Regional Relationship Manager – SME (Coast)

  • Full Time
  • Nairobi

Website Equity Bank Kenya

Equity Bank Limited (The "Bank”) is incorporated, registered under the Kenyan Companies Act Cap 486 and domiciled in Kenya. The address of the Bank’s registered office is 9th Floor, Equity Centre, P.O. Box 75104 – 00200 Nairobi. The Bank is licensed under the Kenya Banking Act (Chapter 488), a… read morend continues to offer retail banking, microfinance and related services. The Bank has subsidiaries in Kenya, Uganda, South Sudan, Rwanda and Tanzania. Its shares are listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange and Uganda Securities Exchange. Equity Bank was founded as Equity Building Society (EBS) in October 1984 and was originally a provider of mortgage financing for the majority of customers who fell into the low income population. The society’s logo, a modest house with a brown roof, resonates with its target market and their determination to make small but steady gains toward a better life, seeking security and advancement of their dreams. The vast majority of Africans have historically been excluded from access to financial resources. Having been declared technically insolvent in 1993, Equity’s transformation into a rapidly growing microfinance and then a commercial bank is widely considered to be an inspirational success story. Currently, Equity Bank has more than 9 million customers making it the largest bank in terms of customer base in Africa and having nearly half of bank accounts in Kenya. The company’s vision is "to be the champion of the socio-economic prosperity of the people of Africa”. Equity Bank retains a passionate commitment to empowering its clients to transform their lives and livelihoods. Through a business model that is anchored in access, convenience and flexibility, the Bank has evolved to become an all-inclusive financial services provider with a growing pan-African footprint. Equity Bank’s business model and its visionary leadership has continued to earn local, regional and global accolades and recognition. The model is also studied in some of the leading business schools in the world, as other developing countries in Africa and Asia seek to learn from Equity’s low margin, high-volume model. Equity Bank in 2010 established the Equity Group Foundation. This innovation and creative vehicle has fully transformed the concept of philanthropy and corporate social responsibility. While Equity Group Foundation champions the socio-economic transformation of the people of Africa and seeks partnerships along six cluster thematic areas, Equity Bank provides the infrastructure of delivery, hence reducing the operational costs for the Foundation and increasing the rate of return on any social investment. The six social thematic areas of focus are: education and leadership development; financial literacy and access; entrepreneurship; agriculture; health; innovations and environment. Make an enquiry today

Job Purpose:

The role holder will lead the business banking segment and drive development initiatives aligned with the region’s overarching strategy.
They will be accountable for achieving strategic business development targets and cultivating strong relationships with key stakeholders to support the Bank’s long-term goals. As a proactive member of the Bank’s leadership team, they will contribute to the formulation of strategic plans—spanning long, medium, and short-term objectives—aimed at advancing both the Bank’s and departmental success.
They will effectively communicate and align the Bank’s business strategy across all stakeholders, ensuring staff remain motivated and focused on achieving business development objectives.

Key Responsibilities

Business Development:

Develop and implement annual and quarterly financial plans and budgets for the region. 
Manage borrowing and non-borrowing customers in the region to boost customer loyalty, reduce risk of loss, and drive business growth.
Regularly assess and adjust strategic initiatives within the region/segments to ensure effective outcomes.
Lead and direct efforts within the segments to grow the business and achieve set targets in optimal proportions.
Cultivate and strengthen relationships with both existing and potential customers, identifying and sharing market opportunities and insights to guide business and product development.
Lead and conduct regular business visits to bank clients, prospects, and branch/affiliates to foster relationships and drive growth.
Maintain a sustainable, profitable, and high-quality balance sheet by managing key financial metrics.
Enforce cost optimization strategies to maximize resource efficiency and minimize expenses.
Continuously evaluate and enhance customer value propositions for different customer segments.

Market & Customer Service:

Collaborate with regional business stakeholders to develop and implement sales initiatives.
Continuously gather and analyze market intelligence to identify new markets, customer trends, regional government directives, and policy changes.
Represent and promote the Bank as its brand ambassador in all interactions.
Contribute to the development and execution of strategies that strengthen and position the Equity brand within target markets.
Coordinate and lead business banking marketing initiatives to drive awareness and engagement.
Initiate, build, and sustain strategic business partnerships to support long-term growth.
Position Equity Bank Kenya as the preferred banking choice in the market.
Ensure strict adherence to the Bank’s customer service standards and policies.
Drive market share growth in alignment with strategic goals, ensuring profitability, ethical practices, and sustainability.

Audit Risk & Compliance:

Ensure the loan book quality across various segments within the region meets established standards.
Actively participate in the Regional Credit Committee in accordance with policy guidelines.
Enforce adherence to policies and procedures set by regulatory authorities, Equity Bank, and other stakeholders.
Develop and implement effective Business Continuity Plans for each segment.
Drive improvements in audit and risk ratings for the region, ensuring they remain within set thresholds based on key performance indicators.
Communicate and clearly articulate the Bank’s risk and control environment to unit staff, ensuring a strong understanding and adherence.

People Management:

Leverage existing competencies and create new ones to secure a competitive advantage.
Ensure the recruitment and retention of skilled human resources to deliver exceptional service, achieve targets, and optimize business efficiency.
Manage succession planning at the segment level, ensuring competent successors are in place for key positions to ensure business continuity and effective cost management.
Mentor and coach staff to build their capacity and enhance performance in their assigned roles.
Provide career guidance, offer learning opportunities, and assign tasks that support engagement and career development.
Foster a positive work environment by maintaining high morale and keeping staff motivated across the region.
Set clear performance expectations and conduct timely performance evaluations to maintain high performance standards.
Conduct weekly performance review meetings with Business Banking officers in the region to monitor progress and address concerns.
Drive regional staff growth and development by identifying talent and aligning them with appropriate opportunities.
Identify staffing gaps and advise the Regional RM Business on the optimal deployment of staff across branches.
Ensure compliance with HR policies in the management of employees.

Performance & Reporting:

Optimize the Bank’s Management Information System to effectively manage staff performance.
Ensure the proper segmentation of the Bank’s client database and implement targeted marketing strategies across various business segments.
Submit relevant and timely reports to key stakeholders to support informed decision-making.
Perform any additional duties as assigned by the line manager.

Qualifications

Qualifications and Experiences

Bachelor’s degree in business administration, finance, or a related field. 
At least eight (8) years of experience in commercial credit, financial analysis, or banking, four (4) years of which must be as a Business Client Advisor or similar role.

Key Competencies & Skills

Strong understanding of organizational effectiveness and operations management.
Proven experience in budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning.
Exceptional leadership and management abilities.
Skilled in developing, implementing, and reviewing policies and procedures.
Expertise in overseeing budgeting, reporting, planning, and auditing processes.
In-depth knowledge of relevant legal and regulatory requirements.
Proficient in identifying and addressing challenges and opportunities for the company.
Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
Outstanding organizational and time-management abilities.

Apply Through:

equitybank.taleo.net

To apply for this job please visit equitybank.taleo.net.