Head: Trade and Forex Solutions

Bidvest Bank; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 900 000 - 1 200 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading financial institution in Johannesburg is seeking a Senior Manager: Trade and Forex to lead the strategic direction and operational effectiveness of trade finance and forex functions. The role requires expertise in managing trade solutions, customer relationships, and team leadership. The ideal candidate should have at least 3 years of people management experience and be well-versed in trade and forex processes, with a relevant degree in Accounting or Economics. This position emphasizes driving customer satisfaction and operational excellence.

Qualifications

• 3 - 5 years’ people management experience.
• Up to 8 years' experience in trade & Forex processes.

Responsibilities

• Identify and implement revenue or cost-saving opportunities.
• Drive customer-centricity strategy formulation and execution for Trade and Forex Solutions.
• Ensure operational efficiencies run smoothly.
• Provide management responsibility to Trade Finance team.

Skills

Sales strategy development

Customer relationship management

Credit assessment

Business and financial acumen

Risk management

Team leadership

Education

B Com or equivalent Degree in Accounting or Economics

FAIS RE1

Job description

Primary Purpose

The job purpose of the Senior Manager: Trade and Forex is to lead and manage the strategic direction and operational effectiveness of the trade finance and foreign exchange (forex) functions within the organization. This role involves overseeing all aspects of trade finance, including import and export financing, letters of credit, trade documentation, and trade risk mitigation strategies. In forex, the Senior Manager ensures efficient management of currency exchange transactions, hedging strategies, and regulatory compliance. They are responsible for developing and implementing strategies to optimize profitability, enhance customer satisfaction, and expand market share in trade and forex services. Collaboration with internal teams and external stakeholders, including financial institutions and regulatory bodies, is essential to ensure seamless execution of trade and forex operations. Additionally, the Senior Manager monitors market trends, evaluates competitive offerings, and drives continuous improvement initiatives to maintain leadership in trade finance and forex services.

Minimum Requirements

Qualification

• B Com or equivalent Degree in Accounting or Economics
• FAIS RE1

Experience

• 3 - 5 years’ people management experience
• Up to 8 years' experience and understanding the entire trade & Forex process from product management of trade solutions, payment and forex, fulfillment and down to sales.

Technical Competencies

• Ability to develop a plan to achieve the sales objectives, taking into consideration overall business and sales goals, market opportunities, past sales results, and available resources; reviewing progress and adjusting the plan as needed
• The skill and ability to effectively explore alternatives and positions to reach mutually beneficial sales agreements that gain customers’ acceptance and commitment.
• Formulating and Executing Strategy
• The ability to use economic, financial, market, and industry data to understand and improve business results; using one’s understanding of major business functions, industry trends, and own organization’s position to contribute to effective business strategies and tactics
• Business and Financial Acumen
• Credit assessment and deal structuring skills
• Knowledge of developments in money markets, legislation and statutory requirements
• People Management

Duties and Responsibilities

FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT

• Identify and implement revenue or cost saving opportunities and ensure adherence to budget.

CUSTOMER CENTRICITY

• Drive customer centricity strategy formulation and execution for Trade and Forex Solutions

OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE

• Ensure Operational efficiencies are run smoothly

PEOPLE LEADERSHIP

• Provide management responsibility to Trade Finance team
• Risk and Compliance Ensure Potential risks are mitigated and controlled

STAKEHOLDER MANAGEMENT

• Provide advisory services through partnership with all relevant stakeholders (internal and external)

REPORTING

• Perform different analytics to assist with business impact.

LEARNING AND GROWTH

• Drive a continuous learning culture which focuses on innovation and value adding solutions in line with best practice.

This position is advertised in line with our commitment to Employment Equity.