Zonal Corporate Lead at LAPO Microfinance Bank Limited

• Job Summary

• To drive sustainable business growth within the assigned zone by acquiring, developing, and managing corporate, institutional, SME, and cooperative relationships, while expanding and diversifying the commercial B2B portfolio across key sectors. The role is responsible for deposit mobilization, quality loan asset growth, business development, and the identification of new market opportunities. It also supports LAPO Microfinance Bank's financial inclusion agenda by delivering accessible and innovative financial solutions to businesses, cooperatives, and underserved market segments.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and execute zonal corporate business strategies in line with the Bank's growth and financial inclusion objectives.
• Drive sustainable growth and acquisition and retention of corporate, institutional, SME, and high-value business clients within the zone.
• Supervise and lead operations and employees across the various states within the assigned coverage area. Perform a range of tasks to ensure each state operates productively and efficiently, including implementing business strategies, evaluating state performance, and overseeing employee activities.
• Drive deposit mobilization and the growth of corporate liabilities within the assigned zone by identifying, acquiring, and managing relationships with corporate, institutional, and high-net-worth clients. Develop and implement effective deposit mobilization strategies to achieve liability growth targets while ensuring portfolio sustainability, profitability, and long-term customer retention. 
• Build and maintain strong relationships with corporate customers, government agencies, NGOs, development partners, Cooperatives and associations.
• Generate quality risk assets while ensuring compliance with the Bank's credit policies and risk management framework.
• Monitor and maintain portfolio quality across coverage area, ensuring Portfolio at Risk (PAR) is kept within approved thresholds for each product line.
• Monitor the performance of corporate accounts and ensure timely resolution of customer issues.
• Coordinate relationship management activities and customer engagement initiatives within the zone.
• Collaborate with branch management and business teams to achieve corporate banking targets.
• Prepare business proposals, client presentations, and account management plans.
• Conduct market intelligence gathering and competitor analysis to identify emerging business opportunities.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, internal policies, and operational guidelines.
• Support the design and promotion of financial products tailored to SMEs, cooperatives, women-owned businesses, and other underserved segments.
• Prepare periodic business performance reports and provide recommendations for business growth.
• Represent the Bank at business forums, stakeholder engagements, and networking events within the zone.
• Ensures strong cross- selling of existing and new SME and corporate product to existing and new clients; and in this process, maintain effective liaison with all States within assigned coverage areas.
• Maintains a detailed and current understanding of the industry; (Corporate/SME Banking, current market structures; regulatory requirements and issues) to ensure that opportunities are realized and the risks mitigated.

Requirements

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Education:   Bachelor's Degree in Banking & Finance, Economics, Business Administration, Accounting, Marketing, or any related discipline. 
• Professional Qualification: ACIB, MCIB, ACA, ACCA, or other relevant professional certifications will be an added advantage.
• Experience:  Minimum of 7–10 years of banking experience. 

Specific Experience: 

• At least 4 years in Corporate Banking, Commercial Banking, Business Development, Relationship Management, or Institutional Banking. 
• Demonstrated experience in deposit mobilization, corporate lending, and customer relationship management. 
• Experience working with SMEs, cooperatives, and development finance initiatives is an added advantage.