GENERAL MANAGER: SMME FINANCE

ROLE PURPOSE

Build SMME Finance into a credible, fundable and well-controlled lending business. The General Manager will be responsible for the strategy, business plan, funding model, lending processes, portfolio quality, collections and commercial sustainability of the entity. The role requires a practical operator who can build the platform while managing risk carefully.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Prepare and maintain the entity strategy, three-year business plan, annual budget, financial model and implementation plan.
• Define lending products, target market, pricing, expected yields, credit criteria and route to market based on realistic funding and risk assumptions.
• Build the end-to-end lending process covering origination, assessment, credit approval, contracting, disbursement, monitoring, collections, recoveries and restructuring.
• Establish appropriate credit policy, delegated authorities, portfolio limits, provisioning principles, early-warning indicators and management reporting.
• Develop a bankable funding plan and manage relationships with DFIs, banks, impact investors, corporates and other potential funding partners.
• Build and manage a quality SMME pipeline, working with Group Sales, the Foundation, corporate supply chains and public-sector programmes.
• Ensure compliance with applicable credit, consumer, FICA, POPIA, funder and contractual requirements.
• Recruit and manage a lean team and take responsibility for portfolio growth, collections, cash flow, operating costs and entity performance.

EXPERIENCE AND REQUIREMENTS

• Relevant degree in finance, accounting, economics, banking, commerce or a related field.
• At least 8 years in SMME lending, development finance, banking, credit, investment or alternative finance, with meaningful management responsibility.
• Strong credit judgement and practical experience in underwriting, portfolio monitoring, collections and funding facilities.
• Ability to develop financial models, business plans, credit policies and funder reporting.
• Comfortable building systems and processes in a start-up environment rather than relying on established bank infrastructure.

KEY PERFORMANCE MEASURES

• Approved business plan and funding model
• Funding secured and available
• Quality disbursements and portfolio growth
• Collections, arrears and NPL performance
• Net portfolio margin and cash recycling
• Compliance and funder reporting

Pay: R50 000,00 - R60 000,00 per month

Work Location: In person