Head of Portfolio Banking

Absa Group; United States; Remote; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading financial institution seeks a Head of Portfolio Banking responsible for managing client portfolios and developing strategies for growth. The role involves oversight of performance monitoring, risk management, and team leadership, aiming to enhance customer experience and achieve financial objectives. Candidates should possess significant banking experience and a solid educational background in Commerce or Business.

Qualifications

• NQF Level 6: B Degree.
• 8-10 Years’ experience in Banking/ Business.
• 5 Years’ experience managing a small business unit.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage the bank’s portfolio of clients.
• Develop strategies to grow the portfolio and manage risks.
• Lead Change Management Initiatives across the portfolio.

Skills

English

Relationship Building/ Sales

Leadership

Financial Management and Planning

Negotiation Skills

People Management

Education

Degree in Commerce, Banking or Business Administration

MBA or equivalent

Job description

Empowering Africa’s tomorrow, together…one story at a time.

With over 100 years of rich history and strongly positioned as a local bank with regional and international expertise, a career with our family offers the opportunity to be part of this exciting growth journey, to reset our future and shape our destiny as a proudly African group.

My Career Development Portal: Wherever you are in your career, we are here for you. Design your future. Discover leading-edge guidance, tools and support to unlock your potential. You are Absa.You are possibility.

Job Summary

The Head of Portfolio Banking is responsible for overseeing and managing the bank’s portfolio of clients, primarily in the Portfolio, Prestige and SME segments. This includes developing and executing strategies to grow the portfolio, optimize risk-adjusted returns, enhance client relationships and ensure compliance with regulatory, internal and group policies. The role focuses on deepening market share, maintain asset quality, and driving cross-selling of banking products and services.

Key responsibilities include portfolio performance monitoring, credit quality oversight, strategic segmentation, collaboration with different business areas and key internal and external stakeholders. The incumbent also provides leadership and coaching to ensure a high-performing team aligned with the bank’s goals and strategy.

Job Description

Commercial/Business Management: Manages a business unit within the Retail Banking function; Accountability for directing and controlling all organizational activities for the area, including setting objectives and plans and implementing policies.

Possesses deep business, product and leadership skills. Responsible for Strategy Design and Execution. Accountable for the setting of a commercial objectives and strategy of the Portfolio Banking, including the SME business.

Designs and manages a fit for purpose organizational structure for the area of accountability to enable effective operations and achievement of business objectives.

Designs and oversees the implementation of strategic delivery roadmaps to enable the realization of the desired commercial outcomes.

Accountable for influencing investment/ Book of Work funding and initiative requests to enable execution of the commercial strategy.

It is also accountable for the financial performance of Portfolio Banking, including shaping and driving the income statement, balance sheet and P&L. Must create an optimal and compliant control environment that appropriately balances risk appetites and customer demand with the need to grow to achieve the financial ambitions and balance sheet aspirations of the Bank.

Develop a customer strategy that focuses on improved customer experience at all points of presence and ensure customer orientation and focus across all channels by continuously communicating the message of customer centricity.

Design and implement the people management strategy for the area with a focus on talent management, development, resourcing and retention. Continuously mentor the management team of the area on proactive people management techniques. Coach the Branch Banking Management team on how to conduct meaningful Performance Development discussions with their direct reports and ensure that they conduct the process effectively. Drive changes to key operational processes to improve productivity and customer satisfaction.

A key focus of this role is leading Change Management Initiatives across the portfolio to align with evolving market dynamics and strategic priorities.

The role also oversees performance monitoring, early warnings frameworks and continuous improvements of portfolio quality and client value proposition.

Education and Experience Required

• NQF Level 6: B Degree.

• Qualifications Required (Essential): Degree in Commerce, Banking or Business Administration.

• Qualifications Required (Preferred): MBA or equivalent.

• Essential: 8-10 Years’ experience in Banking/ Business, or other Industry / 5 Years’ experience managing a small business unit.

• Preferred: Experience in Entry Level Banking

Knowledge & Skills: (Maximum of 6)

• English

• Relationship Building/ Sales

• Leadership

• Financial Management and Planning

• Negotiation Skills

• People Management

Competencies: (Maximum of 8 competencies)

• Entrepreneurial and commercial thinking

• Formulating strategies and concepts

• Deciding and initiating action

• Persuading and influencing

• Relating and networking

• Leading and supervising

• Planning and organizing

• Delivering results and meeting customer expectations.

Education

Bachelor`s Degrees and Advanced Diplomas: Business, Commerce and Management Studies (Required)