Team Lead, Import Trade - Trade Products (Transaction Banking) at First Bank

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Must have good knowledge of International Trade Market and be able to provide market information, support, and advisory services to help clients optimize their Trade portfolio.
• Manage the end-to-end lifecycle of Import trade products, including product development, management, pricing, marketing, performance monitoring, product review for relevant approvals.
• Initiate and oversee the execution of new profitable Import Finance and STCF transactions in the bank. This should include documentation, negotiation of terms and conditions, coordination with Legal and other internal stakeholders to ensure smooth and timely conclusion of deals.
• Monitor and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) for Domiciliary and Import trade products and implement strategies to optimize product profitability and performance.
• Prepare and review bank wide performance for Import Products and make recommendations to the relevant Business Units where appropriate.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders, including sales, operations, risk management, and compliance teams, to ensure seamless delivery of import trade finance solutions.
• Develop and maintain relationships with key partners, including correspondent banks, regulatory bodies, and industry associations, to support Domiciliary and import trade product initiatives.
• Work closely with clients to understand their import trade finance requirements and tailor solutions to meet their specific needs.
• Facilitate Import Trade and STCF transactions while supporting clients in navigating the complexities of foreign exchange markets.
• Develop and implement strategies to enhance and expand Import trade finance product offerings in line with market trends and customer needs.
• Conduct market research and analysis to identify opportunities for new import trade products and services, as well as enhancements to existing offerings.
• Stay current on global economic trends, foreign exchange markets, industry trends, regulatory changes, and best practices in import trade finance to drive innovation and competitiveness.
• Stay updated on and its impact on Domiciliary and Import Trade
• Providing market intelligence and regular industry updates to the Bank.
• Identify risks and develop structures that mitigate trade risks and secure Import and STCF transactions locally and across subsidiaries.
• Provide advisory services to subsidiaries while closing out Import finance transactions.
• Engage in joint calls with RM Teams in originating and execution of Import trade transactions for both existing and potential Clients.
• Engage in virtual calls with subsidiary customers to grow export business within their locations.
• Review and present the bank wide position on evolving government policies/regulations with reference to Domiciliary and Import.
• Ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, guidelines, and internal policies governing export and STCF finance activities including AML, KYC and Import control regulations.
• Periodic Sensitization and Training of staff Bank wide to improve Import product knowledge.
• Provide data driven marketing and prospecting data to Business for Conversion 
• Periodic Sensitization and Training of staff Bank wide to improve Import product knowledge.
• Provide data driven marketing and prospecting data to Business for Conversion 
• Periodic review of Export performance of Business Team to Budget and identify key parameters to achieve set goals.
• Monitor the performance of the Bank’s Import (In country and subsidiaries) on various Key Performance Indices.
• Interface with various Support Units of the Bank to ensure excellent service delivery to both internal and external customers.
• Monitor Service level agreement of imports & STCF by various Support Units and drive for process efficiency.
• As part of the Bank’s Information Security requirements, maintain the security of all Information entrusted to the staff and comply with the principles and policies in the Information Security Handbook.
• Ensure awareness of Operational risk in the Import Finance processes.
• Interface with National and International Trade Agencies, Regulators and Government institutions to navigate the environment and foster a culture of trust and transparency

Education 

• First Degree in any discipline
• MBA added advantage

Experience

Minimum of 10 years’ experience in banking with significant experience (5 years at least) in Trade Finance product development