Relationship Manager, Structured Trade Finance

Role Overview

The Relationship Manager, Structured Trade Finance, develops and manages financing solutions for corporate and larger SME customers, overseeing each transaction from origination through repayment and closure. The role combines customer growth with close control of credit, collateral, documentation and operational risks, helping the Bank expand its trade finance business responsibly.

Key Responsibilities

• Grow and manage the structured trade finance portfolio in line with the Bank’s business priorities, risk appetite and profitability objectives; identify prospective customers, sectors and markets.
• Build relationships with corporate and larger SME clients, financial institutions and trade-sector partners, and design financing proposals that meet customer needs while providing appropriate security and risk protection.
• Originate, structure, negotiate and execute trade-backed lending, receivables finance, supply chain finance and collateral-managed facilities, coordinating approvals, documentation, disbursement, reconciliation and closure.
• Work with Business, Credit, Trade Finance Operations, Legal, Compliance and Collateral Management teams, as well as warehouse operators, inspectors, insurers and other service providers, to ensure transactions are implemented correctly.
• Monitor customer performance, facility utilisation, stock movements, collateral values, insurance cover and covenant compliance; investigate exceptions and recommend timely remedial action.
• Support credit assessments, annual reviews and renewals with transaction analysis, collateral assessments, portfolio reporting and insights on emerging risks.
• Maintain accurate portfolio records and management reports, and support audits, regulatory reviews and compliance checks by providing information and following through on corrective actions.
• Advise colleagues on structured trade finance products and controls, deliver knowledge-sharing sessions, and identify improvements to products, processes, turnaround times and customer service.

Requirements & Qualifications

• At least five years of banking experience, including a minimum of three years in a trade finance middle- or back-office role with hands-on exposure to structured trade finance products.
• Bachelor’s degree in a business-related discipline.
• Certified Documentary Credit Specialist (CDCS) qualification.
• ACIB, CPA, CPS or AKIB qualification is an added advantage.
• Strong working knowledge of international trade finance rules and standards, including UCP, ISBP and ISP, as well as relevant International Chamber of Commerce guidance.
• Practical understanding of structured trade and commodity finance, collateral management and international trade finance instruments.
• Knowledge of Central Bank of Kenya prudential lending guidelines, relevant capital markets and Nairobi Securities Exchange instruments, and applicable Central Bank regulations.
• Financial analysis capability, intermediate credit skills and a sound understanding of corporate and SME banking.
• Clear communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to market and negotiate financing solutions and make considered decisions.
• Careful, quality-focused approach and the ability to manage competing priorities and work effectively under pressure.