Head of SME Business

Position Title: Head of SME Business

Employment Nature: Full-time

Remuneration: Kshs. 150,000 – 200,000

Location: Ngong Road, Nairobi

Strategic Overview

We are seeking a high-caliber Head of SME Business to lead our expansion within the Small and Medium Enterprise sector. This pivotal role is designed for a strategic leader who can balance aggressive market penetration with rigorous risk management. You will be tasked with architecting the SME business roadmap, driving both the lending and deposit sides of the balance sheet, and fostering a high-performance sales culture. The successful candidate will leverage their deep industry knowledge to identify new market opportunities and build sustainable, profitable relationships with key stakeholders.

Core Responsibilities

Strategic Direction & Market Growth

• Architect and execute a robust SME business strategy that aligns with the organization’s long-term commercial objectives.

• Spearhead the acquisition of new SME clients while deepening existing relationships to increase wallet share.

• Identify and evaluate new market niches, innovative product offerings, and strategic partnerships to enhance brand presence.

• Monitor financial performance against budgets, ensuring cost efficiency and overall segment profitability.

Lending Operations & Portfolio Oversight

• Direct the SME lending function, driving loan book growth while maintaining superior asset quality.

• Enforce stringent credit policies and risk management frameworks to mitigate potential losses.

• Rigorously monitor portfolio health, including PAR (Portfolio at Risk), NPLs (Non-Performing Loans), and provisioning levels.

• Collaborate with the risk and compliance departments to ensure all lending activities meet regulatory and internal audit standards.

Deposit Mobilization & Leadership

• Lead aggressive initiatives to grow SME deposits and diversify the institution's funding base.

• Design and launch innovative deposit products specifically tailored to the unique cash flow needs of SME clients.

• Mentor and develop a high-performing team of relationship managers, setting clear KPIs and fostering a culture of accountability.

• Act as the final escalation point for complex client needs, ensuring an exceptional customer experience and high retention rates.

Professional Specifications

Educational & Tenure Requirements

• Education: Degree in Business, Finance, Economics, or a related field; an MBA is considered a significant advantage.

• Experience: Minimum of 7–10 years of expertise in SME banking, microfinance, or business development.

• Leadership: Proven track record of managing and leading successful sales or relationship management teams.

• Technical Knowledge: Profound understanding of SME lending, detailed credit analysis, and modern risk management practices.

Key Competencies

• Strategic Acumen: Ability to translate market trends into actionable business strategies.

• People Management: Exceptional leadership skills with a focus on coaching and talent development.

• Relationship Building: Strong networking capabilities with the ability to engage at the executive level.

• Compliance Mindset: High level of integrity and a strong commitment to regulatory adherence.

Value Proposition

• Strategic Impact: Play a defining role in the organization’s growth and the success of the regional SME ecosystem.

• Competitive Package: A gross salary of Kshs. 150,000 – 200,000 plus performance-linked incentives.

• Professional Standing: Lead a vital business unit in a high-growth financial environment.

If you possess the strategic vision and technical expertise required for this leadership mandate, please submit your updated CV for the "Head of SME Business - Ngong Road" position. Ensure your experience in portfolio management and deposit mobilization is clearly evidenced. Apply today to lead our SME division into its next phase of growth.