Lending Specialist

Merchant West; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Job summary

Merchant West is seeking a Transactor to originate, structure, negotiate and execute profitable lending and structured finance transactions for mid-market corporate clients. You will build trusted client relationships, identify funding opportunities and coordinate stakeholders to successful close.

You will oversee the client lifecycle from business development through credit approval, drawdown and portfolio management while balancing client needs with prudent risk management and commercial

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Originate and develop quality lending opportunities aligned with objectives and risk appetite.
• Structure financing solutions and funding structures for investors and partners.
• Manage end-to-end transaction process from engagement to funding and drawdown.
• Conduct comprehensive commercial, financial and credit assessments of transactions.
• Develop and maintain trusted relationships with clients, introducers and internal stakeholders.

Skills

Credit analysis

Transaction structuring

Industry analysis

Initiative / self-starter

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Finance/Accounting/Economics/Commerce

Postgraduate qualification (CA(SA)/CFA/MBA or equivalent)

Job description

The Transactor will be required to originate, structure, negotiate and execute profitable lending 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:

1. 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.

2. 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

3. 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.

4. 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

5. 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 Transactor or Originator 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.

Skills:

• Credit analysis
• Transaction structuring
• Industry analysis
• Ability to work without supervision (initiative-taker)