Credit Manager (Portfolio Consultant)-Working Capital- CPT at Investec

Description

• The Portfolio Consultant (Credit Manager) partners with the Relationship Manager as part of a deal team to support the growth of the Business and Commercial Banking (BCB) portfolio while ensuring effective credit risk management. The role is responsible for assessing, structuring, and progressing credit opportunities, facility requests, and portfolio-related matters through the credit approval process in a timely, commercial, and risk-conscious manner. Working closely with Credit Analysts, AFIC, and other risk teams, the Credit Manager serves as the first line of credit assessment and risk mitigation, balancing sustainable portfolio growth with sound credit practices.

Responsibilities

• The team is responsible for preparing credit applications relating to facility increases, amendments, covenant breaches, and periodic facility reviews. Support is also provided to the Recoveries team in managing clients experiencing financial distress where required.
• These activities culminate in the development of well-considered credit recommendations, documented in comprehensive credit papers and presented to the relevant Credit Committee, in collaboration with key stakeholders across Credit, Operations, Compliance, and the broader business.
• The specific functions that will be performed as part of this role include –
• Conduct detailed credit assessments, incorporating financial, operational, collateral, shareholder, and industry analysis.
• Prepare and submit high-quality credit papers for facility increases, amendments, reviews, covenant breaches, and other credit-related requests.
• Present and defend credit recommendations to Business & Commercial Banking (BCB) and Group Credit Committees.
• Partner with Relationship Managers to jointly manage client portfolios, supporting client engagement, credit monitoring, and identifying growth opportunities.
• Support the origination and onboarding of new clients into the BCB portfolio.
• Proactively identify signs of client financial distress, escalate concerns appropriately, and support recovery and restructuring efforts where required.
• Ensure compliance with BCB and Group credit policies, procedures, governance requirements, and reporting standards.
• Collaborate with Credit, Risk, Compliance, Operations, and other stakeholders to effectively manage credit risk and deliver on business objectives.
• Balance commercial objectives with prudent risk management by providing practical and commercially sound credit solutions.
• Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including Portfolio Managers, Credit Analysts, senior business leaders, and clients.
• Engage confidently with clients at executive level, including CEOs and CFOs, and navigate complex negotiations and challenging discussions.
• Conduct client visits to strengthen relationships, assess business performance, and gain deeper insight into credit risk profiles.
• Clearly communicate complex credit and commercial matters through concise written recommendations and stakeholder presentations.
• Work independently while contributing effectively within a broader credit and deal team environment.

Qualifications, Experience and Skills

• Minimum of a BCom degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field, with a postgraduate qualification considered advantageous.
• Minimum 3+ years' experience in lending, credit analysis, or credit risk assessment within a commercial or corporate banking environment.
• Strong understanding of commercial and corporate banking products and lending structures, including Trade and Import Finance, Transactional Banking and Overdrafts, Borrowing Base Facilities, Term Lending, and Asset Finance.
• Sound knowledge of credit principles, lending processes, systems, and risk assessment methodologies.
• Strong analytical capability with the ability to interpret financial statements, IFRS reporting, and key financial performance indicators.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct comprehensive financial, industry, and operational analysis to assess creditworthiness and identify key risks.
• Strong financial modelling and forecasting skills, including the ability to develop cash flow forecasts and critically evaluate underlying assumptions.
• Understanding of industry dynamics and macroeconomic factors that influence client performance and credit risk.
• Working knowledge of commercial legal principles, including insolvency, collateral structures, security arrangements, tax considerations, and complex deal structuring.
• Understanding of Basel regulations and AIRB capital frameworks.
• Knowledge of CGIC insurance cover and its application within credit structures.
• Experience supporting clients in sectors such as Mining, Construction, Transportation, Fleet Rental, Aviation, and Agriculture would be advantageous.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint.
• Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to engage credibly with senior decision-makers, including Financial Managers, Finance Directors, and Chief Executive Officers.
• Excellent presentation skills, including experience presenting and defending credit recommendations at Credit Committee level.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex transactions and credit considerations clearly, concisely, and persuasively.