Head of Agency Banking at Absa Bank

With over 100 years of rich history and strongly positioned as a local bank with regional and international expertise, a career with our family offers the opportunity to be part of this exciting growth journey, to reset our future and shape our destiny as a proudly African group.



My Career Development Portal: Wherever you are in your career, we are here for you. Design your future. Discover leading-edge guidance, tools and support to unlock your potential. You are Absa. You are possibility.



Job Summary



To develop a functional banking management operating model and framework in a broadly defined business functional strategy; enabling horizontal implementation and adoption.



Job Description



Strategic Business Leadership- 25%







Develop and implement the overall strategy for the agency banking to align with the bank’s growth objectives and financial inclusion goals.

Drive innovation in agency banking services, leveraging technology and customer insights to enhance service delivery

Stay abreast of industry trends and competitive activities, country opportunities, and challenges to ensure that the business is well-positioned to provide competitive and industry-leading Agency banking services.

Scan the external market to understand the future direction of the Agency banking and financial inclusion opportunities and work with RBB leadership to proactively react to the changing trend

Lead and Co-ordinate all new initiatives, related to Agency banking

Agree targets and take accountability for the overall achievement of performance objectives

Lead, mentor, and develop the agency banking team, ensuring that they have the skills and resources needed to achieve their goals.

Foster a culture of high performance, accountability, and continuous improvement within the team.

Provide regular feedback and coaching to team members to enhance their professional growth.



Sales and Business Development- 30%







Drive sales and marketing initiatives through the agency network to increase customer acquisition and transaction volumes, especially deposits.

Identify new market opportunities and strategic partnerships to expand the agency banking network

Collaborate with the product development team to tailor banking products and services to meet the needs of the agency banking clientele.

Foster strong relationships with key stakeholders, including branch networks, technology, Operations, and business partners to ensure efficient delivery of services across the agency network.



Network Expansion and Management-10%







Lead the expansion of the agency banking network, ensuring that the bank reaches underserved and unbanked populations across the country.

Oversee the recruitment, onboarding, and training of new agents in line with governance and compliance requirements

Ensure optimal geographic distribution and performance of agents across the network.

Strategically partner with Organisations that can financially support Agency banking expansion in line with the financial inclusion agenda.



Operational Excellence- 5%







Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for the agency banking network, ensuring high levels of productivity and efficiency among agents

Implement processes for cash management, transaction processing, and service delivery across the network.

Ensure that all agents have the necessary tools, training, and support to operate effectively.



Compliance and Risk Management- 10%







Ensure that the agency banking operations comply with all regulatory requirements and internal policies.

Develop and implement risk management strategies to mitigate operational, financial, and reputational risks within the network.

Conduct regular audits and assessments of the agency network to identify and address any compliance or operational issues and lapses



Financial Management- 10%







Oversee the financial performance of the agency banking unit, including budgeting, forecasting, and cost management.

Ensure that the unit meets its revenue and profitability targets while managing expenses effectively.

Analyse financial data to identify trends, opportunities, and areas for improvement.



Customer Experience- 10%







Champion a customer-centric approach within the agency banking network, ensuring that all agents deliver exceptional service.

Implement customer feedback mechanisms to continuously improve the quality of service provided through the network.

Address and resolve any customer complaints or issues related to agency banking services.



Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)







Growth in the number of active agents and geographic coverage.

Increase in transaction volumes and customer acquisition (Retail and SME) through the agency network.

Growth in the liabilities

Compliance with regulatory standards and internal risk management policies.

Achievement of financial targets, including revenue, profitability, and cost efficiency.



Customer satisfaction and retention rates within the agency banking segment



Knowledge and Expertise



Essential







Proven track record of leadership and team management within a banking environment.

Strong understanding of banking regulations, compliance, and risk management, and financial inclusion

Experience in business development, sales, and marketing within the financial services industry.

Strategic thinking and the ability to translate strategy into actionable plans.

Strong leadership and people management skills.

Excellent communication and relationship-building abilities.

High level of integrity, professionalism, and ethical conduct.

Analytical skills with proficiency in financial management and reporting.

Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities.



Experience And Qualifications







Bachelor’s degree in Banking, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field; a Master’s degree or relevant professional certification is an advantage.

Minimum of 8-10 years of experience in banking, with significant experience in agency banking, retail and business banking, or a related area.

Project management experience



Education



Bachelor`s Degrees and Advanced Diplomas: Business, Commerce and Management Studies (Required)