Relationship Executive - Small Business Agri Sales(FAIS) at Absa South Africa

Job Summary

• Optimise the profit and economic value of a portfolio of Small Business key account clients — with a particular focus on clients within the Agricultural sector — who require low to medium complexity commercial banking solutions.

The role focuses on:

• origination efforts to acquire new clients;
• cross-selling and deepening relationships within the existing client base; and
• providing dedicated relationship coverage and tailored financial solutions in line with the Small Business segment’s Customer Value Proposition (CVP).
• While the primary focus will be on clients in the Agri market, the portfolio may include clients from other sectors as required.

Job Description

Relationship Management

• Act as the primary relationship owner for clients, serving as their central point of contact for all commercial and investment banking needs.
• Build strong, long-term relationships with clients in the Agricultural sector, understanding their unique business cycles, financing needs, and market dynamics.
• Engage regularly with clients to identify opportunities to support business growth and sustainability through the bank’s products and services.

Client Solutioning

• Take overall accountability for service delivery by coordinating across the cross-functional team — including Transactional Banking, Credit, Client Control, Client Service, and Product/Sector specialists.
• Develop bespoke financial solutions suited to the agricultural value chain (e.g., working capital, asset finance, seasonal facilities, and risk management products).
• Ensure all solutions align with both client requirements and the bank’s risk appetite and profitability goals.

Portfolio & Risk Management

• Manage the risk profile of the client portfolio through regular assessments, monitoring, and proactive engagement.
• Maintain a sound understanding of the bank’s regulatory and compliance frameworks as well as industry-specific legislation affecting the agricultural sector.
• Ensure timely credit reviews, compliance checks, and risk mitigation strategies are implemented.

Business Development & Growth

• Identify and pursue new business opportunities within the agricultural value chain (e.g., primary producers, processors, agri-input suppliers, and agri-related SMEs).
• Leverage internal and external networks to grow the portfolio and enhance the bank’s footprint in the Agri market.
• Drive client acquisition and retention by delivering on the segment’s CVP and maintaining high client satisfaction levels.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Collaborate with internal partners and external stakeholders to strengthen the bank’s position in the market.
• Provide insights on market trends, sector performance, and policy changes impacting the agricultural sector.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Commerce, Finance, Agriculture, or related field (preferred).
• 3–5 years’ experience in relationship management or business banking, with exposure to agricultural or commercial client portfolios.
• Strong understanding of credit principles, financial analysis, and risk management.
• Proven track record in client acquisition, cross-selling, and portfolio growth.

Competencies

• Deep understanding of the agricultural sector, including value chains and seasonal business cycles.
• Strong client relationship and stakeholder management skills.
• Sound commercial acumen with the ability to identify growth opportunities.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills.
• Proactive, solution-oriented mindset with attention to detail.

Education

• Bachelors Degree and Professional Qualifications: Business, Commerce and Management Studies (Required)

End Date: October 5, 2026