Credit Risk Manager Africa

Yara International ASA; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 800,000; Full time

Job summary

A global agriculture company is seeking an experienced Credit Risk Manager in Johannesburg to lead credit risk management across African operations. The ideal candidate will have 3-5 years of experience in the agricultural sector and a strong grasp of credit dynamics at the farmer level. Responsibilities include assessing creditworthiness, implementing risk management strategies, and collaborating with internal teams to enhance cash flow efficiency. A bachelor’s degree in finance or a related field is required, with advanced degrees preferred.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of experience in credit risk management in the agricultural sector.
• Strong understanding of credit dynamics at farmer level.
• Experience with risk assessment tools and credit scoring models.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate creditworthiness of clients within the African market.
• Implement credit risk management strategies and frameworks.
• Conduct credit risk analysis and due diligence on potential borrowers.
• Monitor credit risk exposure and identify potential risks.
• Collaborate with internal teams for consistent credit risk processes.

Skills

Credit risk management

Analytical skills

Financial data analysis

Knowledge of credit dynamics

Education

Bachelor’s degree in finance, Economics, Business Administration

Advanced degree or certifications (e.g., FRM, CFA)

Tools

DebiTEX

Financial analysis software

Risk management systems

MS Office applications

Job description

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Work mode (place): On site + Home office

Job Requisition ID: 22584

We at Yara are part of a global network, collaborating to profitably and responsibly solve some of the world's key challenges - resource scarcity, food insecurity and environmental change.

About the Unit

Based in Brackengate, Western Cape, we are seeking an experienced, knowledgeable, and forward-thinking Credit Risk Manager to lead credit risk management and working capital optimization across our African operations. This is a strategic leadership role responsible for improving cash flow efficiency across all markets and ensuring disciplined credit risk practices that support business growth, resilience, and innovation. The ideal candidate will have a minimum of 3–5 years of experience in the agricultural sector, particularly in fertilizer or input financing, and a strong understanding of credit dynamics at farmer level. This role requires full ownership of the credit and working capital strategy, active participation in M&A projects, leadership in digital risk innovation, and responsibility for regional due diligence and bank partnerships.

Responsibilities

• Assess and evaluate the creditworthiness of clients and borrowers within the African market, ensuring adherence to credit risk policies and guidelines.
• Develop and implement effective credit risk management strategies and frameworks, aligning with the company's objectives and regulatory requirements.
• Conduct comprehensive credit risk analysis and due diligence on potential borrowers, utilizing financial models and industry-specific risk assessment tools.
• Monitor and continuously assess credit risk exposure across the portfolio, analysing trends and identifying potential risks or areas for improvement.
• Collaborate with various internal teams, including underwriters, finance, and legal, to streamline credit risk processes and ensure consistent decision-making.
• Review and analyse credit documentation, loan agreements, and collateral requirements, ensuring compliance with internal policies and external regulatory guidelines.
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with external stakeholders, including credit rating agencies, banks, regulatory bodies, and other financial institutions.
• Provide guidance and training to teams involved in credit risk activities, ensuring a thorough understanding of credit risk management principles and best practices.
• Monitor and provide regular reports on credit risk metrics, key performance indicators, and portfolio trends to senior management and relevant stakeholders.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, Economics, Business Administration, or a related field. Advanced degree or certifications (e.g., FRM, CFA) are preferred.
• Proven experience in credit risk management within the African market, with a minimum of 3-5 years in a similar role.
• In-depth knowledge of credit risk management principles, methodologies, and regulatory frameworks within the African context.
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills, with the ability to assess complex financial data and make sound credit risk decisions.
• Familiarity with risk assessment tools, credit scoring models, and underwriting practices.
• Excellent understanding of industry-specific credit risk factors and market dynamics in the African market.
• Proficiency in using financial analysis software (DebiTEX), risk management systems, and MS Office applications.

Knowledge grows through differences
Yara is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We believe that creating a diverse and inclusive work environment is not only the right thing, but also the smart thing to do. To deliver on this, Yara has firmly anchoredDiversity, Equity & Inclusion (DE&I) in our business strategy and has more than 400 employees worldwide involved in D&I ambassadors networks.

As part of our recruitment process, where permitted by local law, we may conduct reference and background checks. These checks will only be performed when deemed necessary for the nature of the job. Candidates will be informed by HR before any background checks are initiated.