CIB Credit Risk: Chief Operating Officer (P)

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.

Job Summary

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) is responsible for driving operational efficiency, leading strategic change initiatives, and overseeing the day-to-day operations within the Credit function. This role is pivotal in implementing transformative projects that enhance the bank's risk management capabilities, including technology adoption, process improvement, and cultural change. The COO collaborates closely with all risk functions to ensure alignment with the BU's strategic objectives and fosters a culture of continuous improvement and risk awareness.

Job Description

Accountability: Strategic Change and Transformation Initiatives

• Lead the design and execution of transformative change programs within the Credit function.
• Identify opportunities for innovation and improvement in risk management processes and systems.
• Oversee the implementation of new technologies, including automation, artificial intelligence, and data analytics tools.
• Manage change management efforts to ensure successful adoption of new initiatives across the risk function.

Accountability: Operational Efficiency and Process Improvement

• Analyse existing operational processes to identify inefficiencies and areas for enhancement.
• Implement best practices and standardize processes across the Credit function.
• Monitor operational performance metrics and drive initiatives to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
• Ensure that operational processes are compliant with regulatory requirements and internal policies.

Accountability: Finance Management and Budgeting for the Credit Function

• Oversee financial planning, budgeting, and cost management for the risk department.
• Develop and monitor budgets to ensure optimal allocation of resources.
• Collaborate with finance teams to align risk function budgets with overall organizational financial plans.
• Implement cost-saving initiatives without compromising the quality of risk management.

Accountability: Technology Implementation and Innovation

• Lead the adoption of cutting-edge technologies to enhance risk management capabilities.
• Work closely with IT and data teams to implement risk management systems and tools.
• Ensure that technology initiatives support strategic objectives and improve risk processes.
• Promote the use of data analytics, automation, and AI within the Credit function.

Accountability: Business Management and Administration

• Oversee business management activities, including planning, reporting, and governance processes.
• Ensure compliance with organizational policies and regulatory requirements in all administrative matters.
• Manage vendor relationships and oversee procurement processes relevant to the risk function.
• Maintain up-to-date documentation of processes, procedures, and policies.

Accountability: Risk Support Services Coordination

• Manage administrative and operational support services for the Credit function.
• Ensure that support functions provide high-quality services to all risk teams.
• Facilitate effective communication and collaboration among different Credit and Risk departments.

Accountability: Culture and Change Management

• Champion a positive risk culture that aligns with the bank's values and strategic objectives.
• Collaborate with team to embed a strong risk-aware culture.
• Lead initiatives to promote cultural change and enhance employee engagement within the Credit function.
• Foster an environment that encourages innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning.

Education and experience required

• BCom Hons Accounting or equivalent
• 10-15 years experience in a similar role within the financial industry, preferably in banking

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