To maximise the banks Risk-Adjusted Rate of Return by managing credit risk in the entire portfolio and individual transactions as well as managing Credit Analysts.
Purpose of the Role
To manage and oversee the ongoing credit risk within a designated portfolio by ensuring compliance with credit policies, facility conditions, governance requirements and regulatory obligations. The role is responsible for identifying, monitoring and escalating emerging credit risks, managing high-risk and distressed exposures, including Business Rescue matters, and ensuring appropriate action is taken to protect the Bank's position.
Key Responsibilities:
Credit Risk Monitoring and Governance
Monitor client facilities to ensure ongoing compliance with approved credit conditions, covenants and facility terms.
Identify, investigate and escalate emerging credit risks within the portfolio.
Ensure compliance with internal credit policies, delegated mandates and governance requirements.
Monitor and manage excesses, expired facilities, covenant breaches and overdue reviews.
Ensure timely implementation of credit committee conditions and approval requirements.
Conduct periodic risk assessments of clients and identify potential deterioration indicators.
Maintain accurate portfolio risk ratings and recommend changes where appropriate.
High-Risk and Distressed Client Management
Manage and monitor clients presenting heightened credit risk.
Prepare risk assessments and recommendations for accounts requiring escalation.
Participate in turnaround, restructuring and remedial management discussions.
Monitor distressed exposures and ensure agreed action plans are implemented and tracked.
Prepare recommendations regarding facility amendments, risk mitigation strategies and recovery actions.
Business Rescue and Restructuring
Maintain a thorough understanding of the Companies Act and Business Rescue processes.
Assess Business Rescue plans and identify risks to the Bank.
Liaise with Business Rescue Practitioners, legal advisors and internal stakeholders.
Prepare detailed risk reports and recommendations on Business Rescue matters.
Monitor compliance with approved rescue plans and identify deviations or emerging concerns.
Protect and preserve the Bank's security position during restructuring proceedings.
Reporting and Portfolio Oversight
Prepare monthly, quarterly and ad hoc credit risk reports.
Maintain and report on watchlist, high-risk and problem accounts.
Analyse portfolio trends and identify key risk drivers.
Escalate material concerns to senior management and relevant governance committees.
Produce accurate management information and portfolio reporting within required timelines.
Ensure data integrity and reporting accuracy.
Security and Documentation Management
Review and monitor security documentation to ensure enforceability and adequacy.
Ensure facility letters and supporting security documentation are correctly executed and maintained.
Monitor the perfection and registration of securities where applicable.
Identify security shortfalls and recommend corrective action.
Ensure all client records and documentation are maintained in accordance with Bank requirements.
Stakeholder Management
Develop and maintain professional relationships with Relationship Managers, Credit Managers, Legal, Recoveries and other stakeholders.
Provide guidance and support on credit governance and risk management matters.
Facilitate constructive engagement with clients regarding breaches, risk concerns and remedial actions.
Influence appropriate risk-based decision making across business units.
Written Communication and Correspondence
Draft formal client correspondence including breach notices, reservation of rights letters, default notices, facility review communications, information requests, Business Rescue correspondence and escalation communications.
Ensure all correspondence is professionally written, technically accurate and aligned with legal and regulatory requirements.
Prepare executive-level risk reports, committee submissions and management recommendations.
Risk Culture and Continuous Improvement
Promote a strong risk and compliance culture across the business.
Identify process improvement opportunities and recommend enhancements.
Benchmark practices against internal policies and industry best practice.
Maintain up-to-date knowledge of relevant legislation, banking regulations and credit risk developments.
Key Competencies – Technical
Commercial Credit Risk Management
Financial Statement Analysis
Covenant Monitoring
Security Structures and Lending Documentation
Business Rescue and Corporate Restructuring
Governance and Regulatory Compliance
Credit Policy Interpretation
Risk Reporting and Portfolio Analysis
Key Competencies – Behavioural
Exceptional attention to detail
Strong analytical and investigative capability
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Sound judgement and decision-making ability
Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
Strong organisational and administrative skills
Ability to challenge constructively and influence stakeholders
Professionalism and integrity
Experience Requirements:
Minimum 5–8 years' experience in Commercial, Corporate or Business Banking Credit Risk.
Experience in monitoring and managing high-risk and distressed credit exposures.
Proven experience in Business Rescue, restructures or turnaround environments.
Experience preparing Credit Committee submissions and executive reporting.
Strong understanding of lending structures, security documentation and credit governance.
Qualifications:
Relevant tertiary qualification in Finance, Commerce, Accounting, Banking, Law or Risk Management.
Credit Management qualification advantageous.
Business Rescue, Insolvency or Restructuring experience highly advantageous.
CA(SA), CFA, CIMA or equivalent would be advantageous but not essential.
Suggested Performance Measures (KPIs):
Excesses within agreed tolerance levels.
Timely completion of annual and interim reviews.
Covenant compliance monitoring completed within SLA.
High-risk account reporting submitted accurately and on time.
Reduction in overdue conditions and expired facilities.
Accuracy of risk reporting and portfolio data.
Timely escalation of material credit risks.
Quality of committee submissions and recommendations.
Compliance with audit and governance requirements.
Effective management of Business Rescue and distressed exposures.
Take note that applications will not be accepted on the below date and onwards, kindly submit applications ahead of the closing date indicated below.
26/07/26
All appointments will be made in line with FirstRand Group’s Employment Equity plan. The Bank supports the recruitment and advancement of individuals with disabilities. In order for us to fulfill this purpose, candidates can disclose their disability information on a voluntary basis. The Bank will keep this information confidential unless we are required by law to disclose this information to other parties.
