Background information about the job or company (e.g., role context, company overview)

Access Bank Zambia is looking for a suitably qualified and self-motivated individual to fill the position below under the Retail, Digital & Business Banking Department.

Job Purpose

The Head SME Banking will be responsible for developing and executing the strategic plan for the SME Banking division. This role involves leading the SME Banking team, driving business growth, ensuring excellent customer service, and managing risk and compliance. The Head SME Banking will focus on enhancing the bank's market position among SMEs, delivering tailored financial solutions, and contributing to the bank's overall profitability.

Responsibilities or duties

• Develop and implement the SME Banking strategy in alignment with the bank's overall business objectives.
• Identify new market opportunities and innovative product offerings to attract and retain SME clients.
• Monitor market trends, competitor activities, and regulatory changes to adjust strategies accordingly.
• Drive growth in the SME portfolio through acquisition of new clients and expansion of existing relationships.
• Oversee the development of products and services tailored to the needs of SMEs, including loans, trade finance, cash management, and advisory services.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including government agencies, industry associations, and business networks.
• Ensure the delivery of high-quality customer service and the implementation of customer-centric solutions.
• Ensure that all SME activities comply with internal policies, legal requirements, and regulatory standards.
• Collaborate with the risk management team to maintain a balanced risk portfolio, including effective credit risk assessment and monitoring.
• Implement risk mitigation strategies and ensure the early identification and resolution of potential risks.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing SME Banking team.

Qualifications or requirements (e.g., education, skills)

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Finance, Economics, or a related field. Additionally, an MBA or a relevant postgraduate qualification is preferred.

Experience needed

• A minimum of 10 years of experience in banking, with significant exposure to SME banking or business banking.
• Proven track record of successfully leading and growing an SME banking division or similar business unit.
• Experience in managing teams and delivering results in a highly competitive market.

• Develop and implement the SME Banking strategy in alignment with the bank's overall business objectives.
• Identify new market opportunities and innovative product offerings to attract and retain SME clients.
• Monitor market trends, competitor activities, and regulatory changes to adjust strategies accordingly.
• Drive growth in the SME portfolio through acquisition of new clients and expansion of existing relationships.
• Oversee the development of products and services tailored to the needs of SMEs, including loans, trade finance, cash management, and advisory services.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including government agencies, industry associations, and business networks.
• Ensure the delivery of high-quality customer service and the implementation of customer-centric solutions.
• Ensure that all SME activities comply with internal policies, legal requirements, and regulatory standards.
• Collaborate with the risk management team to maintain a balanced risk portfolio, including effective credit risk assessment and monitoring.
• Implement risk mitigation strategies and ensure the early identification and resolution of potential risks.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing SME Banking team.

• Leadership
• Team Management
• Business Development
• Financial Analysis
• Risk Management
• Customer Relationship Management
• Strategic Planning
• Product Development
• Market Analysis
• Regulatory Compliance

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Finance, Economics, or a related field.
• MBA or a relevant postgraduate qualification is preferred.
• A minimum of 10 years of experience in banking, with significant exposure to SME banking or business banking.
• Proven track record of successfully leading and growing an SME banking division or similar business unit.
• Experience in managing teams and delivering results in a highly competitive market.