Associate Relationship Manager Absa Bank

Job Summary
• To assist the Relationship Manager in maintaining a portfolio of existing clients, to ensure that targets are met. This is to be achieved through a professional and timely assessment throughout the lifecycle of the client, an understanding of customer needs and delivery of market leading client service.
• A key member of a Corporate Team developing and maintaining relationships with a portfolio of Corporate Banking customers and connected Personal customers.

As Relationship Managers will be out of the office for significant periods of time the jobholder will be primary point of contact for customers on relationship issues dealing with a range of relationship issues.
• In conjunction with Relationship Manager, strong focus on delivery of portfolio sales and income targets and high-quality service

Job Description
Sales and Relationship Management
• Meet revenue targets as discussed and agreed with the Relationship Manager and Unit Head.
• Maintain Relationship Plans for all customers in the portfolio assigned by the Relationship Manager such that contact with customers is prioritized.
• Conduct annual and if appropriate, interim reviews of customers borrowing facilities
• Conduct annual and if appropriate, interim reviews with non-borrowing customers
• Deal with and find solutions to customer complaints
• Determine the products that are most effective in meeting customers’ needs and be able to sell these at short notice both reactively and proactively.
• Research, create and follow up a target list for potential new business.
• Develop and maintain own contacts with individuals within customers’ organization.
• Act as a principal point of contact with customers on day-to-day relationship issues.
• Co-ordinate introduction to and from other areas of the Absa Group where appropriate and monitor outcome.
• Assist with development of and revisions to Customer Relationship Plan.
• Proactively manage level of customer service and satisfaction.
• Develop and maintain links with Global business community and support Relationship Manager in same activity e.g. K.B.I.s.
• Conduct research to identify potential new customers and maintain database of potential customers.
• Arrange and undertake product presentations where appropriate.

Develop and maintain contacts with specialists in other branch sectors and other areas of the Group.
• Monitor leads and co-ordinate information for the Relationship Manager on overall portfolio.

Operational and risk requirements:
• To timeously obtain information on clients required by the Relationship Manager; manage risk by maintaining relationships on clients’ portfolio and to vet such information for completion including correctness and ensure such information is readily accessible.
• To follow up with the client in the event of any deficiencies in information.
• To assist with all relevant administrative requirements.
• To ensure that all reporting requirements on the portfolio are met promptly and completely including working with the relationship Manager in fulfilling reporting requirements.
• To maintain a detailed and up-to-date record of all action items on a particular client and to record the progress in completing such action items on a particular client by recording the progress in completing such items including escalating any shortcomings in the resolution of such plans to the Relationship Manager.
• To ensure all governance regarding client documentation is adhered to, including opening and retention of accounts.
• Ensuring compliance and adherence to Absa Group Policies such as: Financial crime and Anti-money laundering politically exposed persons, financial sanctions and prohibitions, Reputational risk policy, Absa sanctions policy, Absa correspondent banking policy and any other appropriate policies.
• Help Compliance Officer on any compliance-related issues.
• Act as record management champion for the function.

Control and Governance
• Act as liaison for risk management information purposes with customers, accountants, solicitors and other relevant people.
• Collate customer produced financial information.
• Analyse historic and projected financial information to identify key issues and monitor compliance with covenants and terms prior to discussing with Relationship Manager.
• Assist with creation of Credit Applications.
• Prepare facility letters and co-ordinate execution of documentation and drawdown of facilities.
• Provide technical input and undertake research for Relationship Manager in connection with proposed security and liaise to arrange preparation and execution of security documentation.
• Attend Relationship Team meetings and contribute fully, including suggestions for ways of improving customer service.
• Contribute to environment of mutual support by sharing knowledge with other team member.
• Understand and manage risks and risk events (incidents) relevant to the role.
• Work with Relationship managers to ensure KYC and other control requirements are met within portfolio of customers by following up on all required documentation and ensuring that it is filed
• Review refer list and other risk reports and provide feedback on action required
• Ensure compliance to Absa Corporate Banking policies and procedures.
Ensure that all activities and duties are carried out in full compliance with regulatory requirements, Enterprise-Wide Risk Management Framework and internal Absa Policies and Policy Standards.

Education
Higher Diplomas: Business, Commerce and Management Studies (Required)