SME Lending Team Lead

ABOUT THE COMPANY

Umba combines advanced tools and techniques to optimize risk exposures in emerging markets that are currently underserved by traditional banking services. The Umba platform allows users to apply, receive and repay microloans through their mobile phone while using machine learning to underwrite using a risk score that is highly accurate and improves over time. umba has just rolled out a new online POS solution and is teaming up with some of the biggest e-commerce merchants to increase customers access to online goods and services.

JOB SUMMARY

RequirementsEducation: Diploma or Bachelor's degree in Finance, Business, Marketing, or a related field.Experience: At least 1–3 years of experience in sales, banking, microfinance, or a related industry.Strong sales and negotiation skills, with a proven ability to meet targets.Knowledge of credit risk assessment and loan processing.Excellent customer service and relationship management skills.Ability to work independently and as part of a team.Minimum 4–6 years of experience in SME or business lendingProven track record of consistently achieving sales and loan disbursement targets.Experience in field sales or B2B client acquisition in banking or financial institution.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Sales Leadership & Performance ManagementDrive the SME team to consistently achieve or surpass monthly loan disbursement and revenue objectives.Develop and execute effective sales plans to boost loan uptake and improve client acquisition rates.Track key performance indicators regularly and implement interventions to address underperformance at both individual and team levels.Team Oversight & Capacity BuildingLead recruitment, onboarding, and training of new sales agents to ensure readiness and alignment with sales goals.Deliver continuous coaching, provide in-field support, and facilitate skills development to enhance team effectiveness.Set clear expectations, evaluate performance regularly, and foster a results-oriented team culture.Client Acquisition & Relationship ManagementSource new clients through field engagements, referrals, and direct selling efforts.Guide potential clients through Know Your Customer (KYC) and Know Your Business (KYB) processes to ensure proper onboarding.Promote the company’s merchant financing product by effectively communicating value propositions to prospects.Maintain strong customer relationships to support client retention, upselling, and word-of-mouth growth.Loan Application Support & Credit FacilitationSupport clients in completing loan applications accurately and gather all required supporting documents.Coordinate with credit team   to ensure timely processing and disbursement of approved loans.Portfolio Management & Loan RecoveryTrack repayment schedules and engage proactively with clients to ensure timely payments.Identify clients experiencing financial difficulty and provide repayment support or restructuring options.Collaborate with the collections team to follow up on non-performing accounts and recover overdue amounts.Maintain portfolio at risk (PAR) levels in line with the organization's recommended benchmarks.Personally oversee critical client relationships and high-value transactions to maximize conversion and retention.Governance, Compliance & ReportingEnsure adherence to internal policies, standard operating procedures, and all applicable regulatory requirements.Keep comprehensive records of client interactions, application progress, and sales metrics.Submit timely and accurate reports on sales performance, client activity, and portfolio health.Strategic Market EngagementMonitor market developments, competitor activities, and customer needs to guide sales strategies.Identify emerging market segments and initiate relevant partnerships to expand the customer base.

REQUIRED SKILLS

External communication, Business development, Business strategy, Version control and configuration management, Brand management

REQUIRED EDUCATION

Diploma, Associate's degree