Head, Business Origination

KCB Bank Kenya is a leading financial institution in Kenya, offering a wide range of banking and financial services since 1877.

The Head of Business Origination is responsible for formulating and executing the credit origination strategy for Corporate Banking, ensuring alignment with the broader KCB Group strategy. Key duties include evaluating credit appetite, assessing the appropriateness of credit structures, and making informed decisions on applications within delegated authority. The role requires thorough analysis of credit applications to ensure they align with the Bank’s Credit Appetite and profitability goals, as well as proactively identifying and managing high-risk accounts through corrective actions. The incumbent will also oversee the performance of facilities booked in Kenya from other KCB Group subsidiaries, monitor covenants diligently, and present applications to relevant credit committees. A critical aspect of the role is ensuring strict compliance with Anti-Money Laundering and Sanctions requirements within Corporate Credit, including conducting enhanced Due Diligence for customer onboarding and ongoing business. Furthermore, the role supports corporate business units in delivering exceptional customer service, assists relationship managers in negotiating term sheets to conform with bank credit requirements, and champions continuous improvement in service delivery and query resolution by identifying customer pain points and providing effective solutions.

1. Develop and lead the implementation of the credit origination strategy for Corporate Banking, aligning with the overall KCB Group strategy.
2. Evaluate credit appetite, including the appropriateness of credit structure, tenor, risk versus return relationship, and the effectiveness of risk mitigants.
3. Deliver well-thought-out decisions demonstrating sound judgment for applications within delegated sanctioning authority.
4. Analyze credit applications to assess whether the credit risk aligns with the Bank’s Credit Appetite and the profitability of the deal.
5. Identify and manage existing high-risk accounts, undertaking necessary corrective action when the risk profile becomes unacceptable.
6. In liaison with credit administration and relationship managers, provide oversight of the performance of facilities booked in Kenya from other KCB Group subsidiaries to ensure they remain performing.
7. Ensure robust covenant monitoring to track all approved covenants as per approval terms.
8. Present applications to the relevant credit committee and/or delegated credit evaluators.
9. Oversee and implement all Compliance, Anti-Money Laundering, and Sanctions related requirements within Corporate Credit, including the consideration and approval of customers requiring enhanced Due Diligence.
10. Support corporate business units in delivering world-class service to external customers.
11. Assist relationship managers in negotiating term sheets with clients, ensuring deal structure, conditions, and covenants conform to the bank's credit requirements.
12. Champion the delivery of consistent, seamless, and trusted customer service to ensure customer retention and loyalty.
13. Spearhead improvement of service delivery and query resolution, including defining customer pain points and providing solutions in collaboration with other stakeholders.

1. Bachelor’s Degree in Finance or a Business Related Field.
2. Master’s Degree in Finance or a Business Related Field (preferred).
3. Professional qualification such as a Certificate in Commercial Credit.
4. Additional professional qualifications like CPA, ACCA, CFA, or AKIB are highly desirable.
5. Minimum of 10 years of experience in the financial sector.
6. Proven experience in strategy development and implementation.
7. Strong commercial acumen.
8. In-depth knowledge of various sectors/industries.
9. Extensive experience in Credit Management and Portfolio Management.
10. Understanding of Banking Operations.
11. Demonstrated client experience (end-to-end).
12. Proficiency in Financial Analysis & Performance Management.
13. Strong Risk Management and Compliance skills.
14. Demonstrated leadership abilities.
15. Experience in Project Management.