Head, Credit Origination

Head, Credit Origination

Standard Bank Group 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.

Responsible for leading the Credit origination team in proactively originating, assessing, structuring, and supporting the execution of structured debt and lending solutions for Business and Commercial Banking clients.  The roleholder partners closely with Relationship Managers and product teams to deliver tailored financing solutions, drive revenue growth, enhance portfolio quality, and ensure a seamless client credit experience.  

Credit Origination and Deal Structuring

• Identify, originate, and structure tailored credit and financing solutions for clients across Business and Commercial Banking.
• Lead the assessment and structuring of lending transactions to ensure commercially viable and risk-aligned solutions.
• Participate in deal negotiations, structuring discussions, and business assessment forums to support effective decision-making.

Credit Analysis and Risk Management

• Conduct comprehensive financial, credit, industry, and market analysis to assess transaction viability.
• Identify emerging risks, portfolio vulnerabilities, and early warning indicators to support proactive risk management.
• Conduct due diligence and integrity assessments to mitigate credit, operational, and reputational risks.  

Stakeholder and Client Management

• Work closely with Relationship Managers to understand client needs and develop optimal financing solutions.
• Build strong partnerships with Legal, Risk, Compliance, Product, and Operations teams to facilitate seamless deal execution. Engage external stakeholders including valuers, legal advisors, and other professional service providers where required.

Business Growth and Market Development

• Contribute to structured debt product growth through proactive pipeline development and market penetration.
• Provide insights on target sectors, client opportunities, and growth strategies.
• Keep abreast of market trends, industry developments, and economic changes that may impact clients and portfolios. Support revenue growth through effective origination and conversion of quality transactions.  
• Build front-line credit capability through coaching Relationship Managers on credit analysis, financial assessment, and deal structuring.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Business, Commerce, Finance, Economics, Accounting, Banking, or a related field. Postgraduate qualification in a business or finance-related discipline will be an added advantage.  
• Professional Banking Qualification, Credit/Risk Management Qualification, or a recognized professional certification such as ACCA, CPA, CIMA, ACIB, AKIB, CA, or equivalent.  
• Minimum of 8 years' relevant banking experience. At least 5-7 years of experience in credit origination, corporate banking, business banking, or structured finance.
• Proven track record in credit analysis, financial assessment, lending transactions, and deal structuring.
• Experience partnering with Relationship Managers and influencing client outcomes through innovative financing solutions.
• Exposure to credit evaluation within Commercial Banking or Corporate Banking environments is highly desirable.  

Behavioural Competencies:

• Strategic thinker with strong commercial judgement.
• Results-oriented with a proactive and solution-driven mindset.
• Demonstrates integrity, accountability, and sound professional judgement.
• Strong leadership and coaching capabilities.

Technical Competencies:

• Strong credit analysis and financial modelling capabilities.
• Deep understanding of corporate lending, structured finance, and risk management principles.
• Advanced commercial and business acumen.
• Strong negotiation, influencing, and stakeholder management skills.
• Knowledge of banking regulations, compliance frameworks, and governance standards.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities.