Credit Manager- SME

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

Job Summary

At Absa, we're committed to empowering small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to grow and thrive. We’re looking for an experienced SME Credit Manager to join our team and support our business and agri-portfolio clients through high-quality credit decisions and proactive risk management.
In this hybrid role, you'll manage a diverse portfolio across Gauteng and Limpopo, helping unlock growth opportunities through responsible and innovative credit solutions. You’ll play a critical role in the credit lifecycle—conducting comprehensive risk assessments and ensuring alignment with internal policies and external regulations, ultimately driving shared growth for our Growth Business clients.

Job Description

What you’ll be doing:

• Manage a portfolio of SME clients with turnover ranging from R0 to R50 million, across Gauteng and Limpopo.

• Assess and approve or decline credit applications (up to R10 million per transaction) across various facilities, including:

  • Commercial asset finance

  • Commercial property finance

  • Overdrafts

  • Term loans

• Conduct affordability and risk assessments based on account conduct, financial information, credit bureau reports, cash flow, and contractual obligations.

• Apply credit risk models using SAS infrastructure to determine Probability of Default (PD), Exposure at Default (EAD), and Loss Given Default (LGD).

• Collaborate with Relationship Managers, Sales teams, and Product Houses to structure client-centric credit solutions.

• Manage delinquent accounts, develop restructuring strategies, and coordinate handovers to Business Support or Legal Recovery Services.

• Ensure strict compliance with Absa’s credit policies, mandate frameworks, and governance requirements.

• Conduct regular client site visits, walk-throughs of financed assets, and maintain detailed call reports.

• Train and coach bankers and credit analysts to uplift credit capability within the team.

• Produce monthly reports on arrears, impairments, top exposures, and trends.

What we’re looking for:

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree or Advanced Diploma (NQF Level 7 or above) in Business, Finance, Risk, or related field.

Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in banking or financial services.

• At least 4 years’ experience in credit assessment and credit risk management.

• Strong exposure to collections, credit policy, and SME lending.

Skills and Knowledge:

• Strong risk assessment and analytical skills

• Sound understanding of credit products and business finance principles

• Relationship management and stakeholder engagement

• Proficiency in credit systems and risk modelling tools (e.g., SAS)

• Excellent communication and negotiation skills

Competencies you’ll need to thrive:

• Decisive and action-oriented

• Commercially astute and solutions-driven

• Adaptable and resilient in a fast-paced environment

• Strong collaborator and team coach

• Innovative with a continuous improvement mindset

Working Environment:

• Hybrid role: Enjoy flexibility with a mix of remote work and in-office/client site engagements

• Coverage: Responsible for a portfolio spanning both Gauteng and Limpopo

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Why Absa?

At Absa, we don’t just manage risk—we enable growth. You’ll join a forward-thinking credit team that values innovation, integrity, and impact. In return, we offer competitive rewards, development opportunities, and the chance to play a meaningful role in South Africa’s economic growth.

Ready to take your credit career to the next level? Apply now and be part of something bigger.

Education

Bachelor`s Degrees and Advanced Diplomas: 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