Senior Relationship Manager Francophone Africa

Antal International Network; United Kingdom; On-site; Confidential; Full time

Job summary

A prominent financial institution is seeking a Senior Relationship Manager for Francophone Africa to expand its Trade, Lending, and Correspondent Banking business. This role requires deepening client relationships, managing account plans, and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. The ideal candidate will have a strong banking background, superior communication skills, and the ability to engage with senior executives. A minimum of 3 years' experience in a related field and a Bachelor's degree in Finance are required. Competitive salary and benefits are offered.

Benefits

Competitive Salary

Other Benefits

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in relationship management or business development within Corporate Banking.
• Experience managing cross-border relationships and account opening processes.
• Strong knowledge of the banking industry across Ghana and the wider sub-region.

Responsibilities

• Develop and grow the Bank’s Trade, Lending, and Correspondent Banking business in Francophone Africa.
• Retain and grow offshore banking relationships with corporates and government agencies.
• Act as the liaison between regional customers and the Bank’s delivery units.

Skills

Strong marketing skills

Interpersonal skills

Business development skills

Negotiation skills

Problem-solving skills

Teamwork skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Finance or a related discipline

Master’s degree

Tools

Microsoft Office applications

Job description

Senior Relationship Manager – Francophone Africa

Job Title: Senior Relationship Manager – Francophone Africa

Location: Francophone Africa

Salary: Competitive Salary + Other Benefits

Role Overview

The Senior Relationship Manager – Francophone Africa will be responsible for developing and growing the Bank’s Trade, Lending and Correspondent Banking business across the Francophone Africa region. The role is primarily relationship-driven, focused on deepening existing client relationships, originating new business, expanding market share, and providing market intelligence to the Accra and London offices.

The role holder is expected to have a sound understanding of the Bank’s credit policy, AML/KYC requirements, product suite, tariffs and delivery channels.

Key Responsibilities

Relationship Management & Business Development

• Serve as the face and ambassador of the Bank in the Francophone Africa marketplace.
• Retain and grow offshore banking relationships with corporates, financial institutions, parastatals and government agencies.
• Convert prospects into active relationships and develop account plans for priority clients.
• Identify and originate short- to medium-term structured transactions, including opportunities for participation.
• Promote the Bank’s brand and product offerings within the region and across relevant trade bodies and professional networks.
• Develop an annual business plan for the coverage area, including strategy and financial projections.
• Provide periodic reviews of performance against plan, explain variances and implement corrective measures.
• Provide regular country risk reports covering economic, political, regulatory and market developments, including exit/remain recommendations.
• Identify potential locations for a Representative Office in the region.

Client Coverage & Account Management

• Develop and execute multi-level calling plans for assigned relationships.
• Prepare and maintain detailed account plans for top clients, covering assets, liabilities, transaction services and delivery channels.
• File call reports and aide-mémoire capturing key discussions, opportunities and service issues, and follow up on agreed action points.
• Review MIS from London-based operating units to assess wallet share and relationship performance.

Operations, Delivery & Internal Liaison

• Act as the liaison between regional customers and the Bank’s delivery units (Trade Finance, Treasury, Global Funds Transfers and Retail Services).
• Encourage adoption of the Bank’s online banking channels, including demonstrations, onboarding and usage monitoring.
• Attend weekly conference calls with London and Accra teams and provide updates on pipeline activity and new transactions.

Risk, Compliance & Governance

• Conduct annual due diligence and KYC reviews for all corporate and FI customers.
• Maintain full compliance with the Bank’s credit policy, AML/KYC framework and regulatory requirements.

Partnerships & Structured Transactions

• Perform any other duties as assigned by the Head, Client Coverage Africa.
• Meet or exceed agreed financial targets.

Person Specification

Skills & Capabilities

• Strong marketing, interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to network and engage senior executives across institutions.
• Strong business development and strategic planning skills.
• Solid negotiation, credit and risk analysis capability.
• Strong problem-solving skills and customer orientation.
• Good understanding of Trade Finance, Treasury and cross-functional banking products.
• Appreciation of market dynamics, geopolitical trends and macro-economic factors.
• Strong teamwork skills and ability to operate in a culturally diverse environment.

Knowledge

• Strong knowledge of the banking industry across Ghana and the wider sub-region.
• Sound understanding of credit policy, operating systems and product offerings.
• Good knowledge of KYC and AML policies.

Experience

• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in relationship management or business development within Corporate Banking, Public Sector or Financial Institutions.
• Experience managing cross-border relationships and account opening processes.
• Experience in lending and deal structuring.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance or a related discipline from a recognised university.
• A Master’s degree is an added advantage.

IT Skills

• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications.