PPB Risk- Chief Credit Officer

Empowering Africa’s tomorrow, together…one story at a time. With over 100 years of rich history and strongly positioned as a local bank with regional and international expertise, a career with our family offers the opportunity to be part of this exciting growth journey, to reset our future and shape our destiny as a proudly African group. Job Summary The Chief Credit Officer (CCO) for Personal and Private Banking (PPB) plays a critical role in overseeing and managing credit risk in the PPB portfolio from the second line of defense. Reporting directly to the PPB Chief Risk Officer (CRO), the CCO will be accountable for ensuring that credit risks across all retail products are appropriately identified, assessed, and managed within defined appetite. This senior leadership position involves providing independent oversight and strategic direction, ensuring that credit risk management practices are consistent with the bank's risk appetite, regulatory requirements, and overall strategic goals. The role combines a deep understanding of credit risk management with strong governance oversight, strategic risk insight, and collaboration with business and risk functions in the first line of defense. Job Description Credit Risk Appetite, Oversight and Strategy Provide independent oversight and strategic direction for the management of credit risk within PPB. Challenge the proposed bottom-up credit risk appetite from each BU within PPB ensuring it is logical, robust and aligned with the overall risk strategy and methodologies developed by the Group Credit Portfolio Management team. Oversee the establishment of sound portfolio triggers and early warning indicators to ensure that PPB operates within its credit risk appetite. Develop and oversee implementation of the credit risk standards for the Retail business, ensuring alignment with the bank’s Credit Risk framework and policy considering the applicable regulatory environment (e.g., National Credit Act, Basel regulations, SARB guidelines). Continuously evaluate and ensure enhancement (either directly or through influencing the first line of defense) the bank’s credit risk models (including impairment and capital), credit scoring systems, and decision-making processes, ensuring they remain robust, compliant, and aligned with market conditions. Independently review and challenge credit strategies, including approval and enforcement of corrective actions within mandate. Ensure adequacy of impairment coverage and appropriateness of risk weighted assets, economic capital and earnings at risk measures. Credit Risk Governance and Standard Compliance Act as the second line of defense by establishing a comprehensive credit risk governance process that supports effective credit risk management across PPB. Oversee PPB’s compliance with internal policies and external regulations, ensuring regulatory compliance with industry standards such as the National Credit Act (NCA), Consumer Protection Act (CPA), and other relevant legislation. Monitor and assess the overall credit risk exposure of the PPB portfolio, ensuring that risk limits and thresholds are established, monitored, and enforced. Oversee the development, implementation and ongoing refinement of credit strategies across PPB. Conduct regular credit risk deep dives to ensure credit risk management practices and controls are adequate and effective. Credit Risk Monitoring & Reporting Contribute to defining the metrics, indicators, dashboards, and reports used to evaluate PPB’s credit risk profile and ensure appropriate credit risk reporting to governance committees, including tracking of portfolio triggers and EWIs. Provide regular credit risk reports to the Chief Risk Officer (CRO) and other senior leaders within PPB, presenting insights on the health of the credit portfolio, emerging risks, and mitigation strategies. Identify and report on key risk drivers, systemic risks, and changes in market conditions that may impact the credit quality of the PPB portfolio. Risk Mitigation & Credit Loss Prevention Collaborate with the first line of defense (business units) to ensure that appropriate credit risk mitigation strategies are in place across the credit lifecycle. Ensure that effective credit loss prevention strategies are developed and implemented, including early warning systems for delinquency, fraud detection, and pre‑emptive risk controls. Work with senior business leaders to ensure that risk‑adjusted returns are balanced with acceptable risk levels in all PPB product offerings. Portfolio & Stress Testing Lead the credit stress‑testing and scenario analysis of the PPB lending business units, working closely with the CRO and other senior managers to assess the impact of various economic and market scenarios on the credit portfolio. Ensure the scenario analysis and stress testing models are consistent with best practices and provide actionable insights on potential vulnerabilities in the credit book. Oversee portfolio analysis and segmentation to ensure that credit policies and risk strategies are aligned with customer behaviour, market dynamics, and portfolio performance. Stakeholder Engagement & Collaboration Build strong relationships with key stakeholders in the first line of defense to ensure alignment between business objectives and credit risk policies. Collaborate with other second‑line risk functions, including Group Risk centre to ensure integrated risk management strategies. Engage with external stakeholders, including regulators, auditors, and credit bureaus, to stay updated on industry trends, emerging risks, and regulatory changes. Leadership & Team Development Lead and develop the team, ensuring that team members have the skills, knowledge, and tools to effectively support the management and oversight of credit risk management. Provide ongoing training, mentorship, and guidance to team members to build a high‑performance culture focused on continuous improvement. Foster a collaborative and results‑oriented environment, ensuring alignment with the bank’s broader strategic goals. Preferred Education & Experience Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Actuarial Science, Statistics, Mathematics, or related quantitative discipline. Minimum 15 years retail banking experience, coupled with significant experience in a leadership role. Knowledge and Skills Strategic Risk Management Expertise Ability to develop and implement comprehensive credit risk strategies and frameworks, with a focus on mitigating risk while supporting business growth. Strong understanding of retail banking products, credit risk models, and financial markets, especially within the South African context. Ability to apply a risk‑based approach to assess the credit risk impact of product development, new customer segments, and portfolio changes. Governance & Compliance Leadership Strong background in governance, risk management, and regulatory compliance in the financial services industry. Ability to lead and influence across multiple levels of the organization, ensuring alignment with regulatory expectations and internal credit risk policies. Understanding of SARB regulations, NCA, and Basel frameworks and how these impact credit risk management. Analytical & Problem‑Solving Skills Advanced analytical skills, with the ability to interpret complex financial data, identify risks and trends, and provide actionable recommendations to senior leadership. Ability to balance risk mitigation with business growth goals, making data‑driven decisions to optimise the retail credit portfolio. Communication & Stakeholder Management Exceptional communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to present complex credit risk issues in a clear, concise, and actionable manner. Strong interpersonal skills to engage effectively with senior leaders, business units, external regulators, and other key stakeholders. Leadership & Influence Proven experience leading and developing high‑performing teams, with a focus on building a culture of accountability and collaboration. Ability to influence decision‑making at senior levels, including executives and board members, by providing credible risk assessments and recommendations. Education Postgraduate Degrees and Professional Qualifications: Business, Commerce and Management Studies (Required) Absa Bank Limited is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. In compliance with the Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998, preference will be given to suitable candidates from designated groups whose appointments will contribute towards achievement of equitable demographic representation of our workforce profile and add to the diversity of the Bank. Absa Bank Limited reserves the right not to make an appointment to the post as advertised. #J-18808-Ljbffr