Relationship Manager-SME

Absa Group is a leading African financial institution with over a century of experience, combining local expertise with regional and international reach. We offer a career path that allows you to be part of an exciting growth journey, shaping the future of a proudly African organization. Our My Career Development Portal provides leading-edge guidance, tools, and support to help you unlock your potential.

This role focuses on providing dedicated relationship management to a portfolio of Small and Medium-sized Enterprise (SME) Banking customers. You will deliver professional, responsive, and high-quality service in a dynamic environment. The position balances a strong customer service and sales orientation, primarily managing a substantial client portfolio through office-based support to ensure their banking needs are met efficiently. Client visits are exceptional, with most relationship management activities conducted remotely while maintaining strong client engagement and satisfaction.

• Manage a dedicated portfolio of SME Banking customers, operating effectively under pressure with a professional and helpful demeanor.
• Focus on providing office-based service to a large customer portfolio, with customer visits being an exception, while maintaining sales focus and excellent service delivery.
• Drive sales by promoting and selling a variety of Bank Product offerings and solutions tailored to the financial needs of SMEs.
• Deliver high-quality and efficient customer service by acting as a central service point for a portfolio of SME customers.
• Engage with clients to conduct needs analyses, helping them better understand their financial requirements.
• Achieve ambitious sales and service targets, including business development and community engagement activities.
• Provide lending support by explaining credit loan facility options, qualifying criteria, and assisting with credit application completion.
• Oversee the origination of customer credit applications through the entire process.
• Offer essential information and advice to customers, enabling them to achieve their business and personal objectives through time-saving and value-added solutions and services.
• Proactively identify and address servicing opportunities for your customer portfolio, aiming to exceed minimum service standards.
• Effectively manage and resolve non-routine queries and complaints for your assigned customer portfolio.
• Ensure your customer portfolio receives the appropriate level of service and advice to meet their specific needs.
• Collaborate with specialists such as Trade Finance and Treasury to maximize the sale of these products to customers, enhancing cross-selling opportunities.
• Maintain high operational control standards, adhering to Risk Management guidelines, KYC procedures, and other bank policies.
• Foster strong relationships with SME Banking Relationship Managers to identify potential clients within your portfolio for transfer to RMs.
• Develop external market presence and community engagement to maximize local marketing opportunities.
• Participate in and support community initiatives, such as Make a Difference Day, local community projects, and Financial Literacy programs.

• A Bachelor's Degree in Business, Commerce, or Management Studies is required.
• Proven experience in relationship management, preferably within the SME banking sector.
• Strong sales and customer service skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage a demanding workload.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in understanding and explaining financial products and credit facilities.
• Knowledge of banking policies, KYC procedures, and risk management guidelines.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Proactive approach to identifying and resolving customer issues.

This role offers the opportunity to be part of a leading African financial group, with access to career development resources and the chance to contribute to significant growth. Specific perks are not detailed but are implied within the context of a large, established financial institution.

This position is open to individuals with a Bachelor's Degree in Business, Commerce, or Management Studies. Previous experience in relationship management, particularly within the SME banking sector, is highly desirable. Candidates should possess strong sales acumen, excellent customer service skills, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, results-oriented environment.

Bachelors Degree and Professional Qualifications: Business, Commerce and Management Studies