F & I Department Manager

Red Ember Recruitment id currently recruiting for a F&I Manager for their client in Johannesburg Departmental Oversight Manage daily operations of the department, ensuring efficient workflows and adherence to company policies. Manage departmental risk, including arrears, defaults, recoveries, and compliance. Provide continuous training and support to new staff. Oversee internally (OEM self-funded) and externally (Sinosure funded) managed books, monitoring exposure, pending approvals, and limit availability for both South African and cross-border clients. Develop, implement, and enforce departmental policies, procedures, and guidelines to optimize processes and ensure compliance. Credit and Risk Management Execute senior credit analyst functions including credit risk assessment, financial analysis, bank statement analysis, credit scoring, client risk grading, and risk mitigation. Manage credit limits, approvals, portfolio reviews, and monitor performance trends. Implement a flexible credit assessment process tailored to individual needs, which may occasionally require translating documentation and performing currency conversions. Submit the initial term sheet on a new deal with supporting documentation to secure formal approval and conditions of grant. Prepare and issue approval letters to clients. Compile, analyse, and present comprehensive performance reports to the executive committee, providing clear visibility into departmental achievements, operational challenges, and areas for strategic improvement. Collaboraive with the sales team by participating in weekly sales meetings to review new opportunities, monitor the progress of pending deals, and provide guidance on optimal deal structuring. Support sales teams during strategic client visits by providing expert credit guidance. Collections and Debtors Management Oversee debtor management, collections, and allocations to ensure timely payments and minimize bad debts. Manage interim financial assistance activities, including debit order loading, account reconciliations, submission of monthly client statements and preparation of weekly and monthly reports. Facilitate structured collection processes and payment arrangements through regular meetings. Monitor arrears trends, implement proactive recovery strategies, and provide executive reporting on debtor book performance. Drive process improvements and advocate for resources to strengthen collections efficiency and oversight. Legal and Compliance Supervise legal processes such as client communications, repossession procedures, and attorney correspondence. Ensure compliance with contractual documentation and security registrations. Manage validations and fulfilment, ensuring all contractual and supporting documents meet compliance standards and monthly covenants are fulfilled. Maintain audit readiness by managing registers, files, and documentation for compliance reviews Asset Management Oversee vehicle and asset management, including registrations, tracking services, and security. Conduct audits on financed assets on a need's basis. Manage the release process for Natis documents and maintain related records. Procurement and Payment Functions Procurement Oversight: Manage procurement requests (PRs) and purchase orders (POs), ensuring compliance with company approval processes. Payment Submission: Oversee submission of PRs and POs for timely vendor payments, liaising with finance and procurement teams. Vendor Engagement: Collaborate with suppliers to resolve queries, ensure contract compliance, and maintain strong vendor relationships. Leadership and Development Provide leadership and mentorship to the team, including development planning and fair redistribution of responsibilities following staff changes. Design and implement incentive frameworks that promote fairness, transparency, and alignment with company goals. Develop succession planning and neutralization strategies to ensure operational continuity during staffing transitions. Strategic Engagement Conduct industry research to stay informed on trends, regulatory changes, and market conditions. Collaborate with stakeholders across sales, marketing, and other departments to align company strategies. Establish partnerships with external financial institutions where applicable. Liaise with customers and dealers to resolve queries and address concerns. Drive departmental revenue growth through new business opportunities, pricing optimization, and cost-saving initiatives. Key Performance Indicators Maintain constructive support for management and foster positive internal department relationships. Manage workload efficiently and maintain high standards of accuracy and work ethic. Build and sustain effective communication channels internally and externally. Actively participate in relevant training programs. Enhance knowledge and skills within the team. Ensure compliance with all Health and Safety regulations. Adhere strictly to company policies, procedures, and asset management protocols. Maintain organized housekeeping and filing systems. Demonstrate effective time management skills. Requirements Matric Certificate Bachelors’ degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or Business Administration or equivalent qualification (FAIMS/FICA/NCA) Minimum 5 years’ experience in similar role. Experience managing cross-boarder finance and compliance frameworks Code 8 licence Strategic thinking with ability to align departmental goals to company objectives. Strong organizational skills and attention to detail. Read and write in English Strong stakeholder engagement and negotiation skills Demonstrated ability to lead and mentor teams Knowledge of compliance, legal documentation, and audit readiness.