Head of Credit

About the role

The Head of Credit will own the overall management and performance of the company’s credit portfolio, covering the full lifecycle from assessment and approval through monitoring, collections and legal recovery. The role leads Credit Analysts and the Debt Recovery unit to ensure sound credit decisions, timely collections, reduced Portfolio at Risk (PAR) and Non‑Performing Loans (NPLs), while protecting capital and supporting sustainable growth.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and implement a credit risk strategy aligned with business objectives, setting limits, approval thresholds and concentration guidelines.
• Lead Credit Analysts to assess applications, verify documentation, and approve proposals within delegated authority.
• Monitor portfolio quality, PAR and NPL metrics, conduct stress testing and provide actionable recommendations to senior management.
• Direct the Debt Recovery unit, set recovery targets, manage legal actions and external collection agencies.
• Maintain and update credit policies, dashboards and reporting for the Board and committees.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics or a related field; Master’s or professional qualification is an advantage.
• Minimum 8 years progressive credit management experience in a regulated financial institution, with at least 5 years in a senior credit role.
• Proven track record of improving portfolio quality, reducing PAR/NPL and enhancing collections.
• Experience in micro‑finance or SME lending preferred.

Required skills

• Advanced Excel for portfolio analysis and reporting.
• Proficiency with loan‑management and credit risk dashboard systems.