About the position
Head of Credit
Location: Durban, KwaZulu-Natal
Lead Credit Strategy. Shape Lending Decisions. Influence Business Growth.
An exceptional opportunity exists for an experienced Head of Credit to lead the credit function of a well-established banking institution based in Durban.
This is a strategic leadership role suited to a commercially astute credit professional who enjoys balancing prudent risk management with business growth. Reporting at executive level, you will be responsible for the overall quality and performance of the credit portfolio, ensuring sound lending practices while supporting sustainable business expansion.
You will play a pivotal role in shaping credit policy, driving portfolio performance, leading a high-performing team and representing the Credit function at senior Credit and Risk Committees.
Key Responsibilities
Credit Leadership & Portfolio Management
• Take overall accountability for the quality, performance and profitability of the Bank's credit portfolio.
• Drive sound lending practices while maintaining an appropriate balance between risk and business growth.
• Set and maintain robust credit standards across the organisation.
• Oversee detailed credit assessments for new lending facilities, renewals and complex transactions.
• Review financial information, serviceability and overall creditworthiness to support informed lending decisions.
• Monitor non-performing loans, provisioning, recoveries and legal matters relating to impaired facilities.
• Ensure appropriate security documentation, insurance cover and property valuations remain current.
• Support and present credit applications at Credit Approval Committees.
Strategy, Governance & Risk
• Contribute to the development and execution of the Bank's strategic objectives.
• Review and enhance credit policies, procedures and operational processes.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, internal policies and governance standards.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives that strengthen risk management and operational efficiency.
• Deliver accurate and timely reporting to executive management, regulators and Group.
Executive Stakeholder Engagement
• Partner with business leaders and relationship teams to deliver practical lending solutions.
• Engage with clients where required on significant credit matters.
• Represent the Credit function at Credit, Risk and Country Credit Committees.
• Work closely with Internal and External Auditors, ensuring audit findings are effectively addressed.
Leadership
• Lead, mentor and develop a high-performing Credit team.
• Foster a collaborative, client-focused and performance-driven culture.
• Set clear objectives, coach managers and support ongoing professional development.
• Build capability through mentoring, succession planning and continuous improvement.
Requirements
• BCom degree with majors in Accounting and Auditing.
• Relevant postgraduate qualification.
• Chartered Accountant (CA(SA)) qualification will be highly advantageous.
• Minimum 10 years' senior-level experience managing commercial credit portfolios within a banking environment.
• Proven experience leading and developing Credit teams.
• Strong understanding of South African banking regulations and the commercial lending environment.
• Professional memberships and relevant industry certifications will be advantageous.
The Ideal Candidate
You are an experienced credit leader with sound commercial judgement and the confidence to make balanced lending decisions. You combine strong analytical ability with strategic thinking and have a proven track record of managing complex commercial credit portfolios.
You are equally comfortable engaging with executive stakeholders, presenting at Credit Committees and mentoring high-performing teams. Your ability to build relationships, influence decisions and uphold strong governance standards makes you a trusted business partner.
If you're looking for an opportunity to make a meaningful impact within a respected banking environment, we'd love to hear from you.
Desired Skills:
- Credit Leadership
- Lending Decisions
- Risk Management
- Governance
- Regulatory Compliance
- Risk Management Improvement
- Governance Standards
