Head of SME Banking

Job Purpose 

• As part of the Research and Development (R&D) team in Discovery Bank the candidate will be responsible for driving the research, feasibility analysis, business case and market entry strategy for small business banking in Discovery Bank. This person will need to manage complicated workstreams, spanning different teams and functions to drive the establishment of a new business line in Discovery Bank.

Areas of responsibility may include but are not limited to:

Research and product development

• Conduct research into the small business banking market landscape, sizing, opportunities and potential profit pools.
• Drive the conceptualisation and feasibility assessment into priority target markets and propositions.
• Develop comprehensive business case and market entry strategy for small business banking solutions.
• Drive the feasibility analysis and required Executive Committee and Board approval processes within Discovery Bank.
• Identify and drive key commercial engagements with potential partners.
• Undertake effective ongoing stakeholder engagement and collaboration.
• Assess process and business risks to ensure minimal risk to the organization.
• The candidate would need to have excellent technical and communication skills such that they are able to present proposals to and take guidance from the Executive team in Discovery Bank.

Product implementation

• Once approved, lead the development of products, including but not limited to the product design and specification, working with the systems teams running the development, considering front-end, middleware and back-end systems solutions as well as external solutions.
• Work with leadership teams across the business to define solutions, delivery and alignment to business and IT strategies.
• Work with the Project Management Office to ensure that the project and broader business is to go-live.

Business ownership

• Business ownership of the Small Business Banking product portfolio, and how it performs in the market.
• Take ownership for and the prioritization, planning and success criteria.
• Drive detailed analysis into the take-up, usage and financial performance of the product offering.
• Work directly with the pricing team to optimise margin and pricing strategies in the portfolio.
• Provide analytical and specialized input to project teams, servicing, operations.
• Rendering specialist support for complex client cases that requires decisions to be made that is not within the normal rules and processes based on special circumstances.

Personal Attributes and Skills 

• SMME banking experience
• Payments and / or acquiring experience
• In-depth understanding of banking profit drivers
• Excellent analytical skills
• Strong communication
• Ability to drive complex, multi-faceted projects
• Entrepreneurial mindset with a passion for supporting start-up growth and innovation

Education and Experience 

• Undergraduate degree in a relevant field
• Actuarial / B Engineering / Finance or IT qualification is preferred
• Minimum 10 years in a product development, business owner or executive role in banking / financial services
• Strong understanding of regulatory requirements and compliance issues related to small business banking.