Description

The Trade Specialist is accountable for the end‑to‑end management of the trade business, from client engagement to deal management and revenue growth within an allocated portfolio. 

The role is focused on protecting and growing the existing book, deepening client engagement, driving utilisation of products, and increasing Investec's market share and top‑line revenue in Trade Finance.

The Trade Specialist is responsible for building deep, profitable, and sustainable client/ partner relationships through proactive portfolio management, structured product entrenchment, and the identification and execution of growth opportunities across the Africa cluster business and broader Investec Group.

Key Responsibilities

• Retention, defence, and growth of existing facilities within the allocated client portfolio.
• Engagement with Risk around credit facilities and high-risk jursidcitions, with the aim to build appetite across the portfolio
• Successful implementation, entrenchment, and optimisation of Trade finance products for banks, clients and partners
• Identification and execution of cross‑sell and upsell opportunities to deepen client relationships and enhance profitability
• Growth in operating income through improved utilisation and effective product mix optimisation.
• Origination of new client opportunities.
• Active participation in the credit process in partnership with Portfolio Consultants, applying strong client insight and commercial judgement.
• Seamless implementation and activation of newly approved or amended credit facilities.
• Active deal management regarding transactions within the portfolio
• Assist peers and stakeholders with subject matter expertise, and ongoing development of the existing business

Qualifications, Experience and Skills

•    BCom degree or equivalent financial qualification.
•    Minimum of 10 years' relevant experience within Banking, supported by a strong understanding of banking products  and credit background.
•    Solid commercial and financial acumen, with proven ability to read and interpret Annual Financial Statements.
•    Product knowledge across Lending, Transactional and Working capital products 
•    Demonstrated experience in managing and engaging effectively with executive stakeholders.
•    Demonstrated experience in understanding and managing complex credit applications across multiple sectors and geographies
•    Ability to originate, upsell and cross‑sell tailored trade finance solutions.
•    Well-developed negotiation, problem‑solving, planning and prioritisation skills.
•    Strong collaborator with a track record of working effectively across internal teams and multiple stakeholders.
•    Proficiency in using AI-enabled productivity tools, such as Copilot, to improve efficiency, generate insight and support decision-making. Applies critical thinking and sound judgement when interpreting outputs, remains accountable for the quality and accuracy of their work

What We Value

At Investec we seek creative, talented people with passion, energy and stamina, who collaborate unselfishly.

We are committed to diversity and inclusion when recruiting internally and externally.