Trade Finance Development Manager

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

Job summary

A leading banking and financial services firm in South Africa is seeking a Trade Finance Development Manager. This strategic role involves developing and expanding trade finance portfolios, targeting new corporate clients worldwide, and maintaining key client relationships. The ideal candidate will have 5-7 years of banking experience in trade finance and a strong understanding of international trade practices. Join a dynamic team where your expertise will drive innovation and growth.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Identify and acquire new corporate clients requiring trade finance solutions.
• Develop and implement business strategies to drive trade finance growth.
• Maintain relationships with existing clients and financial institutions.

Skills

Strong sales, networking, and negotiation capabilities

Deep understanding of trade finance instruments

Excellent communication and presentation skills

High level of initiative, professionalism, and goal orientation

Ability to thrive under pressure and meet performance targets

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Business, Economics, or Marketing

Job description

Trade Finance Development Manager

Location: Sandton

Industry: Banking & Financial Services

Are you a dynamic banking professional with a passion for building trade finance portfolios and fostering meaningful client relationships? This exciting opportunity calls for a results-driven individual to lead the expansion of trade finance business across South Africa, driving growth, innovation, and excellence.

About the Role

As a Trade Finance Development Manager, you’ll take ownership of developing and growing the bank’s trade finance footprint across key corporate and institutional clients. You’ll 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

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Business, Economics, Marketing, or a related field.
• Minimum 5–7 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. You’ll be part of a collaborative culture that values initiative, strategic thinking, and strong client relationships.