Area Segment Manager - SME (FAIS)

Key Accountabilities

1. People Leadership & Performance Management

• Lead, coach, and develop a team of SME Relationship Executives, including Agri‑focused portfolios, to achieve agreed financial, sales, and client experience outcomes.
• Set clear performance expectations and objectives through the Performance Development process, aligned to SME and Agri portfolio priorities.
• Build colleague capability, engagement, and succession by identifying development needs and enabling targeted coaching, particularly in Agri credit, financial analysis, and sector knowledge.
• Foster a high‑performance, inclusive, and accountable team culture aligned to Absa’s values and Agri client service standards.

2. Business & Commercial Management

• Translate Business Unit, SME, and Sector strategy into tactical delivery plans and measurable objectives for the area.
• Drive portfolio growth, profitability, and sustainability across SME and Agriculture‑linked portfolios through effective origination, cross‑sell, and client retention.
• Manage performance against targets, identifying risks and opportunities within Agri portfolios and taking corrective action where required.
• Ensure consistent execution of the SME and Agri Customer Value Proposition (CVP) across the team.
• Balance commercial growth with seasonal Agri cycles, ensuring proactive portfolio planning and coverage.

3. Risk, Compliance & Governance

• Ensure all activities are conducted in line with FAIS, credit, regulatory, and internal governance frameworks.
• Embed a strong risk culture with a focus on quality origination, disciplined Agri credit assessment, and proactive portfolio risk management.
• Monitor adherence to compliance standards including FICA, NCA, and internal controls, particularly within rural and Agri environments.
• Take accountability for audit findings, risk issues, and remediation actions within the area.

4. Client & Customer Experience

• Ensure Relationship Executives deliver a trusted advisory service to SME and Agri clients, aligned to Absa’s relationship‑led banking approach.
• Support complex Agri and SME client engagements, escalations, and solutioning where required.
• Drive client satisfaction, advocacy, and retention through strong relationship coverage, service excellence, and sector understanding.

5. Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement

• Work closely with Credit, Product, Risk, Operations, and Sector Specialists (including Agriculture specialists) to enable effective client solutions.
• Build strong internal partnerships to improve ways of working and reduce friction in the SME and Agri client journey.
• Share market, portfolio, and Agri sector insights to inform decision‑making and continuous improvement.