SME Relationship Manager (Kitengela & Uhuru Highway)

About the role

A subsidiary of a pan-African banking group is expanding its footprint in Kenya by segmenting its units to serve high-turnover SME clients. The bank's culture is performance-driven, agile and collaborative. The SME Relationship Manager builds rapport with SME clients to drive customer acquisition, retention and income, with about 80% of the role focused on direct sales and revenue generation while keeping a high-quality credit portfolio.

Key responsibilities

• Grow the SME balance sheet on assets, liabilities and off-balance-sheet exposures, and increase the range of products and services used by SMEs.
• Expand bank relationships across SME supply chains through other business departments of the bank.
• Grow trade finance and regional business with importers and exporters, building synergies with group entities internationally.
• Manage the quality of the SME credit portfolio within the bank's risk thresholds and achieve profitability and productivity ratios.
• Develop prudently priced assets and cost-effective long-term liabilities with reputable companies and organisations.
• Build a target pipeline and actively market new profitable customers from the target sectors.
• Maintain key customer relationships through regular contact and visits, keeping the call programme active on assigned and prospect customers.
• Ensure compliance with KYC and AML requirements, and adhere to Risk Management and Compliance guidelines.
• Manage staff development, motivation and succession planning, and maintain operational control.

Required profile

• University degree in a business-related field (mandatory); MBA is an added advantage.
• At least 5 years of general banking experience.
• At least 3 years of SME relationship management experience in the Kenyan market.
• Proven experience in credit analysis, sales and relationship management.
• Experience in structured trade finance, syndication and project financing is highly preferred.

Required skills

• Credit analysis and financial statement analysis (certification or strong background is a significant advantage).
• Aggressive sales orientation and stakeholder management.
• Analytical thinking, emotional intelligence and clear communication.
• Adaptability to work in Nairobi and Kitengela business hubs.