About the Role:
You will define and execute the SME lending program strategy aligned with business growth objectives and risk appetite. The role involves identifying target SME segments and developing sector-specific financing programs such as supplier finance, microfinance, and embedded lending solutions. You will build strategic partnerships with anchor corporates, fintechs, government entities, and ecosystem partners. Collaborating with Credit, Risk, Data, Operations, and Technology teams, you will design underwriting frameworks and eligibility models while driving the digitization of end-to-end lending journeys, from customer onboarding through servicing and collections.
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You will integrate lending solutions into digital channels and ecosystem platforms to enhance customer reach and accessibility, own business targets, monitor portfolio performance, asset quality, and risk-adjusted returns. Your responsibilities will include optimizing key performance indicators such as approval rates, turnaround times, disbursement volumes, delinquency levels, and recovery ratios. You will continuously refine program structures and customer propositions to balance sustainable growth and profitability while designing seamless, customer-centric lending experiences that remove friction from the borrowing journey. Additionally, you will develop flexible repayment solutions and lifecycle-based lending propositions tailored to SME needs, collaborating with Customer Experience and Distribution teams to improve acquisition, onboarding, and servicing outcomes. You will lead and develop a team of program managers, product specialists, and analysts while championing a culture of innovation, collaboration, accountability, and agile delivery. Ensuring compliance with internal policies and regulatory requirements, including CBUAE and AML/CFT standards, is also essential.
What We're Looking For:
- Extensive experience in SME Banking, Business Banking, Commercial Lending, or Program-Based Finance.
- Demonstrated success in developing and scaling lending products, credit programs, or financing ecosystems.
- Strong commercial acumen with the ability to drive growth while effectively managing portfolio risk.
- Proven leadership experience managing high-performing, cross-functional teams.
- Deep understanding of credit risk management, regulatory frameworks, and governance requirements.
- Experience working within digital transformation, fintech partnerships, or embedded finance environments is highly desirable.
- A strategic thinker with strong execution capabilities and a passion for innovation.
- Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills, with the ability to engage senior leadership and external partners.
Skills:
- Deep understanding of SME banking, lending products, credit risk, and alternative underwriting methodologies.
- Expertise across lending solutions including working capital facilities, term loans, invoice financing, supply chain finance, and government-backed schemes.
- Strong knowledge of digital lending ecosystems, customer journeys, and platform integrations.
- Experience in portfolio management, risk-return optimization, and data-driven decision making.
- Exceptional leadership, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic, and evolving environment.
- Commitment to innovation, continuous improvement, and talent development.
What's In It For You?
- Lead the strategy and growth of a critical SME lending business within one of the UAE's leading banks.
- Shape innovative lending solutions that directly impact the success of thousands of SMEs across the region.
- Work at the forefront of digital transformation, embedded finance, and next-generation lending ecosystems.
- Collaborate with senior leaders and cross-functional teams to drive meaningful business outcomes.
- Enjoy opportunities for professional growth, leadership development, and career progression.
- Be part of a high-performing, collaborative culture that values innovation, ownership, and customer centricity.
- Access competitive rewards, comprehensive benefits, and flexible wellbeing programs.
- Make a tangible impact by supporting entrepreneurship, economic growth, and financial inclusion in the UAE.
