Product Head: Documentary Trade

Job Purpose

To lead and drive the Documentary Trade product strategy and execution across markets and client segments, ensuring sustainable revenue growth, strong risk management, and a differentiated client proposition. This role is accountable for shaping and scaling the documentary trade franchise through strategic product leadership, market expansion, and end-to-end value chain ownership, while delivering against financial, client, and operational objectives.

Job Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Franchise Growth

• Define and execute the documentary trade product strategy across key markets, sectors, and client segments.


• Identify and unlock growth opportunities across corridors, industries, and client ecosystems.


• Position the bank as a leading documentary trade provider through innovation, competitiveness, and client relevance.


• Monitor market trends, competitor activity, and regulatory developments to inform strategic direction.

Product & Commercial Ownership

• Own and manage the product P&L, including revenue growth, cost management, and returns optimisation.


• Drive commercial performance through pricing, structuring, and deal origination support


• Develop and execute business cases and investment priorities aligned to strategic objectives.


• Ensure effective product governance, risk management, and regulatory compliance.

Client & Market Delivery

• Partner with Coverage, Product Sales, and key stakeholders to drive client acquisition, retention, and wallet growth.


• Ensure the product offering addresses client pain points across trade cycles, delivering practical and scalable solutions


• Support key client engagements and complex transactions, providing expert product leadership


• Deliver a client-centric value proposition that balances service, risk, and profitability.

Product Development & Innovation

• Lead the development and enhancement of documentary trade solutions across letters of credit, standby letters of credit, guarantees, and documentary collections.


• Drive digitisation, process efficiency, and platform integration to improve client and operational outcomes.


• Ensure product capabilities remain competitive, scalable, and aligned to market needs.

Stakeholder Management

• Collaborate closely with Product Managers & Product Sales, Coverage teams, and Legal, Risk, and Compliance.


• Build strong internal partnerships to ensure seamless execution and delivery across the value chain.


• Influence key stakeholders to support product priorities and client outcomes.

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead and develop a high-performing team, fostering a culture of accountability, ownership, and excellence.


• Drive capability building across product, sales, and broader stakeholder groups.


• Contribute to broader business strategy and leadership initiatives.

Essential Qualifications - NQF Level

Preferred Qualification

MBA or relevant Master’s degree

Minimum Experience Level

• Significant experience in trade finance / documentary trade within a banking environment


• Proven track record in product management, strategy execution, and revenue delivery


• Demonstrated experience managing or influencing product P&L performance

Technical / Professional Knowledge

Behavioural Competencies

Employment Equity Statement

Preference will be given to indviduals from underrepresented groups.