Relationship Manager, SME Banking (Rivers)

Job title : Relationship Manager, SME Banking (Rivers)

Job Summary

• The Relationship Manager plays a pivotal role in driving revenue growth by effectively onboarding and nurturing relationships with small and medium-sized business clients.
• This position leverages Standard Chartered's extensive global network and capabilities to facilitate international trade and deliver tailored financial solutions.
• The successful candidate will work collaboratively across multiple teams to support Trade Finance activities, enhance deposit mobilization, and foster long-term client engagement through deep understanding of SME business needs and market dynamics.
• This role is highly strategic, requiring proactive leadership in client acquisition, portfolio management, and cross-selling, while ensuring adherence to regulatory guidelines and the Bank’s values.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategically identifying and acquiring Trade and SME business clients with high deposit potential, focusing on current accounts and low-cost deposits.
• Proactively prospecting and engaging new-to-bank (NTB) Trade SME businesses across diverse sectors by leveraging Supplier & Buyer ecosystems, strategic alliances, targeted lists, and local market knowledge.
• Driving usage of digital channels among clients by setting up remote access systems such as online banking, POS, client centres, and ATMs.
• Collaborating with specialist teams to deepen relationships with high-value or growth-potential clients through comprehensive SME product offerings and tailored solutions.
• Conducting detailed needs assessments and providing SMEs with suitable trade finance products, structured deposits, cash management, and payment solutions aligned with their business cycles.
• Developing and delivering actionable client feedback and market intelligence through weekly reports, helping senior leadership shape SME strategic initiatives.
• Leading client engagement efforts with a focus on sectors such as Trade, Maritime, Oil & Gas, IT, NGOs, Healthcare, Education, and Commerce to build sustainable, long-term banking relationships.
• Driving growth in Trade Finance and deposit mobilization by promoting products such as Letters of Credit, Bank Guarantees, Import/Export financing, and structured trade solutions.
• Partnering closely with Trade Operations and Treasury to ensure smooth end-to-end trade transaction processing and exemplary service delivery.
• Adhering rigorously to the Bank’s policies, operating instructions, and risk management protocols, including Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) requirements.
• Setting a high standard of conduct by embodying the Group’s Values and Code of Conduct, fostering an ethical, compliant environment.

Qualifications

• A good first degree from a recognised institution in Business, Finance, Economics, or related fields, or equivalent professional qualifications acquired through reputable associations and practical experience.
• Specialised knowledge and certification in trade finance instruments and global trade regulations is highly advantageous.
• Sound working knowledge of SME banking products and lending instruments tailored to diverse industries.

Skills and Experience:

• Extensive expertise in Trade Finance with in-depth knowledge of Letters of Credit (LCs), Bills for Collection (BCs), Bank Guarantees, Standby Letters of Credit (SBLCs), and related instruments.
• Proven business development and relationship management capabilities, with experience acquiring, growing, and managing clients actively engaged in trade.
• Strong competence in transaction banking products and deposit mobilization strategies that effectively balance growth and risk mitigation.
• Thorough understanding of credit and risk assessment practices relevant to SME banking.
• Comprehensive industry and sector knowledge, enabling tailored solutions to meet dynamic market needs.
• Up-to-date knowledge of regulatory frameworks and compliance obligations within the banking and trade finance sectors.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to foster trust, negotiate complex transactions, and maintain lasting client relationships.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively within cross-functional teams and a global banking environment.
• A minimum of 5 years’ post-graduate experience in banking, with a focus on trade finance or SME relationship management roles.

What We Offer

• Being part of an inclusive and values driven organisation, one that embraces and celebrates our unique diversity, across our teams, business functions, and geographies.
• In line with our Fair Pay Charter, we offer a competitive salary and benefits to support your mental, physical, financial and social wellbeing.
• Core bank funding for retirement savings, medical and life insurance, with flexible and voluntary benefits available in some locations.
• Time-off including annual leave, parental/maternity (20 weeks), sabbatical (12 months maximum) and volunteering leave (3 days), along with minimum global standards for annual and public holiday, which is combined to 30 days minimum.
• Flexible working options based around home and office locations, with flexible working patterns.
• Proactive wellbeing support through Unmind, a market-leading digital wellbeing platform, development courses for resilience and other human skills, global employee assistance programme, sick leave, mental health first-aiders and self-help toolkits.
• A continuous learning culture to support your growth, with opportunities to reskill and upskill and access to physical, virtual, and digital learning.