Head of Loan at Sabi

Job Summary

• We are seeking an experienced and strategic Head of Loans, who will provide operational and leadership oversight for all lending activities within Katsu MFB. This role is responsible for designing and executing the bank’s loan strategy, building strong credit and sales operations, ensuring portfolio quality, and driving sustainable loan book growth across retail, micro, SME, and structured/commodity-linked lending.
• The role will also be responsible for leading Credit Sales, Loan Operations, Field/Loan Agents, Remedial/Collections, and collaborate with Risk, Compliance, and Product to drive a healthy, scalable lending business.

What you will be doing

Strategy and Business Leadership

• Develop and execute the overall lending strategy for Katsu MFB in alignment with business and risk appetite.
• Translate strategic objectives into actionable targets across retail, SME, group lending, and ecosystem-linked products.
• Lead expansion of lending channels including agent networks, field teams, digital journeys, and ecosystem integrations.

Loan Portfolio Growth and Performance

• Drive monthly loan disbursement targets across micro, SME, and retail segments.
• Ensure strong pipeline development and sales discipline across all lending teams.
• Supervise portfolio performance, monitor trends, and adjust strategy to maintain a healthy book.
• Collaborate with Marketing and Product to design customer-centric credit offerings.

Credit Operations and Process Management

• Oversee end-to-end loan lifecycle: origination, evaluation, approval, disbursement, monitoring, and closure.
• Streamline lending workflows to improve speed, efficiency, and customer experience.
• Establish strong documentation, verification, and due diligence standards across all lending units.
• Ensure effective onboarding and training of loan agents, analysts, and sales staff.

Risk Management and Compliance Alignment

• Partner with the Credit Risk Manager and Compliance to adhere to CBN microfinance lending guidelines.
• Implement robust early warning and fraud prevention mechanisms.
• Drive consistent adherence to credit policy, underwriting rules, and risk controls.
• Ensure zero tolerance for documentation gaps, policy breaches, or unethical practices.

Collections, Recovery and Remedial Oversight

• Provide leadership for collections and delinquency management teams.
• Implement targeted recovery strategies for overdue accounts.
• Ensure alignment between Sales, Operations, and Risk to maintain low PAR/NPL levels.
• Track and escalate high-risk accounts to risk or legal units where necessary.

Team Leadership & People Management

• Lead and develop the Lending Team across Credit Sales, Field Agents, and Loan Operations.
• Implement performance management, coaching, and talent development programs.
• Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, and customer-first execution.

Reporting and Stakeholder Management

• Prepare accurate monthly and quarterly loan performance reports for management and the Board.
• Engage senior stakeholders across Sabi/Katsu ecosystem to drive business growth.
• Provide insights into Product, Risk, and Finance to enhance lending decisions and profitability.

Requirements
Special Skills and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, Economics, or related field.
• 8–12+ years of experience in lending, credit operations, or loan management.
• Strong background in Microfinance, Digital Lending, SME Lending, or Structured Lending.
• Demonstrated leadership experience managing sales and credit teams.
• Strong understanding of CBN Microfinance guidelines and operational frameworks.
• Experience with ecosystems, commodity-linked, or supply-chain lending is a plus.
• Strong lending and credit operations expertise.
• High-level business development and pipeline management skills.
• Strong understanding of loan performance metrics (PAR, NPL, roll rates).