A leading financial institution in Kenya is inviting applications for the position of Relationship Manager – Business Banking, to be based in Nakuru. This is an open-ended contract opportunity offering a fulfilling career for individuals passionate about SME growth, customer relationship management, and commercial banking. If you are a results-driven, customer-focused, and strategic professional with proven business development skills in the financial sector, this opportunity is tailored for you.
As a Relationship Manager in the Business Banking department, you will play a pivotal role in expanding the bank’s portfolio in the SME sector while ensuring an excellent client experience, sustainable business growth, and product penetration across assigned market segments. This position offers an opportunity to work in a vibrant and challenging environment with opportunities for continuous development and career progression.
Job Title: Relationship Manager – Business Banking
Department: Business Banking
Band/Level: Manager
Location: Nakuru
Contract Type: Open-Ended
Application Deadline: July 4, 2025
Job Summary
The Relationship Manager – Business Banking is responsible for driving business growth within the SME segment. The core mandate involves onboarding new SME clients, servicing existing ones, and promoting a comprehensive range of banking products and services. The successful candidate will serve as the face of the bank to SME customers, identifying financial solutions, evaluating credit proposals, and offering consistent customer support to build lasting, profitable relationships.
Detailed Job Description
Strategic Planning and Support – 20%
- Drive business development and performance within assigned SME segments.
- Align segment activities with the broader Business Banking strategy of the bank.
- Facilitate sector-specific growth initiatives by guiding branch teams on SME acquisition targets.
- Contribute to tactical planning by providing insights on market trends and customer behavior.
Acquisition and Business Development – 35%
- Acquire new SME customers, contributing to the growth of the bank’s loan and deposit portfolios.
- Promote Non-Funded Income (NFI) by deepening relationships and cross-selling financial solutions.
- Increase product uptake and utilization among existing customers through effective engagement.
- Identify new opportunities and trends to create innovative SME financial solutions.
- Conduct credit assessments, prepare proposals, and ensure timely submission aligned with bank turnaround times.
- Maintain a proactive customer engagement calendar to enhance relationships and satisfaction.
- Provide sector-specific insights to inform product development and service enhancement.
Client Retention and Cross-Selling – 25%
- Offer expert financial advice and match client needs with appropriate bank products.
- Address customer inquiries and resolve escalated issues efficiently and satisfactorily.
- Analyze client businesses and customize solutions to optimize utilization of banking facilities.
- Deepen wallet share within the SME portfolio through relationship development and retention.
- Track account activity to ensure clients maintain operational accounts in line with business needs.
- Monitor and manage credit facilities, ensuring compliance with maturity dates and terms.
- Ensure timely renewal of facilities and adherence to portfolio quality standards (e.g., acceptable PAR levels).
- Communicate bank updates, product changes, and market developments clearly to clients.
Compliance and Risk Management – 10%
- Uphold internal and external compliance standards in daily operations.
- Collaborate with risk and compliance teams to implement preventive and corrective controls.
- Identify and mitigate risk factors across the SME client lifecycle.
- Maintain accurate records and adhere to ethical banking practices in line with policy and regulatory guidelines.
Talent and Personal Development – 5%
- Pursue professional growth through ongoing learning and participation in training programs.
- Contribute to peer development through mentorship, knowledge sharing, and teamwork.
- Take initiative in career planning aligned with the bank’s performance management systems.
Brand Image and Representation – 5%
- Uphold the bank’s image and reputation through professional conduct and client engagement.
- Participate in community and business forums to represent the bank’s interests and build networks.
- Contribute to customer outreach and brand visibility in the Nakuru region and beyond.
Key Relationships
Direct Reporting:
- This position does not have direct reports.
Stakeholders and Collaborators:
- SME Clients
- Trade Finance Department
- Treasury Department
- All Heads of Departments (HODs)
- Regional Manager
- Branch Managers
Knowledge, Skills, and Experience Required
- A Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university, preferably with a major in Finance, Accounting, Marketing, or Economics.
- Demonstrated experience in client relationship management, sales, and credit analysis within the banking sector.
- In-depth understanding of SME banking, financial products, and market trends.
- Proven ability to analyze financial statements and credit reports accurately.
Key Competencies for Success in This Role
Emotional Intelligence and Professionalism
- Capacity to work under pressure and maintain composure in challenging client interactions.
- High degree of self-awareness, tact, and diplomacy in managing customer relationships.
Customer-Centric Mindset
- Passionate about understanding customer needs and offering tailored financial solutions.
- Ability to translate customer feedback into actionable service improvements.
Performance Orientation and Goal Achievement
- Drive to meet and exceed performance targets through effective planning and execution.
- A results-driven mindset with a focus on revenue generation and portfolio growth.
Entrepreneurial Thinking and Commercial Awareness
- Ability to identify and capitalize on market opportunities that align with business banking goals.
- Sharp business acumen and understanding of the banking industry’s competitive dynamics.
Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills
- Skilled in evaluating creditworthiness, financial documentation, and investment potential.
- Capacity to analyze client behavior and recommend risk-mitigating strategies.
Effective Communication and Influence
- Strong oral and written communication skills for client interaction and internal collaboration.
- Ability to present compelling business proposals and persuade clients effectively.
Networking and Collaboration
- Ability to foster professional relationships within and outside the organization to support business development.
- Willingness to work with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless client experience.
Accountability and Responsibility
- Ownership of tasks and responsibilities to ensure timely completion and quality service delivery.
- Commitment to SLA adherence, reporting accuracy, and customer satisfaction.
Why Join This Bank?
This opportunity is ideal for an ambitious banking professional seeking to be part of a forward-looking institution committed to innovation, customer satisfaction, and community growth. As a Relationship Manager, you will have the autonomy to build meaningful SME relationships, contribute to economic empowerment, and make a real impact in the lives of entrepreneurs and small businesses.
The bank values performance, integrity, and development and offers opportunities for personal growth through on-the-job training, mentorship, and internal mobility. You will work with a supportive team, access tools and resources to succeed, and contribute to a winning culture focused on excellence and inclusion.
How to Apply
Applications should be submitted before the closing date of July 4, 2025.
Interested candidates who meet the requirements are encouraged to apply via email as provided in the official job listing.
