Job Description

An exciting opportunity exists at iMasFinance Cooperative Limited in Centurion in a senior management position as the Head: Business Operations in our iLend division. Preference will be given to qualifying candidates from the designated groups, in support of the iMasFinance transformation strategy. Job Overview The Head: Business Operations is a senior position in the business, responsible for the debt collections, customer support, loan administration and commercial credit functions. This role will also assist the Managing Executive of our Lending Operations (iLend) with strategic planning, process improvements and business reporting. It plays a critical role in maintaining loan book quality and managing the overall risk exposure, whilst driving business growth through innovation, efficiency improvements and improving customer experience.
The role involves managing a team of professionals who specialize in:

• Assessing and evaluating credit risks associated with commercial loans and ensuring the portfolio's profitability and compliance with relevant regulations.
• Implementing and executing of all strategic priorities and operational tactics associated with credit verifications, debt collections, asset recovery, accounts management and customer administrative support.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute comprehensive operational strategies aligned with the iLend overall business objectives, ensuring operational efficiency and effectiveness.
• Identify and implement initiatives to enhance operational processes, streamline workflows, and improve productivity across the value chain(s).
• Ensure compliance with risk management policies and procedures; develop, agree and implement mitigations reducing operational risks and maintain regulatory compliance.
• Manage operational costs, budget allocations and financial performance; identify areas for sustainable improvement and/or cost-saving.
• Identify and leverage technology solutions to automate processes, improve operational efficiency, and enhance customer service delivery.
• Establish key performance indicators and metrics to monitor operational performance, continuously improve/automate reporting, ensure development of Artificial Intelligence and present findings regarding the development and implementation thereof; develop insights and make data-driven recommendations for improvement/decision-making.
• Strategic oversight and adherence to NCR and FICA compliance and implementation of iMasFinancexe2x80x99s verification standard operating procedures for granting of credit.
• Provide insight to iMasFinance management and Credit Committee on trends in collections and possible amendments to iMasFinancexe2x80x99s credit appetite.
• Ensure that strategies and tactical plans for the collection of debts, amounts in arrears, bad debts, advances in arrears and asset recoveries are in place and executed.
• Appoint and manage all external service providers required (i.e. external debt collectors, attorneys, recovery agents, etc.).
• Ensure effectiveness of collection channels (i.e. salary deductions, debit orders and DebiCheck) are available and operating optimally.
• Engage with management of employer partners in resolving any collections related matters (via the iMasFinance Group Brand Ambassadors) when required.
• Strategic engagement (and relationships) with external stakeholders, industry and business partners/service providers.
• Inspirational and visionary leadership and management of the teams, providing positive influence on the organizational culture and climate and oversee talent attraction, retention, development, and performance within the department.

Job Requirements Qualifications

• Tertiary qualification (Bachelorxe2x80x99s Degree or equivalent) in Business Management /Administration / Finance / Legal or combination thereof or other relevant field.
• Honours or Masterxe2x80x99s Degree in the afore-mentioned fields or a Masterxe2x80x99s Degree in Business Administration (MBA) will be an advantage.
• Valid Driverxe2x80x99s License (manual operated vehicle).

Experience

• 6 to 8 yearsxe2x80x99 experience in a senior leadership position in the banking or financial services industry, overseeing business operations.
• 3 to 5 years banking operations, risk management, compliance and regulatory frameworks experience in the financial services industry at senior management level.
• Experience in managing service provider-agreements or outsourcing services.
• Exposure to- and understanding of legal agreements and legal processes (in relation to commercial law and debt recovery).

Knowledge and Skills

• Specialised skills in financial modelling, project management and financial services in general.
• Compliance, governance and business strategy.
• Ability to interact and engage at Executive and Board level.
• Demonstrate excellent understanding of the commercial business requirements, and exposure to and involvement in structuring commercial loans.
• Excellent knowledge of revenue management including managing costs throughout the debt collections value chain.
• Demonstrated experience in process improvement methodologies, such as Lean or Six Sigma, is preferred.
• Risk, technological and financial acumen, analytical skills and keeping abreast of best practices.
• Corporate credit, collection agencies, legal and compliance procedures, credit risk and account management skills and knowledge.
• In-depth knowledge and understanding of the full credit lifecycle.
• Thorough understanding of the financial services industry from a business perspective.
• Ability to deal with uncertainty and make decisions with limited information, thus action oriented.
• Balance commercial debt recovery, compliance and risks and act in the best interests of members to achieve positive outcomes.
• Customer obsessed and knowledge of Customer Relationship Management (CRM) applications/software.
• Microsoft Office Suite proficiency, with advanced Excel skills.
• Proven leadership, people management and change management skills.
• Key words: Analytical, Financial/Commercial Astute, Inspirational, Focused, Committed, Tenacity, Delivery, Success Oriented, Positive, Energetic.