Relationship Manager - SME at Equity Bank Kenya

Job Purpose:

To provide leadership in SME segment and development in line with the branch overall strategy. The role responsible for meeting business developments strategic targets. and responsible in establishing and maintaining key relationships with stake holders in the achievement of the Bank’s strategic goals. 

Active member of the Banks leadership, contributing to strategic, long, medium- and short-term plans aimed at achieving the bank and departmental objectives. Communicate and articulate the business strategy of the Bank to all stakeholders and keep staff engaged and focused on the business developments goals.

Key Responsibilities

Business Development

• Participate in the development of the annual and quarterly financial plans and budgets for the Branch.
• Management of borrowing and non-borrowing customers in the branch to enhance customer loyalty, mitigate against loss and enhance increased business.
• Regularly review strategic initiatives of the branch/segments with a view to take appropriate action.
• Direct the overall effort of the segments in growing business in optimum proportions so as to achieve set targets.
• Develop and deepen relationships with existing and potential customers. Identify and disseminate market opportunities and information to guide business development efforts and product development.
• Spearhead/ conduct regular business visits both to clients of the Bank, prospects, and branch/affiliates of the Bank.
• Maintain a sustainable, profitable, and high-quality balance sheet.
• Cost management –enforce cost optimization of the resources.
• Continuously review customer value propositions for various customer segments

Market & Customer Service

• Collaborate and coordinate the development and the implementation of the sales initiatives with other branch business stakeholders.
• Continuously conduct and advise market intelligence to identify new markets customer trends, branch government directives and changes in the policy. 
• Act as the Banks's brand ambassador.
• Participate in development & execution of strategies that build the Equity brand and endear it to its chosen markets.
• Coordinate Branch marketing initiatives
• Originate, build and sustain strategic business partnerships.
• Position Equity Bank Kenya as a preferred Bank.
• Ensure full adherence to the Bank’s customer service chatter.
• Increase market share in line with strategic ambitions and in a profitable, ethical and sustainable manner.

Audit Risk & Compliance

• Ensuring the quality of the loan book in the various segments within the branch is within expected standards.
• Participates in Branch Credit Committee as per policy.
• Ensure adherence of policies and procedures from regulatory authorities, Equity bank and other stakeholders.
• Put in place effective Business Continuity plan for various segment.
• Ensure audit and risk rating for the Branch improves and is within set thresholds as per the key performance indicators communicated sometimes.
• Communicate and articulate the Bank’s risk and control environment to the unit staff and ensure good appreciation of the same. 

People Management

• Harness existing and create new competencies in order to achieve competitive advantage.
• Maintain the appropriate number and caliber human resource to deliver exceptional service, achieve targets and maximize the business' efficiency and effectiveness.
• Manage succession at segments levels and strive to have competent successors for every key position in the branch with the aim of efficient business continuity and cost management.
• Mentor and coach staff to build their capacity to perform the roles assigned to them. 
• Provide career guidance and avail learning opportunities and assignments to enhance engagement and career progression.
• Maintain high morale and motivated staff in the branch.
• Set performance expectations and conduct performance management evaluations promptly to ensure superior performance levels are maintained.
• Adhere to HR policies in the management of employees.

Performance & Reporting

• Optimize the use of the Bank’s Management Information System for performance management.
• Ensure optimum segmentation of the Bank’s client database and targeted marketing on the various business segment.
• Timely submission of reports to key stakeholders to aid in decision making.

Qualifications, Experience & Competencies

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, finance, or a related field.
• At least 6 years’ work experience in SME segment or similar role.
• Knowledge of organizational effectiveness and operations management.
• Experience in budgeting and forecasting.