Job Description

Reporting to: Finance Director Africa Job Summary: We are seeking an experienced, knowledgeable, and forward-thinking Credit Risk Manager to lead credit risk management and working capital optimization across our African operations. This is a strategic leadership role responsible for improving cash flow efficiency across all markets and ensuring disciplined credit risk practices that support business growth, resilience, and innovation. The ideal candidate will have a minimum of 35 years of experience in the agricultural sector, particularly in fertilizer or input financing, and a strong understanding of credit dynamics at farmer level. This role requires full ownership of the credit and working capital strategy, active participation in M&A projects, leadership in digital risk innovation, and responsibility for regional due diligence and bank partnerships. Responsibilities: Assess and evaluate the creditworthiness of clients and borrowers across the African market, ensuring alignment with internal credit policies and risk appetite. Assess and evaluate the creditworthiness of clients and borrowers across the African market, ensuring alignment with internal credit policies and risk appetite. Develop and implement effective credit risk management frameworks and risk mitigation strategies aligned with company goals and regulatory standards. Conduct comprehensive credit analysis and due diligence using financial models and sector-specific insights. Leverage deep understanding of agriculture and fertilizer distribution models, including seasonal cycles, farmer repayment behavior, and input finance schemes. Tailor credit assessment and collection strategies to align with how farmers and agri-dealers operate across diverse markets. Drive cash flow efficiency across the company by taking full ownership of the working capital strategy. Focusing on DSO reduction, overdue management, and portfolio turnover, while embedding cash-conscious decision-making into credit policies, customer terms, and financing structures. Collaborate cross-functionally and with external banks to implement governance tools and financing models that enhance liquidity and working capital performance. Lead credit innovation by integrating risk models into digital platforms and new business models, enabling real-time approvals, predictive analytics, and improved portfolio performance to further support cash flow efficiency. Serve as the credit risk lead on M&A and divestment initiatives, analysing credit exposures and working capital implications in potential target markets. Provide insights and recommendations that support sound investment decisions while maintaining financial discipline and protecting cash flow. Act as the primary liaison for all banking relationships in Africa, managing credit lines, working capital facilities, and trade finance structures. Co-create innovative financing solutions with banks and financial institutions that support cash flow efficiency and commercial agility. Own the Integrity Due Diligence (IDD) process across Africa, ensuring compliance with internal controls and reputational risk standards. Monitor and report credit risk metrics, KPIs, and cash flow performance indicators to senior stakeholders. Stay current on market, regulatory, and credit trends across African markets to maintain forward-looking risk strategies. Work cross-functionally with local finance teams, commercial managers, legal, and operations to embed a cash-conscious culture and sound credit practices. Provide hands-on training and coaching on risk frameworks, collections, and working capital tools.
Qualifications: Bachelors degree in finance, Economics, Business Administration, or a related field. Advanced degree or certifications (e.g., FRM, CFA) are preferred. Proven experience in credit risk management within the Agricultural market, with a minimum of 3-5 years in a similar role In-depth knowledge of credit risk management principles, methodologies, and regulatory frameworks within the African context. Strong analytical and quantitative skills, with the ability to assess complex financial data and make sound credit risk decisions. Familiarity with risk assessment tools, credit scoring models, and underwriting practices. Excellent understanding of industry-specific credit risk factors and market dynamics in the African market. Proficiency in using financial analysis software (DebiTEX), risk management systems, and MS Office applications. Effective communication and presentation skills, with the ability to articulate complex credit risk concepts to diverse audiences. Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities, with attention to detail and accuracy in credit risk assessment. Ability to work collaboratively in cross-functional teams, demonstrating leadership and influencing skills.