Head of Credit

Job Summary:

The Head of Credit is responsible for overseeing all credit and lending activities of the organization. This includes developing and enforcing credit policies, managing the credit approval process, minimizing credit risk, ensuring portfolio quality, and driving sustainable loan growth. The ideal candidate will bring strong leadership, analytical, and decision-making skills to support sound credit risk practices and drive business performance.

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Key Responsibilities:

1. Credit Strategy & Leadership
• Develop and implement the organization’s credit strategy in line with overall business goals.
• Lead and manage the credit department, including credit analysts, officers, and risk teams.
• Set targets, KPIs, and performance metrics for the credit unit.

2. Credit Policy & Risk Management
• Design, review, and update credit policies, procedures, and risk frameworks.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory guidelines and internal policies.
• Oversee the credit risk rating process, loan origination, underwriting, and monitoring.
• Identify early warning signs of default and ensure prompt action on delinquent accounts.

3. Credit Assessment & Approval
• Review and approve large or sensitive credit applications beyond operational limits.
• Provide expert guidance to credit officers and relationship managers.
• Ensure thorough risk assessment for new clients and loan renewals.

4. Portfolio Management & Reporting
• Monitor the overall health of the loan portfolio, including default trends, NPL ratio, and sector exposures.
• Analyze portfolio performance and prepare monthly/quarterly reports for senior management and the board.
• Recommend risk mitigation strategies where necessary.

5. Stakeholder Engagement
• Liaise with regulators, auditors, rating agencies, and key partners on credit-related matters.
• Provide training and mentorship to junior credit staff and relationship teams.

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Qualifications & Experience:
• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Economics, Accounting, or a related field (Master’s degree or MBA preferred).
• Professional certifications in credit analysis, risk management (e.g., CFA, CRM, ACCA) are a plus.
• Minimum of 7–10 years of progressive experience in credit or risk management, with at least 3 years in a senior leadership role.
• Proven knowledge of credit risk assessment, loan structuring, collections, and regulatory compliance.
• Experience in banking, microfinance, fintech, or financial services is highly desirable.

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Key Skills & Competencies:
• Strong analytical and financial modeling skills.
• Excellent leadership and team management abilities.
• Deep understanding of credit markets and risk frameworks.
• Strong communication and decision-making skills.
• High integrity and sound judgment.