Credit Risk Manager

Placements24; Bloemfontein; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus structure

Retirement plan

Health insurance

Career advancement

Relocation assistance

Strategic risk role in Bloemfontein

Job summary

Placements24 is assisting a leading Bloemfontein based banking group to hire a strategic Credit Risk Manager. You will oversee the credit risk framework, lead a team, and shape policies and risk appetite across the loan portfolio.

The role requires a Master’s in a quantitative field, 7+ years in credit risk, strong modeling, regulatory knowledge, and excellent communication. You’ll drive stress testing, pricing strategies, and regulator liaison, with relocation support for exceptional candidates.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Finance, Economics, Statistics, Mathematics or a related quantitative field.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in credit risk management, preferably within the banking sector.
• In-depth knowledge of credit risk modeling, loan origination, portfolio management, and regulatory requirements (e.g., Basel Accords).
• Proven leadership and team management skills.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities.
• Excellent understanding of financial markets and economic drivers affecting credit risk.
• Proficiency in risk management software and tools, and advanced Excel skills.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Experience in setting and managing risk appetite frameworks.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet strict deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and enforce credit risk policies, procedures, and appetite statements.
• Oversee the assessment and approval of large credit exposures, ensuring adherence to risk appetite and regulatory guidelines.
• Monitor the performance of the credit portfolio, identifying emerging risks and trends.
• Develop and maintain credit scoring models and risk-based pricing strategies.
• Manage and mentor the credit risk team, fostering professional development and performance.
• Liaise with internal and external auditors, regulators, and senior management on credit risk matters.
• Design and deliver credit risk training programs for relevant staff.
• Conduct regular stress testing and scenario analysis on the credit portfolio.
• Stay abreast of industry best practices and regulatory changes impacting credit risk management.
• Contribute to the strategic planning and decision-making processes related to lending activities.

Skills

Leadership and team management

Analytical thinking

Decision making under pressure

Stakeholder influence

Education

Master's degree in Finance or related quantitative field

Tools

Risk management software

Excel

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading banking group headquartered in Bloemfontein , is seeking an experienced and strategic Credit Risk Manager to oversee and enhance their credit risk management framework. This critical role involves developing, implementing, and maintaining policies and procedures to mitigate credit exposure across the organization's loan portfolio. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in safeguarding the company's financial stability by ensuring robust risk assessment and management practices. You will lead a team of skilled risk professionals, fostering a culture of diligence and continuous improvement. This position is based in the heart of the Free State , offering a challenging opportunity within a stable and reputable financial entity. We are looking for a seasoned professional with a deep understanding of credit risk principles and a proven track record in managing complex credit portfolios.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and enforce credit risk policies, procedures, and appetite statements.
• Oversee the assessment and approval of large credit exposures, ensuring adherence to risk appetite and regulatory guidelines.
• Monitor the performance of the credit portfolio, identifying emerging risks and trends.
• Develop and maintain credit scoring models and risk-based pricing strategies.
• Manage and mentor the credit risk team, fostering professional development and performance.
• Liaise with internal and external auditors, regulators, and senior management on credit risk matters.
• Design and deliver credit risk training programs for relevant staff.
• Conduct regular stress testing and scenario analysis on the credit portfolio.
• Stay abreast of industry best practices and regulatory changes impacting credit risk management.
• Contribute to the strategic planning and decision-making processes related to lending activities.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Finance, Economics, Statistics, Mathematics, or a related quantitative field.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in credit risk management, preferably within the banking sector.
• In-depth knowledge of credit risk modeling, loan origination, portfolio management, and regulatory requirements (e.g., Basel Accords).
• Proven leadership and team management skills.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities.
• Excellent understanding of financial markets and economic drivers affecting credit risk.
• Proficiency in risk management software and tools, and advanced Excel skills.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Experience in setting and managing risk appetite frameworks.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet strict deadlines.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and performance-based bonus structure.
• Generous retirement plan and comprehensive health insurance benefits.
• Significant opportunities for career advancement within a major financial institution.
• Exposure to high-level strategic decision-making.
• Relocation assistance may be considered for exceptional candidates.
• Be a key player in shaping the risk strategy in Bloemfontein .