Area Segment Manager - SME; FAIS

Empowering Africa’s tomorrow, together…one story at a time.

With over 100 years of rich history and strongly positioned as a local bank with regional and international expertise, a career with our family offers the opportunity to be part of this exciting growth journey, to reset our future and shape our destiny as a proudly African group.

The Area Segment Manager: SME (FAIS) is accountable for leading, coaching, and managing a team of Relationship Executives to deliver sustainable growth, portfolio profitability, and superior client experience across the Small Business segment, with a strong focus on Agriculture and Agri‑related SME portfolios. The role translates Business Unit and Segment strategy into executable regional and portfolio delivery plans, ensuring strong commercial outcomes, disciplined risk management, and full regulatory compliance.

The incumbent plays a critical role in embedding a high‑performance, client‑centric culture, strengthening Absa’s footprint within Agri and rural SME markets, and enabling long‑term, sustainable client relationships.

1. People Leadership & Performance Management

• Lead, coach, and develop a team of SME Relationship Executives, including Agri‑focused portfolios, to achieve agreed financial, sales, and client experience outcomes
  .
• Set clear performance expectations and objectives through the Performance Development process, aligned to SME and Agri portfolio priorities.
• Build colleague capability, engagement, and succession by identifying development needs and enabling targeted coaching
  , particularly in Agri credit, financial analysis, and sector knowledge.
• Foster a high‑performance, inclusive, and accountable team culture aligned to Absa’s values and Agri client service standards.

2. Business & Commercial Management

• Translate Business Unit, SME, and Sector strategy into tactical delivery plans and measurable objectives for the area.
• Drive portfolio growth, profitability, and sustainability across SME and Agriculture‑linked portfolios through effective origination, cross‑sell, and client retention.
• Manage performance against targets, identifying risks and opportunities within Agri portfolios and taking corrective action where required.
• Ensure consistent execution of the SME and Agri Customer Value Proposition (CVP) across the team.
• Balance commercial growth with seasonal Agri cycles, ensuring proactive portfolio planning and coverage.

3. Risk, Compliance & Governance

• Ensure all activities are conducted in line with FAIS, credit, regulatory, and internal governance frameworks
  .
• Embed a strong risk culture with a focus on quality origination, disciplined Agri credit assessment, and proactive portfolio risk management
  .
• Monitor adherence to compliance standards including FICA, NCA, and internal controls
  , particularly within rural and Agri environments.
• Take accountability for audit findings, risk issues, and remediation actions within the area.

4. Client & Customer Experience

• Ensure Relationship Executives deliver a trusted advisory service to SME and Agri clients, aligned to Absa’s relationship‑led banking approach.
• Support complex Agri and SME client engagements, escalations, and solutioning where required.
• Drive client satisfaction, advocacy, and retention through strong relationship coverage, service excellence, and sector understanding.

5. Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement

• Work closely with Credit, Product, Risk, Operations, and Sector Specialists (including Agriculture specialists) to enable effective client solutions.
• Build strong internal partnerships to improve ways of working and reduce friction in the SME and Agri client journey.
• Share market, portfolio, and Agri sector insights to inform decision‑making and continuous improvement.

Bachelors Degree and Professional

Qualifications:

Business, Commerce and Management Studies (Required)

Absa Bank Limited is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. In compliance with the Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998, preference will be given to suitable candidates from designated groups whose appointments will contribute towards achievement of equitable demographic representation of our workforce profile and add to the diversity of the Bank.

Absa Bank Limited reserves the right not to make an appointment to the post as advertised.