Specialist: External Sales Islamic Banking - Klerksdorp at Absa Group Limited (Absa)

Job Description

Planning and Growth

• Develop a regional strategy in conjunction with regional stakeholders for business acquisition and growth in the  Islamic markets
• Develop outcomes based business (sales & service) plans, presenting activities and pipeline across different business matrices (e.g. Schemes penetration, BU collaboration (Retail, Relationship Banking, Public Sector) & hybrid sales)
• Own & achieve  allocated regional performance targets for the Islamic Banking portfolio of External Sales across B2B, B2C and P2P (Full Team Accountability)
• Coordinate team capability to deliver multichannel Islamic sales strategies
• Develop strategic business relationships both internally and externally to drive key business acquisition growth  and retention objectives in respective markets
• Identify, plan and actively participate in opportunities and as an ambassador of Absa be representative at assigned external sales initiatives/engagements areas e.g. Universities, TVETS, Schools, Public Forums, major events and festivals, etc. 
• Improving overall performance through active management of sales by ensuring high levels of lead generation, execution and cross selling.
• Proactively attract new to bank clients in support of market share growth by driving external sales opportunities and converting leads/sales in targeted market
• Actively drive, support and maintain customer portfolios through effective collaborative (internal & external) customer relationship management and cross-sell and service solutions.
• Proactively identify cross sell opportunities partnering with colleagues to deliver these effectively in the assigned area
• Actively monitor, and take accountability, for own sales and service performance across the region and proactively identify opportunities to improve sales and service delivery, or enlist coaching and support where necessary
• Perform environmental scanning and keep abreast of developments impacting defined area to ensure proactive responses and relevance
• Establish networks within the defined area/portfolio to enlist opportunities for Absa presence at key events and forums in line with the regional or area plans
• Execute on Islamic Market sales campaigns and initiatives in partnership with regional and Head Office teams e.g. Student Intake, RB School and Islamic Banking Strategies,
• Periodically review the customer value proposition (product mix, pricing) and make recommendations to Head Office in support of improved sales, customer retention and market competitiveness respective targeted markets.
• As part of sales activities, collate, post-assessment of regional activities (internal and external), and provides insightful feedback to drive and inform enhancements in sales and service
• Implement a customer portfolio based plan to drive cross-sell, channel migration and relationship management in alignment with Regional business objectives
• Pro-actively schedule client engagement appointment based on customer assessment, needs analysis and sales opportunities
• Effective Time Management through daily sales planning, sales monitoring, sales activities and pipeline growth
• Ensure you act in line with the PC Sales Disciplines and New Ways of Work Framework

Customer and Stakeholder Management

• Apply high quality of after-sales care and relationship management to all new and existing customers, within portfolio/area
• Remain attuned to customer feedback and provide relevant and insightful feedback to ES team leader
• Translate customer feedback into actionable insights and relevant recommendations for further External Sales activities and also for assigned branches and areas
• Proactively engage customers on needs analysis, as well as, products and services and then enable the delivery of an end-to-end client solution through a thorough understanding of Absa products, Sharia’h compliance and channels
• Execute holistic service and customer experience for all clients aligned to the overall PC sales and service principles and methodology 
• Plan and participate in client engagement routines for improved sales and service delivery
• Actively coach, educate and develop customers on products and services within the assigned portfolio
• Professionally represent and act as a Brand Ambassador for the Absa business in all (internal and external) engagements/activities
• Manage customer experience feedback (complaints and other) and ensure effective resolution at first point of contact or within SLA
• Consistent engagement with active participation, in internal and external stakeholder engagements, supported by effective two-way communication, and feedback processes
• Prepare, analyse and present performance reporting to stakeholders in support of delivery of business objectives

Colleague

• Plan and execute External Sales Student and Youth activities by liaising closely with team and internal stakeholder members
• Monitor Islamic Banking Sales Performance and support peers towards attainment of Team performance 
• Identify process efficiencies and share best practices in the External Sales team 
• Proactively network & research to stay current on key areas of expertise 
• Live the Absa Values and support colleague  engagement through positive and collaborative team behaviour

Risk and Regulatory Management

• Ensure the mitigation of all External Sales related operational and business risks, and that processes are adhered to in compliance with all Absa's policies and procedures at all times
• Ensure that all sales tools are optimally managed, including software updates, operational requirements and ready to work procedures
• Understand and manage risks and risk events (incidents) relevant to the role, and proactively escalate to Line Management to support risk mitigation
• Keep updated of all regulatory requirements and changes and where relevant in branch awareness through aligned sales activity, sales and service reporting and migration planning

Education

• National Diplomas and Advanced Certificates: Accounting (Required), National Diplomas and Advanced Certificates: Banking (Required), National Diplomas and Advanced Certificates: Marketing (Required)