Agriculture Portfolio Manager: Growth & Risk Leader

Merchant West; Durban; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Job summary

Merchant West is seeking a Portfolio Manager: Agriculture to oversee a diversified agriculture loan portfolio, monitor risk, and maintain client relationships. You will liaise with business units on deal structuring and growth opportunities while ensuring compliance with credit policies and governance frameworks.

The role emphasizes monitoring portfolio health, analysing farming cashflows, and preparing reports for management. A strong background in finance and agriculture is essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or a related field of Agriculture is required.
• Postgraduate qualification or professional certification in finance, credit, or risk management is advantageous.
• 5-10 years’ experience in portfolio management, credit, or asset finance relating to agriculture.
• 2-5 years’ experience in agriculture finance sales with a recognised provider is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Portfolio management and performance monitoring of client facilities to ensure strong financial performance and asset quality.
• Track client exposures, repayment behaviour, and overall portfolio health.
• Ensure portfolio performance aligns with Merchant West risk and profitability targets.
• Maintain strong client relationships to ensure ongoing service delivery and satisfaction.
• Engage with clients to understand business needs and identify additional opportunities.
• Resolve client queries and manage relationship issues in a timely manner.
• Monitor client financial performance and identify potential credit risks.
• Ensure compliance with approved credit terms, covenants, and facility conditions.
• Escalate risk concerns and recommend corrective actions where required.
• Support deal structuring and execution within the portfolio.
• Assess financial impact of restructuring or additional funding requests.
• Identify opportunities to grow and optimise the portfolio.
• Prepare and maintain accurate portfolio reports and documentation.
• Ensure all client records and portfolio data are up to date and compliant.
• Provide regular updates on portfolio performance to management.
• Ensure adherence to credit policies, procedures, and governance frameworks.
• Maintain proper documentation and audit trails for portfolio activities.
• Support audit and compliance processes related to portfolio management.

Job description

Merchant West is seeking a Portfolio Manager: Agriculture to oversee a diversified agriculture loan portfolio, monitor risk, and maintain client relationships. You will liaise with business units on deal structuring and growth opportunities while ensuring compliance with credit policies and governance frameworks.

The role emphasizes monitoring portfolio health, analysing farming cashflows, and preparing reports for management. A strong background in finance and agriculture is essential.