Vacancy: Senior Lending Officer

1.0            JOB SUMMARY

The Senior Lending Officer is a supervisory position; the incumbent reports to and provides strong support to the Head of Lending.  The incumbent assists with managing FICS’ credit portfolio and processes, from application to disbursement, ensuring compliance and efficiency.  This Officer is responsible for assessing, monitoring and managing FICS’ credit risk, with the aim of minimizing loan losses, maximizing, profitability, and ensuring customer satisfaction.  The Officer is also expected to develop new and update existing loan products. 

This role involves leading, mentoring, and developing the staff, while staying informed about industry trends and competitor activities.

2.0            EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

i)               A first degree in accounting, finance, management, marketing, economics, banking or other related disciplines. 

ii)              Business or finance related professional qualification at the level of a first degree or higher.

iii)            Five years’ experience as a lending manager or in a related or relevant field.

3.0            SPECIFIC KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED:

i) Sound knowledge of the products and services offered by FICS.

ii) Sound knowledge of the financial services industry in Saint Lucia and the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union.

iii) Good knowledge of the marketing of financial products.

iv)   Good knowledge of the various pieces of legislation impacting FICS’ products and services.

v)              Good knowledge of the key players in the Saint Lucia business community.

vi)            Good knowledge of AML/CFT/CPT risk management legislation and practices

4.0            SPECIALISED TECHNIQUES/SKILLS:

i)               Analytical Skills: Strong analytical skills to assess creditworthiness and manage credit risk.

ii)              Communication Skills: Excellent communication skills for interacting with customers and colleagues.

iii)            Problem-Solving Skills: Ability to identify and resolve issues related to loan processing and servicing.

iv) Organization and Time Management: Ability to organize and manage multiple tasks and deadlines.

v) Knowledge of Financial Regulations: A thorough understanding of financial regulations and compliance requirements is crucial.

vi) Strong human relations skills: To effectively represent and respond to the needs of staff and clients

vii) Good negotiating skills: To effectively represent the interest of FICS in negotiating with clients.

viii) Good judgement: Ability to use good judgement in making appropriate decisions.  

Strong teambuilding and coordination skills: Ability to foster, develop and maintain and strong and effective team.

5.0            WORKING CONDITIONS:

i)               Normal office environment

ii)              Expected to participate in marketing events outside of working hours

6.0            REPORTING AND ORGANISATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS

6.1 Reports To:                                             Nature of Supervision Received:

Head of Lending                                    Policy guidance and direction

Supervise

• Lending Officers

• Verification and Disbursement Officers

6.2            LIAISES WITH:

Internally:

• Management

• All Staff Members

Externally:

• Clients and potential clients

• Relevant financial institutions

• Members of the Public

6.4           DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Specific

i) Credit Portfolio Management: Assist in developing, overseeing and managing FICS’ credit portfolio, including developing and/or enhancing various loan products and services.  Monitor portfolio performance to identify, monitor and manage potential risks.  

ii) Client Relationship Management: Assist in building and maintaining strong relationships with corporate or individual clients, understanding their needs, and offering suitable credit solutions.

iii) Business Development: Assist in developing and implementing strategies to attract new clients, expand existing relationships, and identify opportunities for cross-selling credit products.

iv) Sales and Marketing: Assist in actively promoting and selling loan products to individuals and businesses, participating in sales events, and conducting market research.

v) Compliance: Assist in ensuring adherence with internal policies, guidelines, and external regulatory requirements related to credit operations and client onboarding.  Conduct regular audits/review of the credit portfolio.  

vi) Risk Management: Assist in identifying and managing risks associated with credit products and services, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.

vii) Performance Management: Assist in tracking and reporting on sales performance, customer feedback, and market trends to meet or exceed sales targets and KPIs.

viii) Collaboration: Collaborate with other departments, such as marketing, IT and legal, to streamline credit operations.

ix) Operational Support: Assist in responding to inquiries related to credit products and provide support in addressing customer concerns.

x) Problem Solving: Assist in addressing and resolving customer complaints and queries, ensuring high levels of customer satisfaction.

xi) Market Analysis: Assist in conducting market research, analyzing competitor activities, and identifying trends to inform business strategy and product development.

General

i) Participate in the hiring of relevant staff, provide training and development opportunities, and conduct performance evaluations.

ii) Foster a positive and collaborative work environment, ensuring team members are motivated and engaged.

iii) Provide feedback, address performance issues, and develop improvement plans.

iv) Identify and address challenges within functional area, providing solutions and support.

v) Maintain appropriate files and records and prepare reports on all activities.

vi) Perform other related functions assigned from time to time by the Head of Lending.

6.5           AUTHORITY TO:

i)               Grant/approval loans within assigned limits

ii)              Negotiate special lending arrangements with clients and prospective clients

iii)            Counter sign loan approval documents within assigned limits

Applications with resume and two-character references should be addressed to:

              The Official Administrator

              Financial Investment and Consultancy Services Limited

              #15 Bridge Street, Castries, St Lucia

or emailed to tgaston@ficsltd.com.