Sector Lead – Family-Owned Businesses

About the Role\n\nAs the Sector Lead for Family-Owned Businesses, you will lead the design and execution of a compelling value proposition that speaks to both the commercial and generational aspirations of family-run enterprises. Your role will be to unlock growth opportunities, deepen relationships, and position Absa as the bank of choice for legacy-driven businesses. You will lead the Family-Owned Businesses sector within the Bank by developing and executing a segment strategy that delivers tailored financial solutions, drives portfolio growth, and strengthens client relationships. The role ensures the bank becomes the preferred partner for family-owned enterprises by addressing their unique business and legacy needs.\n\n### Key Responsibilities\n\n\n* Drive sustainable financial growth by forging strong relationships with clients and identifying new business opportunities across various sectors within Business Banking.\n* Develop and execute a market-leading strategy for the Family-Owned Businesses segment aligned to Business Banking goals.\n* Identify and size market opportunities, define growth levers, and lead go-to-market initiatives.\n* Collaborate with product, marketing, and analytics teams to shape segment-specific offerings.\n\n\n* Build and manage strategic relationships with high-value family-owned business clients.\n* Deliver bespoke financial and advisory solutions that address both business and generational needs.\n* Act as a senior relationship sponsor for key clients, ensuring exceptional service and retention.\n\n\n* Monitor and manage the credit quality of the segment’s portfolio, ensuring NPLs remain within acceptable thresholds.\n* Lead proactive portfolio reviews and early warning interventions.\n* Partner with Credit and Risk teams to ensure sound deal structuring and risk-adjusted returns.\n\n\n* Lead, coach, and develop a team of Relationship Managers and Sector Analysts to deliver on segment objectives.\n* Foster cross-functional collaboration with product, credit, operations, and digital teams.\n* Drive a high-performance culture with clear KPIs and accountability.\n\n\n* Track and report on segment KPIs including financial performance, client satisfaction, and retention.\n* Use data and insights to refine strategy and drive continuous improvement.\n\n\n* Champion the adoption of digital tools and platforms to enhance client experience and operational efficiency.\n* Identify and implement digital solutions tailored to the needs of family-owned businesses.\n\n\n* Ensure full compliance with regulatory, operational, and internal governance standards.\n* Embed a strong risk culture within the team, with clear ownership of compliance responsibilities.\n\n### Requirements and Qualifications\n\n* Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Economics, or related field. An MBA or relevant postgraduate qualification is preferred.\n* 8–10+ years in business/commercial/corporate banking with experience in relationship management, credit risk, and segment strategy.\n* Experience working with family-owned or SME clients is highly desirable.\n* Proficiency in credit risk management, deal structuring, and an understanding of family business governance and succession planning.\n* Strategic thinking, strong interpersonal skills, and effective stakeholder management skills.