Role/person specification

Qualification

A university degree in a relevant discipline, post graduate qualifications will be an added advantage.

Preferred Experience

• At least 5 years of Banking / Financial Services experience out of which at least 3 years in branch management with a good track record of performance.
  
• Prior experience in the banking industry; including experience in supervisory or managerial positions.
  

Knowledge and Skills

• Strong leadership, managerial, and interpersonal skills necessary to effectively lead and motivate teams, collaborate with stakeholders, and drive change within the branch.
  
• Strong leadership and Managerial Skills.
  
• Demonstrate effective communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and the capacity to motivate and develop staff.
  
• A solid understanding of financial products and services offered by the bank.
  
• knowledgeable about lending procedures, investment options, regulatory compliance, risk management, and customer relationship management.
  
• A solid track record of achieving sales targets, & the ability to drive sales and deliver excellent sales targets set by the bank.
  
• A good understanding of banking regulations, compliance requirements, and risk management practices to ensure that the branch operates within legal and ethical boundaries.
  
• Up-to-date knowledge of competitor and market activity in the local area
  
• Detailed working knowledge of operational and credit risk policies and procedures for both Retail and Business Banking segments.
  

Business Growth: Time Split 60%

• Implement business strategic initiatives and create ownership of the branch performance targets. Agree on branch execution plans/strategies and ensure they are aligned to the Banks overall strategy- Growth, Transformation, and Returns.
  
• Diligently monitor branch business performance and make adjustments to the execution strategies accordingly.
  
• Manage branch portfolio risks in line with the bank’s portfolio appetite.
  
• In conjunction with the regional manager and products development, conduct product review and product development through constant feedback from the market.
  
• Collaborate and coordinate the development and implementation of sales initiatives with other business functions such as CIB, Asset Finance, Bancassurance, and Lead generation team to maximize cross-selling opportunities.
  
• Conduct market intelligence to identify new market opportunities, customer trends, existing geographical strength, emerging government directives, and changes in policy by regulators.
  
• Manage borrowing and non-borrowing accounts in the branch to enhance customer loyalty and retention.
  
• Harness existing staff potential and create new competencies in order to achieve competitive advantage.
  
• Lead the branch team to achieve its customer retention objectives, Transaction migrations from the counter to alternate channels, balance sheet growth goals, and acquisitions. Support will include Achieving branch sales targets as well as participating in and leading sales activations
  
• Establish firm relationships with the Top 200 clients and business influencers in the local area.
  
• Provide regular feedback to staff (individual/corporate) on performance (Sales, NPS, etc.).
  
• Provide clear direction and guidance to branch staff on business objectives, translating and prioritizing them into business performance measures at the branch level.
  
• Ensure proper controls, processes & procedures are adhered to at all times as per the laid down Absa bank policies.
  
• At all times, ensure the branch is opened and closed as per the approved regulatory timelines. Operations staff are ready and equipped to serve customers. This includes opening and closing branch batches on the core banking system.
  
• The branch must maintain the look and feel as per Absa bank standards.
  
• Ensure that Absa Bank’s policies are adhered to at all times when handling different products and solutions. Ensure adherence to all KYC & AML processes with regards to New to Bank business and acceptable TAT/Accuracy is observed at all times.
  
• Ensure all relevant system reports are printed, appropriately reviewed, signed off on a timely basis, and filed as per Absa Records Management policy.
  
• Ensure you and your team remain alert to the risk of financial crime and assist in the Banks efforts in combating it by adhering to the key principles in relation to: positively identifying your customers, knowing your customer, reporting suspicions, obtaining correct supporting documents in regard to LCT/OTT/FX Trades, safeguarding records and not disclosing suspicions to customers.
  
• In conjunction with the Branch Operation Lead - BOL, you are responsible for strict cost management in the branch by reviewing all service provider quotations before the work can proceed. In addition, BOL must conduct regular reviews of the following cost elements:
  • Branch expenditure.
    
  • Equipment maintenance.
    
  • Overtime approvals.
    
  • Stationery consumption, telephones, electricity, water, travel, etc.
    
  • Staff costs
    
  • Sundry losses
    
• Ensure compliance with operational, Security, controls and process risks requirements to avoid losses and prevent fraud arising from operational lapses, and to protect Bank and customer assets.
  
• Ensure that the branch achieves a minimum satisfactory audit rating through continuous assessment and prompt closure of all audit exceptions sighted.
  
• Ensure that relevant approvals for all transactions are sorted at all times as guided in the laid down policies.