Business Development Head

Role Overview: The Business Development Head will be responsible for overseeing strategic business growth, managing lending operations, driving financial performance, and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. This is a senior role suited for a proactive professional with a strong background in financial services and a deep understanding of the SME lending landscape in Nigeria. Key Responsibilities: Develop and implement business strategies to expand the organisation's lending portfolio, covering loan origination, structuring, approval processes, disbursement, repayment, and recovery with a focus on the SME market. Lead and manage the business development team in assessing financial statements, conducting risk evaluations, reviewing lenders' business models, and monitoring portfolio performance in line with regulatory requirements to reduce delinquencies and ensure profitability. Build and maintain strong client relationships, negotiate business deals, and collaborate with finance teams on cash flow projections, budgeting, and partnerships with financial service providers and development institutions. Qualifications & Requirements: Educational Qualifications: A minimum of a Bachelor's degree in Finance, Economics, Business Administration, Accounting, Banking & Finance, or any related discipline. A postgraduate degree (MBA or MSc) in a relevant field will be an added advantage. Professional certifications such as ACCA, ICAN, CIBN, CFA, or any other relevant financial services certification will be an added advantage. Experience & Skills: A minimum of 4 years experience in the financial services sector, with specific exposure to commercial banking, micro-finance banking, or FinTech particularly in loan portfolio management and business development. Strong understanding of the dynamics and access-to-finance needs of SMEs in Nigeria. Demonstrated ability to lead a team, manage lending portfolios, and drive revenue growth. Strong analytical, negotiation, and relationship management skills. Proficiency in financial modelling, credit analysis, and business performance reporting. Candidate must be resident in Lagos State.