Head of Credit Risk Assessment

Placements24; Richards Bay; On-site; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive bonus

Medical aid

Retirement annuity

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly experienced Head of Credit Risk Assessment to lead the credit risk function in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. This on-site leadership role focuses on developing robust credit risk policies, managing a team of analysts, and ensuring portfolio risk remains within approved parameters.

The ideal candidate will have deep expertise in credit risk methodologies, financial statement analysis, and regulatory compliance within banking or financial services, with a proven

Qualifications

• Master's degree required or equivalent in Finance, Economics, Accounting, or related field.
• Minimum 10 years of progressive credit risk management experience in financial services.
• Strong knowledge of credit analysis, financial modeling, and risk assessment techniques.
• Proven leadership experience managing a credit team and engaging with senior stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Develop and enforce comprehensive credit risk policies and procedures.
• Lead and develop the credit risk assessment team and provide performance management.
• Oversee analysis of credit applications, financial statements, and market data for clients.
• Set and monitor credit limits and exposure across customer segments.
• Conduct regular portfolio reviews and mitigation planning.
• Ensure compliance with credit risk regulations and internal guidelines.
• Collaborate with business, legal, and operations teams on credit matters.
• Report risk exposure and KPIs to senior management.
• Stay abreast of best practices and industry trends.

Skills

Credit risk management

Credit analysis

Financial modeling

Regulatory compliance

Team leadership

Strategic decision making

Communication

Education

Master's degree in Finance/Economics/Accounting

Tools

Credit risk software

Job description

About the Role

Our client is looking for a highly experienced and authoritative Head of Credit Risk Assessment to lead their credit risk function in **Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal**. This is a critical, on-site role responsible for developing and implementing robust credit risk policies and procedures that underpin the organization's lending activities. You will be tasked with overseeing the entire credit assessment process, managing a team of credit analysts, and ensuring the portfolio remains within acceptable risk parameters. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of credit risk methodologies, financial statement analysis, and regulatory compliance within the banking sector. This is a leadership position requiring strong decision-making abilities and a proven track record in managing credit portfolios.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and enforce comprehensive credit risk assessment policies and procedures.
• Lead and manage the credit risk assessment team, providing guidance, training, and performance management.
• Oversee the analysis of credit applications, financial statements, and market data for new and existing clients.
• Set and monitor credit limits and exposure levels across various customer segments.
• Conduct regular reviews of the credit portfolio, identifying potential risks and developing mitigation strategies.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant credit risk regulations and internal guidelines.
• Collaborate with business development, legal, and operations departments on credit-related matters.
• Report on credit risk exposure, portfolio quality, and key risk indicators to senior management.
• Stay abreast of industry best practices and emerging trends in credit risk management.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Finance, Economics, Accounting, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in credit risk management within the financial services industry.
• Extensive knowledge of credit analysis, financial modeling, and risk assessment techniques.
• Proven experience in leading and managing a team of credit professionals.
• Deep understanding of banking regulations and compliance requirements related to credit risk.
• Excellent analytical, strategic thinking, and decision-making capabilities.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in credit risk management software and reporting tools.
• Experience in **Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal** or similar industrial/port environments is an advantage.
• Relevant professional certifications (e.g., CFA, FRM) are preferred.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive executive salary, commensurate with the seniority of the role, along with a substantial performance-based bonus structure and other executive benefits.
• These include comprehensive medical aid, a generous retirement annuity, and relocation assistance if required.
• The company provides a challenging and rewarding work environment with significant opportunities for professional growth and leadership development.
• You will be part of a dedicated team committed to excellence and play a vital role in the financial stability and success of the organization.
• This role is based in the vibrant coastal city of **Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal**.