Manager, High Value Solutions and Recoveries

Standard Bank is a leading Africa-focused financial services group, and an innovative player on the global stage, that offers a variety of career-enhancing opportunities – plus the chance to work alongside some of the sector’s most talented, motivated professionals. Our clients range from individuals, to businesses of all sizes, high net worth families and large multinational corporates and institutions. We’re passionate about creating growth in Africa. Bringing true, meaningful value to our clients and the communities we serve and creating a real sense of purpose for you.

To lead and manage complex litigation, debt recovery, restructuring and rehabilitation matters within a portfolio of high-value distressed clients. The role is responsible for developing and executing legally sound recovery strategies that protect the organisation’s legal position, minimise credit losses and ensure compliance with all applicable legislation and governance frameworks.

The incumbent will provide specialist legal advice to internal stakeholders, manage external legal service providers, and remain current with developments in relevant case law and regulatory requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead litigation and recovery strategies for high-value distressed client portfolios.
• Negotiate settlements and restructuring agreements to optimise recovery outcomes.
• Protect the organisation’s legal position through sound legal risk management.
• Manage and oversee external legal counsel and service providers.
• Provide specialist legal guidance to internal stakeholders across risk and credit functions.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant legislation, governance standards and internal policies.

Minimum Qualifications

• Postgraduate Degree in Law (Bachelor of Laws)
• Admitted Attorney of the High Court
• Relevant professional legal membership in good standing

Minimum Experience Required

• At least 7 years’ proven experience providing legal advice within the legal and/or financial services sectors.
• Demonstrated experience managing complex litigation and high-value debt recovery matters, including restructuring and rehabilitation processes.
• Proven experience in drafting, reviewing, vetting, negotiating and disseminating legal documentation.
• Demonstrated ability to identify, assess and mitigate legal and credit risk.
• Minimum 5 years’ people management or leadership experience, which may include leading cross-functional teams, managing panels of attorneys, or overseeing external  legal service providers.
• Strong understanding of the legal and regulatory environment applicable to credit, collections and recoveries.

Behavioural Competencies

• Strategic Thinking
• Sound Judgement and Decision Making
• Influencing and Negotiation
• Leadership and Stakeholder Management
• Analytical Thinking

Technical Competencies

• Litigation Management
• Debt Recovery and Restructuring
• Legal Risk Assessment and Mitigation
• Regulatory and Governance Knowledge
• Financial and Credit Risk Acumen