Head of Lending

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in Kenya.

📋 Description

• Take charge of the lending P&L, encompassing interest and fee revenue, cost of funds, credit losses, and operational expenses.

• Develop the budget, forecast, and reporting schedule for assessing portfolio health and profitability.

• Establish commercial and credit strategies, focusing on SME segments, loan products, terms, and risk-based pricing.

• Expand the SME lending portfolio from inception into a substantial, profitable entity.

• Enhance lending distribution via direct sales and partnerships.

• Collaborate with Product, Data Science, Finance, Risk, Compliance, and Growth teams.

• Build and manage the commercial lending team responsible for portfolio and relationship management, credit operations, and collections.

• Identify and negotiate strategic partnerships to extend reach within the SME segment.

⛳️ Requirements

• Minimum of 8 years of experience in lending.

• Proven, direct ownership of a lending P&L.

• Experience in originating, underwriting, pricing, and managing loan portfolios.

• A track record of building or significantly scaling an SME or similar lending book.

• Ability to operate comfortably across functions with Product, Data Science, Risk, Compliance, and Finance.

• Strong quantitative and analytical skills.

• Familiarity with lending unit economics, portfolio performance metrics, and credit risk concepts.

• Knowledge of the Kenyan or East African lending market is a plus, but not mandatory.

🏝️ Benefits

• Opportunity to establish a lending business from the ground up in Kenya.

• Ownership of a business initiative supported by a company that has successfully scaled the model in Nigeria.

• Chance to work within an underserved SME credit segment in one of Africa's most dynamic markets.

• Equal opportunity employer dedicated to diversity and fostering an inclusive environment.