Cluster Credit Manager

The Cluster Credit Manager is a critical leadership role responsible for overseeing and managing all credit-related activities within a designated cluster of branches. This position plays a pivotal role in ensuring the sound credit appraisal, underwriting, and sanctioning of business proposals while maintaining a healthy loan portfolio. The Cluster Credit Manager will be instrumental in driving credit quality, managing risk, and achieving business objectives through effective team leadership and strategic credit management.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Credit Appraisal & Recommendation: Conduct thorough credit appraisal and provide comprehensive credit recommendations for various business proposals, ensuring adherence to company policies and risk parameters.
• Due Diligence, Evaluation & Sanctioning: Lead and perform robust due diligence in the evaluation, underwriting, and sanctioning of loan applications, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
• Performance Monitoring (Approval Rate & TAT): Monitor and enforce approval rates and Turnaround Times (TAT) as per prescribed standards, optimizing efficiency without compromising credit quality.
• Portfolio Quality Management (Bounce Rate & Delinquency): Continuously monitor and ensure that Bounce Rate and Delinquency levels for the assigned cluster are within acceptable and prescribed organizational standards.
• Extensive Portfolio Review & Risk Mitigation: Conduct extensive and ongoing review of the loan portfolio, proactively identifying and controlling delinquencies, frauds, and potential losses to the organization. Take timely preventive and corrective actions to mitigate risks.
• Branch Audit Score Management: Monitor and ensure that the monthly Branch Audit Score for all branches within the cluster is satisfactory, addressing any discrepancies promptly.
• Training & Development: Provide regular training and updates on credit policies, procedures, and market trends to sales teams, credit personnel, and channel partners to enhance their understanding and compliance.
• Vendor Management & Process Implementation: Manage relationships with relevant vendors and drive the effective implementation of new credit processes and systems to improve operational efficiency and control.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE:

• Educational Background: Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field from a recognized university.
• A Master's degree (e.g., MBA Finance) or professional certifications (e.g., CA, CFA) will be an added advantage.
• Experience: Minimum of 10 to 15 years of progressive experience in credit management, underwriting, and portfolio management within the financial services industry (preferably banking, NBFC, or a similar lending institution).
• Demonstrated experience in leading and managing a team of credit professionals.
• Proven track record in managing credit risk, controlling delinquencies, and ensuring asset quality.

SKILLS & COMPETENCIES:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with an ability to interpret complex financial data.
• Excellent understanding of credit cycles, risk assessment methodologies, and lending products.
• In-depth knowledge of regulatory guidelines and compliance requirements related to credit.
• Exceptional leadership and team management abilities, with a focus on coaching and development.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work under pressure, manage multiple priorities, and meet tight deadlines.
• Proficiency in credit appraisal software and MS Office Suite (especially Excel).

BEHAVIORAL ATTRIBUTES:

• High level of integrity and ethical conduct.
• Proactive and result-oriented approach.
• Attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong decision-making capabilities.
• Customer-centric approach while adhering to credit policies.