JOB DETAILS:
Job Purpose
The Head of Credit & Investment is responsible for overseeing the bank's Credit & Investment operations, managing credit & Investment risk and ensuring the quality of the portfolio. This role requires an experienced credit & Investment professional with a strong background in credit analysis, risk assessment, and portfolio management. The Head of Credit will lead the credit management team, develop credit policies, and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities
• Develop and implement credit & Investment risk management strategies and policies.
• Oversee the evaluation of credit & Investment applications, ensuring thorough analysis of financial statements, cash flow, collateral, and other relevant factors.

• Manage the bank’s investment portfolio to ensure a balanced and healthy mix of credit exposures.
• Develop and update credit policies, procedures, and guidelines in line with regulatory requirements and industry best practices.

• Lead, mentor, and develop the credit & Investment team to achieve high performance and professional growth.

• Collaborate with other departments, such as business development, risk management, and operations, to ensure alignment and effective credit risk management.

• Prepare and present regular reports on credit portfolio performance, risk exposure, and key metrics to senior management and the board.

Specific Activities
Credit Risk Management
• Develop and implement credit risk management strategies and policies.
• Conduct thorough credit risk assessments and approve credit facilities within delegated authority limits.

• Monitor the credit portfolio to identify and mitigate potential risks.

Credit Analysis and Approval
• Oversee the evaluation of credit applications, ensuring thorough analysis of financial statements, cash flow, collateral, and other relevant factors.
• Make credit decisions or recommendations to the credit committee based on detailed analysis and risk assessment.

Portfolio Management
• Manage the bank’s Credit portfolio to ensure a balanced and healthy mix of credit exposures.
• Monitor and review existing credit facilities to ensure compliance with approved terms and conditions.

• Implement strategies to minimize non-performing Investments (NPIs) and maximize recoveries.

Policy Development and Compliance
• Develop and update credit policies, procedures, and guidelines in line with regulatory requirements and industry best practices.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant laws, regulations, and internal policies.

Team Leadership and Development
• Lead, mentor, and develop the credit team to achieve high performance and professional growth.
• Set clear performance objectives and conduct regular performance reviews.

• Foster a collaborative and supportive work environment.

Stakeholder Management
• Collaborate with other departments, such as business development, risk management, and operations, to ensure alignment and effective credit risk management.
• Liaise with external stakeholders, including regulators, auditors, and credit rating agencies.
• Reporting and Analysis
• Prepare and present regular reports on credit portfolio performance, risk exposure, and key metrics to senior management and the board.
• Conduct periodic stress testing and scenario analysis to evaluate the resilience of the credit portfolio.

Financial Responsibility
• Provide financial insights for the development of new credit products and services.
• Ensure that new products are financially viable and meet market demand.
• Ensure that the bank’s credit portfolio achieves an optimal balance between risk and return.
• Implement pricing strategies that reflect the risk profile of borrowers and market conditions.
• Advise on the efficient allocation of capital to different segments of the credit portfolio.
• Ensure that capital is deployed in a manner that maximizes returns while minimizing risk.
• Ensure accurate recording and reporting of all credit-related financial transactions.
• Collaborate on financial audits and reviews.

Person Specification
Education, Training, Skills & Experience Education & Training
• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Business Administration, Islamic Finance or a related field.
• Islamic Banking training and product knowledge is preferred.

Skills & Experience
• At least 8 years’ work experience, five of which should be in Senior Credit roles, in a busy commercial setting preferably a financial services institution.
• Proven track record of managing credit risk and a diverse investment portfolio.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent analytical, decision-making, and problem-solving abilities.
• In-depth knowledge of credit risk assessment methodologies, financial analysis, and regulatory requirements.
• Proficiency in credit management software and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Business Behaviors
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities.
• Superior communication and interpersonal skills.
• High level of integrity and ethical standards.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.