Head of Business Banking

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Job Summary

As a member of the Absa Bank Botswana Country Management Committee, the Head of Business Banking is accountable for setting and executing the Business Banking strategy for Botswana, with end-to-end ownership of revenue growth, portfolio performance, people leadership and risk adjusted returns.

The role leads the Business Banking franchise to deliver sustainable and profitable growth across lending, deposits and fee income, while actively managing balance sheet tradeoffs, credit quality and portfolio resilience within Botswana’s regulatory, macro-economic and competitive environment.

The role carries full accountability for Business Banking outcomes in country, including financial performance, client coverage effectiveness, credit and risk discipline, regulatory compliance and talent sustainability.

Main Accountabilities

1.Strategy, Franchise and Operating Model Leadership

· Define and execute the Botswana Business Banking strategy aligned to Country objectives, Africa Regions priorities and Group strategic direction.

· Set clear strategic direction across target client segments, priority sectors, value propositions and coverage models.

· Shape and evolve the Business Banking operating model to improve competitiveness, client experience, cost efficiency and scalability.

· Represent Business Banking at Country and Regional governance forums, contributing to broader country strategy and influencing regional support and investment priorities.

· Identify emerging market opportunities, industry trends and competitive dynamics to strengthen the Business Banking franchise.

2. Financial Performance & Portfolio Ownership

· Carry full P&L and balance sheet accountability for Business Banking Botswana, including lending, deposits, fee income, margins and cost management.

· Set and deliver financial targets for growth, profitability and returns within approved risk appetite.

· Oversee portfolio diversification, pricing discipline and optimization of risk adjusted returns.

· Monitor and act on key performance indicators including growth, margins, impairments, portfolio health and operating efficiency.

· Drive cross sell of transactional, treasury and other Business Banking solutions to deepen client relationships and enhance portfolio sustainability.

3. Credit, Risk & Governance

· Sponsor and oversee material Business Banking credit transactions in partnership with Credit, Risk and Product teams.

· Own the risk outcomes of the Business Banking portfolio, embedding a strong culture of credit discipline, AML, KYC and conduct compliance.

· Ensure all Business Banking activities operate within regulatory requirements, delegated authority frameworks and internal policies.

· Act as an accountable executive for audit findings, regulatory reviews and remediation actions relating to Business Banking.

· Maintain effective collaboration with Risk, Legal and Compliance to balance growth ambitions with prudent risk management.

4. Client Coverage & Growth

· Own the Business Banking client coverage model, ensuring clear relationship ownership, service differentiation and consistent client experience.

· Lead acquisition and retention of Business Banking clients in priority sectors and corridors.

· Act as executive sponsor for strategic, complex and high value client relationships and key escalations.

· Embed disciplined coverage practices including client planning, pipeline management and opportunity governance.

5. Leadership, People & Culture

· Build, lead and retain a high performing Business Banking leadership team with strong commercial, risk and execution capability.

· Drive a performance led culture with clear accountability for results, productivity and conduct.

· Develop succession plans and talent pipelines for critical Business Banking roles, ensuring leadership continuity.

· Act as the highest escalation point for people related matters within the Business Banking division.

· Partner with Human Capital to ensure the operating model, skills mix and capacity are aligned to current and future strategy.

Education

Bachelor's Degree: Business, Commerce and Management Studies (Required)