Business Manager at Zambia National Commercial Bank Plc

JOB PURPOSE

The Business Manager in the Office of the CRO will play a pivotal role in ensuring the effective and efficient functioning of the Risk Management department. This role provides critical operational, strategic, and project management support to the CRO, while also driving collaboration across various risk teams and business units. The ideal candidate will have strong organizational skills, a deep understanding of risk management principles, and experience in managing complex projects.

Under the supervision of the Chief Risk Officer, the following are among the Job Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Support:

• Work closely with the CRO and Risk Heads to develop and execute risk management strategies that align with the organization’s business objectives.
• Assist in setting the risk appetite, governance structures, and ensuring risk alignment across business units.
• Support the CRO with sector outlook perspectives for risk appetite setting and outlook purposes
• Provide input on risk-related matters for strategic initiatives such as risk support to business units across the Bank.

Operational Management:

• Oversee the day-to-day administrative and operational functions of the Risk Management office, including budgeting, resource allocation, and staff coordination.
• Develop and maintain an efficient documentation and filing system for all Risk reports such as Risk Oversight Committee, Board Risk Committees etc.
• Ensure smooth communication and coordination between the CRO’s office and other departments i.e. corporate functions and frontline.
• Monitor risk function performance metrics, reporting results to senior risk leadership and identifying areas for improvement.

Project Management:

• Lead and manage cross-functional risk projects, ensuring alignment with the organization’s overall strategy and timely execution within budget.
• Coordinate the implementation of risk systems, policies, and procedures across departments.
• Ensure the delivery of risk initiatives such as enterprise risk assessments, risk reporting tools, and regulatory compliance projects.

Project Management:

• Lead and manage cross-functional risk projects, ensuring alignment with the organization’s overall strategy and timely execution within budget.
• Coordinate the implementation of risk systems, policies, and procedures across departments.
• Ensure the delivery of risk initiatives such as enterprise risk assessments, risk reporting tools, and regulatory compliance projects.

Stakeholder Management:

• Serve as a primary liaison between the CRO and senior executives, facilitating clear communication and timely reporting of key risk issues and developments.
• Prepare presentations, reports, and updates for board and executive meetings, ensuring accurate and comprehensive information delivery.

Risk Governance & Compliance:

• Ensure the organization adheres to both internal risk policies and external regulatory requirements, working closely with the compliance team to monitor emerging risks and governance updates.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of industry trends, regulatory changes, and best practices in risk management.

 

Financial Oversight:

• Oversee the risk department’s budget, ensuring prudent resource allocation and cost management.
• Track expenditures, assist with financial reporting, and support the CRO in financial planning for the risk function.

Process Improvement & Efficiency:

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives within the risk management office, identifying and implementing process enhancements that increase efficiency and effectiveness.
• Implement and oversee risk management tools, platforms, and dashboards for more accurate and timely risk reporting.

Team Leadership & Development:

• Foster collaboration and knowledge sharing across different risk teams and regions.
• Produce reports, presentations, and briefs as needed

INTERNAL/EXTERNAL CONTACT

• External: External Auditors

• Internal: All internal Business Units

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Grade 12 Certificate with Credit or above mandatory in Mathematics and English and any other three subjects
• University Degree (Business Preferably – Actuarial Science/ Economics/ Business Administration/ Business Mathematics/ Accounting/ Production Management)
• Master’s Degree or MBA is preferred
• Certification in risk or investment management – CFA/FRM/PRM will be an added advantage
• Zambia Qualifications Authority (Zaqa) Verification Certificate for Tertiary Qualifications
• Strong understanding of risk management principles, including regulatory frameworks, risk governance, and compliance requirements
• Proven ability to manage complex projects and cross-functional teams in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to convey complex risk issues clearly and concisely to senior leadership and board members.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with experience in risk reporting and data analysis
• Proficient in risk management tools and software, with advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)
• Familiarity with financial services, banking, insurance, or related industries is a plus.

JOB CORE COMPETENCIES

• Strategic Thinking and Decision Making
• Strong Organizational Skills
• Financial Acumen
• Relationship Building and Collaboration
• Project and Time Management
• Adaptability in a Dynamic Environment
• Drive for results
• Strong communication and presentation skills