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Job Description
JOB SUMMARY
The Relationship Manager - Agribusiness and Partnerships will be instrumental in driving the bank's growth in the agribusiness sector by cultivating and managing strategic client relationships and forging impactful partnerships. This role requires a deep understanding of Kenya's agricultural landscape, value chains, and the financial needs of farmers, cooperatives, and Agri-SMEs. The incumbent will be responsible for originating, structuring, and growing a high-quality agribusiness loan and deposit portfolio, while also identifying, evaluating, and onboarding strategic partners to expand the bank's reach and product offerings.
KEY TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
KEY MEASURABLE GOALS
Customer acquisition
Growth in quality loan book
Portfolio quality
Profitability
New partnerships formed
Revenue from partnerships
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Develop and execute the agribusiness banking strategy in alignment with FMFB’s goals, targeting farmer groups, cooperatives, and Agri-SMEs.
Proactively identify, target, and acquire new agribusiness clients, including farmer groups, cooperatives, and Agri-SMEs, through market research, field visits, networking, and targeted marketing campaigns.
Develop and nurture strong, long-term relationships with existing and new agribusiness clients, acting as their primary point of contact for all banking needs.
Conduct thorough financial and operational assessments of agribusiness clients to understand their specific needs across various value chains (inputs, production, processing, logistics, marketing) and recommend tailored financial solutions, including Agri-loans, working capital, asset finance, trade finance, savings accounts, insurance, and digital payment solutions.
Prepare comprehensive credit proposals, conduct preliminary credit reviews, and collaborate with credit teams to structure viable and innovative financial solutions, ensuring adherence to the bank's credit policies and risk parameters.
Manage and monitor the performance of the assigned agribusiness portfolio, ensuring high asset quality, timely repayments, and proactive identification and mitigation of potential risks (e.g., climate, market volatility, pests/diseases).
Identify opportunities to cross-sell the bank's full range of products and services to agribusiness clients to deepen relationships and enhance client value.
Train and support branch teams on agribusiness products, market dynamics, and Relationship Management best practices to enhance their capacity in client acquisition and portfolio performance.
Continuously monitor and analyze market trends, competitive landscape, regulatory changes, and emerging opportunities within the Kenyan Agribusiness sector to inform strategy and product development.
Develop and execute a comprehensive partnership roadmap aligned with the bank's strategic growth objectives, focusing on expanding market reach, enhancing product offerings, and de-risking lending.
Structure mutually beneficial partnership models (e.g., revenue-sharing, co-lending, embedded finance) and negotiate terms and agreements to ensure win-win outcomes.
Serve as the primary liaison for partners, fostering strong collaborative relationships, ensuring seamless integration of services, and resolving any issues that may arise.
Monitor the performance of partnerships against agreed-upon KPIs, conduct regular reviews to assess effectiveness, identify areas for improvement, and explore expansion opportunities.
Represent the bank at industry forums, conferences, agricultural events, and networking functions to enhance visibility, build a strong professional network, and forge new alliances.
The incumbent will be responsible for ensuring adherence to, implementation of, and adoption of Compliance, Anti-Money Laundering (AML), and Sanctions-related policies, procedures, and process requirements within Old Mutual and its subsidiaries. This includes execution of customer due diligence processes, ensuring compliance with Know-Your-Customer (KYC) standards, conducting ongoing and enhanced due diligence, and maintaining data quality. Additionally, the role involves identifying and monitoring potential AML, Sanctions, or Compliance breaches and unusual activities, and escalating these concerns to the Risk and Compliance Office for further action.
Any other duties that may be assigned by the supervisor
SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE & COMPETENCIES
In-depth understanding of the bank's full suite of financial products and services - Agribusiness segment (e.g., Agri-loans, trade finance, asset finance, digital payment solutions, insurance).Proven ability to develop, cultivate, and sustain high-value client relationships through effective relationship managementExceptional negotiation, deal-structuring, and cross-selling abilities, with a proven track record of identifying opportunities and delivering results.Demonstrated excellence in managing diverse internal and external stakeholdersStrong analytical mindset with keen attention to detail and robust risk assessment skillsPersonal Attributes
Possesses a strong business acumen with a keen awareness of market opportunities and client needs.Outstanding verbal and written communication skillsHighly skilled in building rapport, managing relationships, and influencing others effectively.Demonstrates high initiative, self-motivation, and the ability to work independentlyWillingness and ability to undertake constant travel within Kenya to meet clients and partnersQUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE
Bachelor's degree in Agribusiness, Agricultural Economics, Business Administration, Finance, Banking, or a related field. A Master's degree will be an added advantage.Formal training in Lending/Relationship management – Agriculture ACIB/AKIB or Marketing Course Certificate in Agribusiness Financing – KSMS Masters in a business-related field will be an added advantage.ACIB/AKIB or Marketing CourseCertificate in Agribusiness Financing – KSMSExperience
At least 5 years of progressive experience in Relationship Management within the banking sector, with a significant focus on Agribusiness lending and/or partnershipsDemonstrable experience in identifying, structuring, and managing strategic partnerships, preferably within a financial institution or related industry.In-depth knowledge of the Kenyan agricultural sector, including key value chains, market dynamics, challenges, and opportunities.Strong understanding of credit analysis, risk assessment, and financial products relevant to agribusiness.Provides specialist knowledge and executes account development strategies and sales business plans in order to achieve medium-sized sales targets.ResponsibilitiesData Collection and AnalysisConduct research using primary data sources, and select information needed for the analysis of key themes and trends.
Information and Business AdviceProvide specialist advice on the interpretation and application of policies and procedures, resolving queries and issues and referring very complex or contentious issues to others.
Document PreparationEdit document in line with organizational style guidelines and prepare information for publication.
Insights and ReportingPrepare and coordinate the completion of various data and analytics reports.
Customer Relationship Management / Account ManagementDevelop and implement a relationship management plan for existing customer accounts to identify and build relationships with relevant decision-makers and influencers within the customer organization and to enable effective two-way flow of information and resolution of issues. Collect feedback from identified customers or customer segments to ensure their needs are met, providing themes, summary analyses, and recommendations for changes based on customer input.
Financial AdviceHandle the financial advice process within a specific client segment, ensuring alignment with their goals and values.
SalesSell simple products and services directly to customers while following standard protocols. May also involve providing back-office support to a sales team.
Operational ComplianceMaintain and renew a deep knowledge and understanding of the organization's policies and procedures and of relevant regulatory codes and codes of conduct, and ensure own work adheres to required standards. Or identify, within the team, patterns of noncompliance with the organization's policies and procedures and with relevant regulatory codes and codes of conduct, taking appropriate action to report and resolve these and escalating issues as appropriate.
Personal Capability BuildingDevelop own capabilities by participating in assessment and development planning activities as well as formal and informal training and coaching; gain or maintain external professional accreditation, where relevant, to improve performance and fulfill personal potential. Maintain an in-depth understanding of technology, external regulation, and industry best practices through ongoing education, attending conferences, and reading specialist media.
Skills
Action Planning, Client Management, Computer Literacy, Data Analysis, Database Reporting, Data Compilation, Data Interpretations, Evaluating Information, Management Reporting, Numerical Aptitude, Oral Communications, Professional Presentation, Report Review, Sales Software, Statistical Analysis TechniquesCompetencies
Builds NetworksBusiness InsightCommunicates EffectivelyCustomer FocusDecision QualityEnsures AccountabilityManages ComplexityPlans and AlignsEducation
NQF Level 5 - Higher, Advance or Occupational Certificate or equivalentClosing Date
14 August 2025 , 23:59The Old Mutual Story!