Lending Dealmaker

Merchant West

Wes-Kaap

On-site

ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000

Full time

14 days+

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Job summary

Merchant West is seeking a Lending Dealmaker to originate, structure, negotiate and execute profitable lending and structured finance transactions for mid-market corporate clients, building trusted relationships and coordinating internal stakeholders to close deals.

You will manage the full client lifecycle from business development to credit approval, funding and portfolio management, balancing client needs with risk and commercial returns while staying abreast of market and regulatory

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics or Commerce.
Postgraduate qualification such as a CA(SA), CFA Charter, MBA or Master's degree in Finance, Business or a related field (advantageous).

Responsibilities

Originate and develop lending opportunities aligned to Merchant West's objectives and build a sustainable pipeline.
Structure innovative financing solutions balancing client needs with risk and return objectives.
Coordinate end-to-end transaction processes from engagement to funding, including credit approval and documentation.
Prepare high-quality credit papers, term sheets and investment memoranda for approvals.
Manage the successful implementation of transactions through close coordination with Credit, Legal and Treasury.
Monitor portfolio performance, covenant compliance and client engagement post-funding.
Develop and maintain trusted relationships with clients, introducers and internal stakeholders.

Skills

Financial Statement Analysis

Cash flow modelling

Credit analysis

Valuation techniques

Transaction structuring

Financial modelling

Legal documentation awareness

Negotiation skills

Industry analysis

Portfolio management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics or Commerce

CA(SA)/CFA/MBA or Master’s degree (advantageous)

Job description

Role Purpose

The Lending Dealmaker will be required to originate, structure, negotiate and execute profitable lending (Working Capital, Commercial Property finance and Term Loan) and structured finance transactions for mid-market corporate clients by developing trusted client relationships, identifying funding opportunities and coordinating internal stakeholders through to successful financial close.

The Transactor is accountable for the entire client lifecycle, from business development and opportunity identification through credit approval, execution, drawdown and ongoing portfolio management; while balancing client needs, commercial returns and prudent risk management

Main Accountabilities

Origination

Originate and develop quality lending opportunities that align with Merchant West's strategic objectives, risk appetite and return requirements.
Develop and maintain a sustainable pipeline of bankable transactions through proactive business development, referrals and relationship management.
Identify, engage and convert new clients while deepening relationships with existing clients and strategic partners.
Understand clients' funding requirements and develop bespoke financing solutions that create long-term value.
Market, present and articulate credit opportunities to internal stakeholders, Credit Committees, institutional funders and other capital providers.
Coordinate and manage the end-to-end transaction process from initial engagement through credit approval, documentation and funding.
Prepare high-quality term sheets, transaction proposals, credit papers, investment memoranda, client presentations and other supporting documentation.

Transaction Structuring

Structure innovative and commercially viable financing solutions that balance client requirements with Merchant West's risk and return objectives.
Develop funding structures suitable for institutional investors and other funding partners.
Assess alternative financing structures and recommend the most appropriate solution based on commercial, legal, tax and funding considerations.
Work collaboratively with Credit, Legal, Treasury and external advisers to optimise transaction structures and facilitate successful execution.
Contribute to product development, process improvements and strategic initiatives as required.

Transaction Execution and Portfolio Management

Manage the successful implementation of approved transactions through close coordination with Credit, Legal, Operations, Treasury and external stakeholders.
Ensure legal documentation accurately reflects approved commercial terms and all conditions precedent are satisfied prior to funding.
Oversee transaction drawdown and successful financial close.
Monitor the ongoing performance of the portfolio through financial reviews, covenant monitoring and proactive client engagement.
Identify emerging credit risks and implement appropriate remedial actions where required.
Maintain awareness of economic, industry and regulatory developments that may impact client performance and portfolio quality.

Credit Evaluation & Assessment

Conduct comprehensive commercial, financial and credit assessments of prospective transactions.
Analyse historical and forecast financial information, cash flows, repayment capacity, management capability, industry dynamics and security structures.
Identify key transaction risks and develop appropriate mitigants and structural protections.
Prepare clear, balanced and well-supported credit recommendations for approval.
Apply sound commercial judgement when evaluating pricing, risk-adjusted returns, return on equity (ROE), capital utilisation, portfolio concentration, correlation risk and overall transaction profitability.

Relationship Management

Develop and maintain trusted relationships with clients, introducers, institutional investors, professional advisers and internal stakeholders.
Build a strong internal network across Origination, Credit, Legal, Treasury, Finance and Operations to facilitate efficient transaction execution.
Act as a trusted adviser by developing a thorough understanding of clients' businesses, industries and strategic objectives.
Deliver exceptional client service while maintaining an appropriate balance between commercial opportunity and prudent risk management.
Represent Merchant West professionally, demonstrating the highest standards of integrity, accountability and collaboration..

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree, Finance, Accounting, Economics or Commerce.
Postgraduate qualification such as a CA(SA), CFA Charter, MBA or Master's degree in Finance, Business or a related field (advantageous).

Experience

2 – 4 years in a lending and Dealmaker environment.
Demonstrated experience in corporate banking, commercial banking, structured finance, leveraged finance, asset finance, private credit or business banking, with a proven ability to originate, structure and execute debt transactions.
Demonstrated experience in corporate banking, commercial banking, structured finance, leveraged finance, asset finance, private credit or business banking, with a proven ability to originate, structure and execute debt transactions.
Demonstrated experience in corporate credit and lending environments, including credit underwriting, financial statement analysis, cash flow forecasting and financial modelling, debt structuring and pricing, assessment of security and collateral arrangements, preparation and review of loan documentation (including term sheets, facility agreements, and security documentation), and negotiation of commercial and legal terms with clients, legal advisers, and other stakeholders
Experience engaging directly with entrepreneurs, business owners, financial directors, accountants and professional advisers.
Experience presenting transactions to Credit Committees and managing deals through approval, documentation and financial close.
Experience within corporate credit, specialised finance, structured lending, commercial banking or private debt markets is highly advantageous.
An established professional network capable of generating new business opportunities will be advantageous.

Skills