Operations Manager

Merchant West; Gqeberha; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Job summary

Merchant West in South Africa seeks a Regional Manager to drive regional business growth, strengthen client relationships and ensure effective execution of financial solutions. The role oversees regional sales performance, portfolio quality and operational alignment while maintaining governance and risk frameworks.

You will lead regional teams, expand market presence across key sectors, manage stakeholder networks and deliver sustainable profitability in line with Merchant West's strategic

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Business, Economics or related field.
• Postgraduate qualification in Business, Finance and/or Management advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Lead regional growth and revenue targets across the region.
• Develop and maintain relationships with clients, intermediaries and stakeholders.
• Oversee portfolio performance, risk indicators and credit alignment.
• Ensure governance, compliance and regulatory adherence across the region.
• Coordinate and align regional activities with Merchant West’s strategy.
• Track regional performance and provide insights to senior management.

Skills

Business development

Market expansion

Financial analysis

Portfolio management

Risk oversight

Client relationships

Stakeholder management

Deal negotiation

Performance reporting

Strategic planning

Operations execution

Education

Bachelor's degree in Finance/Business/Economics

Postgraduate qualification in Business/Finance/Management

Job description

Role Purpose:

The Regional Manager is responsible for leading and managing business activities within a designated region by driving revenue growth, strengthening client relationships and ensuring effective execution of Merchant West's financial solutions.

The role oversees regional sales performance, portfolio quality and operational alignment while ensuring compliance with governance and risk frameworks. The Regional Manager plays a key role in expanding market presence, managing regional teams and delivering sustainable profitability in line with Merchant West's strategic objectives.

Main Accountabilities:

Regional Business Growth and Revenue Performance

• Drive revenue growth and achieve regional sales and profitability targets.
• Identify and convert new business opportunities within the region.
• Expand Merchant West's market presence across key sectors and clients.

Client Relationship and Stakeholder Management

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with clients, intermediaries and stakeholders.
• Ensure high levels of client satisfaction and retention.
• Strengthen strategic partnerships to support business growth.

Portfolio Management and Risk Oversight

• Oversee the performance and quality of the regional portfolio.
• Monitor client exposures, asset performance and risk indicators.
• Ensure alignment with credit policies and risk management frameworks.

Operational Execution and Business Alignment

• Ensure effective execution of business processes and deal implementation.
• Align regional activities with Merchant West's strategic objectives.
• Monitor operational performance and implement improvements where required.

Reporting and Performance Monitoring

• Track and report on regional performance metrics and business outcomes.
• Provide insights on sales performance, portfolio trends and growth opportunities.
• Ensure accurate and timely reporting to senior management.

Leadership and Team Management

• Lead and manage regional teams to achieve performance targets.
• Provide coaching, development and performance management.
• Promote a high-performance culture aligned with Merchant West values.

Governance and Compliance

• Ensure adherence to policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain strong governance and risk management practices.
• Support audit and compliance processes within the region.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Business, Economics, or a related field.
• Postgraduate qualification in Business, Finance and/or Management would be advantageous.

Experience:

• 8-12 years in financial services, asset finance or business development within a commercial environment.
• Driving sales, revenue growth and market expansion within a region or business unit.
• Managing client relationships, intermediaries and stakeholder networks.
• Overseeing portfolio performance and managing risk exposure.
• Leading teams and managing regional or business unit performance.
• Operating within governance, compliance and regulatory frameworks.

Skills:

• Business development and market expansion
• Commercial and financial analysis
• Portfolio management and risk oversight
• Client relationship and stakeholder management
• Deal structuring and transaction negotiation
• Performance monitoring and reporting
• Strategic planning and regional business management
• Operational alignment and execution

Competencies:

• Strategic thinking and leadership
• Commercial judgement and business acumen
• Decision making and problem solving
• Stakeholder engagement and influencing capability
• Negotiation and relationship management
• Accountability and ownership
• Results orientation and performance focus
• Integrity and governance discipline