Strategic Lending Dealmaker: Originate to Close

Merchant West; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Job summary

Merchant West seeks a senior Dealmaker to originate, structure and execute profitable lending transactions for mid-market corporate clients in South Africa. You will build trusted relationships, identify funding opportunities, and coordinate stakeholders through to financial close.

You will manage the client lifecycle from business development to drawdown and ongoing portfolio management, balancing client needs with prudent risk management and strong commercial returns.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Originate and develop quality lending opportunities that align with Merchant West's objectives and risk/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.
• Structure innovative financing solutions balancing client requirements with Merchant West's risk and return objectives.
• Manage 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.
• Work collaboratively with Credit, Legal, Treasury and external advisers to optimise transaction structures and facilitate successful execution.
• Monitor the ongoing performance of the portfolio through financial reviews and covenant monitoring; identify emerging credit risks and remedial actions.

Skills

Credit analysis

Transaction structuring

Industry analysis

Education

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

Postgraduate qualification such as CA(SA), CFA, MBA or Master’s in Finance/Business (advantageous)

Job description

Merchant West seeks a senior Dealmaker to originate, structure and execute profitable lending transactions for mid-market corporate clients in South Africa. You will build trusted relationships, identify funding opportunities, and coordinate stakeholders through to financial close.

You will manage the client lifecycle from business development to drawdown and ongoing portfolio management, balancing client needs with prudent risk management and strong commercial returns.