially viable, digitally enabled, and compliant with regulatory standards, and report directly to the Head of Business Banking Products.

What You’ll Be Doing:

• Define and execute the program lending strategy aligned with business growth and risk appetite.
• Identify SME segments and design sector-specific credit programs (e.g., supplier finance, microfinance).
• Build partnerships with anchor corporates, fintechs, and government agencies.
• Collaborate with Credit, Risk, Data, and Tech teams to build underwriting and eligibility models.
• Digitize end-to-end lending journeys from onboarding to servicing.
• Integrate lending solutions into digital platforms and servicing channels.
• Own lending targets, portfolio quality, and risk-adjusted returns.
• Monitor KPIs including approval rates, disbursement speed, delinquency, and recovery ratios.
• Optimize program mix across risk segments to balance growth and profitability.
• Design frictionless, customer-friendly credit journeys.
• Embed flexible repayment features and lifecycle lending options.
• Collaborate with CX and distribution teams to enhance onboarding and servicing.
• Lead a multidisciplinary team of program managers and analysts.
• Champion cross-functional collaboration and agile execution.
• Ensure compliance with internal and regulatory frameworks (CBUAE, AML/CFT).

What We’re Looking For:

• A strategic thinker with deep expertise in SME lending and program-based finance.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and deliver complex product roadmaps.
• Strong commercial acumen with a track record of driving profitability and innovation.
• Experience navigating regulatory frameworks and risk governance structures.
• A collaborative leader who thrives in matrixed environments and agile squads.

Skills:

• Deep knowledge of SME banking, credit dynamics, and alternative underwriting models.
• Expertise in lending products: term loans, working capital, invoice financing, government-backed schemes.
• Familiarity with digital ecosystems and integration of lending into broader platforms.
• Skilled in credit program structuring, risk-return optimization, and data-driven decisioning.Visionary leadership with strong execution capabilities.
• Influencing skills across senior stakeholders and external partners.
• Resilience, adaptability, and a growth mindset.
• Commitment to continuous improvement, innovation, and team development.

What You’ll Gain:

• Competitive compensation and performance-based incentives
• Medical coverage for you and your family
• Comprehensive life insurance
• Exposure to high-impact strategic projects
• Supportive and inclusive workplace culture
• Opportunities for career advancement and professional development