Head of Credit Administration - Emiratization

We are conducting a confidential executive search for a seasoned professional to lead the Credit Administration function of a prominent local bank in the UAE. Reporting to the Chief Risk Officer, this position demands leadership in governance, robust control mechanisms, operational excellence, and transformational initiatives within the credit administration domain.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and steer the Credit Administration strategy to align with the Bank's risk appetite, credit policies, and regulatory frameworks.
• Supervise comprehensive Credit Administration activities including credit limits, documentation, and collateral management across diverse portfolios such as Corporate, Commercial, International, Treasury, and Retail.
• Enhance portfolio-level surveillance of credit limits, collateral, documentation, and critical credit controls.
• Ensure compliance with sanctioned credit approvals and uphold strong credit control standards.
• Collaborate closely with Risk, Credit, Business, and Legal teams to reinforce governance and credit control structures.
• Lead initiatives for digital transformation, automation, and process re-engineering within the Credit Administration arena.
• Oversee deployment of limits and collateral management systems, managing data migration, validation, reconciliation, and user acceptance testing (UAT).
• Address regulatory, audit, and governance obligations, including remediation of internal and external audit issues.
• Identify gaps in control frameworks and establish effective risk mitigation and remediation actions.
• Champion cross-functional projects aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and fortifying the Credit Administration infrastructure.
• Promote a strong risk-conscious culture while nurturing, mentoring, and leading the Credit Administration team.

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Possesses 15 or more years of experience in Credit Administration, with substantial leadership of Credit Administration departments.
• In-depth knowledge of credit documentation, credit limits, collateral management, portfolio monitoring, and credit control best practices.
• Proven success in banking transformation, automation, and process refinement initiatives.
• Extensive familiarity with regulatory requirements, audit practices, risk management, and corporate governance.
• Holds a Bachelor's or Master's degree from a recognized international university.
• Exhibits excellent proficiency in English communication and adeptness in managing stakeholders.
• Preference for UAE Nationals for this position.