Trade Finance Development Manager

Watershed Consulting; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 800 000 - 1 200 000; Full time

Job summary

A financial services firm in South Africa seeks a Trade Finance Development Manager to enhance their trade finance footprint across corporate clients. The role requires strong sales and business development skills, a strong background in trade finance, and experience in structuring financial solutions. Candidates with a relevant Bachelor's degree and a track record in trade finance are encouraged to apply. This is an opportunity to shape trade finance growth in a collaborative environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5-7 years of banking experience in trade finance with a focus on business development.
• In-depth knowledge of international trade practices, UCP 600, Incoterms, and South African regulatory frameworks.
• Proven track record in originating, structuring, and closing trade finance transactions.

Responsibilities

• Identify, target, and acquire new corporate clients requiring trade finance solutions.
• Develop and implement business strategies to drive trade finance growth.
• Build a strong pipeline of trade finance deals across key industry sectors.
• Maintain and deepen relationships with existing clients, trading houses, and financial institutions.
• Advise clients on trade finance products such as letters of credit and bank guarantees.
• Work closely with internal teams for smooth transaction execution.

Skills

Sales and networking

Negotiation capabilities

Communication skills

Presentation skills

Initiative and goal orientation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Finance, Business, Economics, Marketing, or a related field

Job description

Trade Finance Development Manager

Location : South Africa

Industry : Banking & Financial Services

About the Role

As a Trade Finance Development Manager, youll take ownership of developing and growing the banks trade finance footprint across key corporate and institutional clients. Youll identify new business opportunities, nurture existing client relationships, and structure financial solutions that enable seamless international trade.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify, target, and acquire new corporate clients requiring trade finance solutions.
• Develop and implement business strategies to drive trade finance growth and market share.
• Build a strong pipeline of trade finance deals across key industry sectors.
• Maintain and deepen relationships with existing clients, trading houses, and financial institutions.
• Advise clients on trade finance products such as letters of credit, bank guarantees, and documentary collections.
• Work closely with internal teams (credit, operations, compliance, risk) to ensure smooth execution of transactions.
• Collaborate with global trade desks to explore cross-border opportunities.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelors degree in Finance, Business, Economics, Marketing, or a related field.
• Minimum 57 years of banking experience in trade finance, with a strong focus on business development.
• In-depth knowledge of international trade practices, UCP 600, Incoterms, and South African regulatory frameworks.
• Proven track record in originating, structuring, and closing trade finance transactions.

Skills & Attributes

• Strong sales, networking, and negotiation capabilities.
• Deep understanding of trade finance instruments and working capital solutions.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• High level of initiative, professionalism, and goal orientation.
• Ability to thrive under pressure and consistently meet performance targets.

Why Apply?

Join a forward-thinking banking environment where your expertise and ambition will directly shape trade finance growth. Youll be part of a collaborative culture that values initiative, strategic thinking, and strong client relationships