Job Opportunities at Yara International

About the Unit

• Based in Brackengate, Western Cape, we are seeking an experienced, knowledgeable, and forward-thinking Credit Risk Manager to lead credit risk management and working capital optimization across our African operations. This is a strategic leadership role responsible for improving cash flow efficiency across all markets and ensuring disciplined credit risk practices that support business growth, resilience, and innovation. The ideal candidate will have a minimum of 3–5 years of experience in the agricultural sector, particularly in fertilizer or input financing, and a strong understanding of credit dynamics at farmer level. This role requires full ownership of the credit and working capital strategy, active participation in M&A projects, leadership in digital risk innovation, and responsibility for regional due diligence and bank partnerships. 

Responsibilities

• Assess and evaluate the creditworthiness of clients and borrowers within the African market, ensuring adherence to credit risk policies and guidelines.
• Develop and implement effective credit risk management strategies and frameworks, aligning with the company's objectives and regulatory requirements.
• Conduct comprehensive credit risk analysis and due diligence on potential borrowers, utilizing financial models and industry-specific risk assessment tools.
• Monitor and continuously assess credit risk exposure across the portfolio, analysing trends and identifying potential risks or areas for improvement.
• Collaborate with various internal teams, including underwriters, finance, and legal, to streamline credit risk processes and ensure consistent decision-making.
• Review and analyse credit documentation, loan agreements, and collateral requirements, ensuring compliance with internal policies and external regulatory guidelines.
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with external stakeholders, including credit rating agencies, banks, regulatory bodies, and other financial institutions.
• Provide guidance and training to teams involved in credit risk activities, ensuring a thorough understanding of credit risk management principles and best practices.
• Monitor and provide regular reports on credit risk metrics, key performance indicators, and portfolio trends to senior management and relevant stakeholders.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, Economics, Business Administration, or a related field. Advanced degree or certifications (e.g., FRM, CFA) are preferred.
• Proven experience in credit risk management within the African market, with a minimum of 3-5 years in a similar role.
• In-depth knowledge of credit risk management principles, methodologies, and regulatory frameworks within the African context.
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills, with the ability to assess complex financial data and make sound credit risk decisions.
• Familiarity with risk assessment tools, credit scoring models, and underwriting practices.
• Excellent understanding of industry-specific credit risk factors and market dynamics in the African market.
• Proficiency in using financial analysis software (DebiTEX), risk management systems, and MS Office applications.

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About the Job

• Yara Africa delivers innovative crop nutrition solutions across the continent, helping farmers increase yields, improve livelihoods, and drive sustainable agricultural growth through strategic partnerships and market-leading fertilizer products.
• Yara Africa, headquartered in Fourways, Gauteng, is seeking a highly experienced and results-oriented Finance Director to lead financial operations across the Africa cluster. This pivotal role will support the execution of business strategy through sound financial management, strategic leadership, and fostering a culture of excellence within the finance function.
• This position reports to the Senior Vice President of Yara Africa.

Responsibilities

• Provide active support to the Africa leadership team in setting the strategic direction for the Africa Cluster.
• Deliver high-quality decision support and financial analysis to Cluster and Regional management, leveraging central expertise where appropriate.
• Lead the cluster’s business planning processes, including fixed cost management and capital project oversight.
• Responsible for timely, compliant and accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reporting for the Africa Cluster.
• Monitor performance against short- and long-term objectives, ensuring alignment with business plans and initiating corrective actions as needed.
• Ensure robust corporate governance and internal controls, maintaining compliance with regulatory standards and Yara’s financial policies across all business units.
• Manage financial risk and governance across inventory, currency, and credit, ensuring robust risk controls and reporting in line with Yara’s procedures across all units in the cluster.
• Support strategic projects and business development initiatives, including the preparation and financial evaluation of investment proposals.
• Relationship management and oversight of interactions with external financial stakeholders, including banks, authorities, and key customers, ensuring full compliance with regulatory and corporate standards.
• Develop team capability through training, dynamic leadership and mentoring.
• Oversee IT related matters supporting in the prioritization of IT projects in the cluster.

Requirements

• Postgraduate degree, Finance/Accounting or relevant postgraduate degree.
• Chartered Accountant preferred.
• CIMA qualification.
• 8 years of professional experience, including experience in business financial controlling.
• Demonstrated professional stability/tenure in senior financial leadership roles, with a strong record of regulatory compliance and ethical governance.
• 3 years experience leading the financial function for a multinational.
• 3 years experience leading financial teams across the rest of Africa.
• Knowledge of the agricultural/fertilizer industry will be an advantage.
• Willingness to travel.
• Applicants must hold a valid South African work permit. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Additional Information

• Excellent MS Office skills with competency in SAP and financial reporting tools.
• Analytical mindset combined with high interpersonal and communication skills.
• Solutions-focused with a passion to challenge established practices and processes and drive improvement.
• Interest and ability to work in a fast changing multi-cultural environment.
• English (fluent written and verbal) skills are necessary. Additional languages are an advantage