Relationship Manager - SME Coverage

Job Description

At RAKBANK, we believe in fostering a culture of innovation, growth, and excellence. We are not just a bank – we are a community that thrives on teamwork, cutting-edge solutions, and the highest standards of governance.

We’re looking for driven Relationship Manager/ Senior Relationship Manager - SME Coverage. In this role you will be responsible for managing and growing a portfolio of SME clients by providing tailored trade finance and working capital solutions. This role involves building strong client relationships, understanding their financial needs, and offering structured trade finance products (such as letters of credit, bank guarantees, supply chain financing, working capital loans, commercial loan) to optimize their liquidity and operational efficiency. The role drives profitability through client-centric relationship management, cross-selling initiatives, credit risk oversight, and exceptional service delivery.

What You Will Be Doing

• Build and nurture long‑term relationships with SME clients by understanding their business cycles, funding needs, and growth ambitions.
• Analyze clients’ cash‑flow patterns to recommend tailored working capital optimization strategies.
• Manage and grow a diversified SME portfolio to achieve annual revenue and balance‑sheet targets.
• Conduct detailed assessments of clients’ business models, financials, and industry environment to propose suitable banking solutions.
• Leverage cross‑selling opportunities across SME products such as POS Lending, Asset‑Backed Finance, Supply Chain Finance, and Cash Management.
• Drive sustainable portfolio growth while maintaining strong credit discipline and sound risk standards.
• Prepare comprehensive credit proposals supported by financial analysis, projections, and risk evaluation.
• Monitor portfolio health closely, identifying early warning indicators and taking proactive risk‑mitigation measures.
• Oversee timely renewals, reviews, and restructuring of facilities in compliance with internal and regulatory frameworks.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams — including Credit, Operations, and Compliance — to ensure smooth execution and customer experience.
• Resolve client concerns effectively, ensuring high satisfaction and retention levels.
• Stay informed on market developments, industry trends, and regulatory updates relevant to the SME segment.
• Use market and sector insights to offer advisory support and uncover new business opportunities.
• Participate in strategic discussions with internal stakeholders to enhance product offerings and streamline processes.
• Uphold governance standards by ensuring documentation accuracy, policy adherence, and ethical business practices.
  
  

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Economics, Business Administration, or a related field (MBA or CFA preferred)
• 7–10 years of experience in SME Banking, including business development and relationship management.
• Proven track record of closing SME deals and managing complex credit relationships in the UAE or GCC region.
  
  

• Solid expertise in SME banking in the UAE, including lending products and structured financing.
• Strong credit assessment capability with deep understanding of financial statements and lending structures.
• Proficient in interpreting P&L, balance sheets, cash flows, and key financial ratios.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills.
• Good knowledge of UAE regulatory frameworks, compliance requirements, and corporate governance.
• Familiarity with digital banking platforms, fintech solutions, and tech-driven SME offerings.
• Sales-driven mindset with strong negotiation, closing abilities, and commercial acumen.
  
  

• Pay for performance culture (Competitive and performance-linked compensation)
• Diverse workforce and inclusive culture
• Career development and growth opportunities by design
• Work with the best minds in the field
• Get opportunities to bring your whole self to the organization and perform to your best.
  
  

• Build and maintain strong relationships with SME clients, understanding their unique financial requirements and goals.
• Offer tailored trade finance solutions, including letters of credit, bank guarantees, and supply chain financing, to optimize client liquidity and operational performance.
• Cross-sell and up-sell bank products and services to existing clients, maximizing revenue opportunities.
• Conduct thorough credit risk assessments and ensure compliance with bank policies and regulations.
• Monitor client accounts, identify potential risks, and implement proactive measures to mitigate them.
• Stay updated with industry trends and market dynamics to provide relevant and timely financial solutions to clients.
• Collaborate with internal teams, such as credit, operations, and product development, to ensure seamless service delivery.
• Prepare and present regular performance reports to senior management, highlighting key achievements and areas for improvement.
• Attend industry events, conferences, and networking opportunities to represent the bank and expand our client network.
• Provide exceptional customer service, ensuring a positive and professional client experience.
  
  

• Bachelors degree in Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in relationship management, preferably in the banking or financial services industry.
• Strong knowledge of trade finance products and working capital solutions.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build rapport and trust with clients.
• Analytical mindset with the ability to interpret financial data and make informed decisions.
• Proactive and results-driven approach, with a track record of achieving sales targets.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite, particularly Excel and PowerPoint.
• Ability to work independently and manage a diverse portfolio of clients.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Fluency in English is mandatory; proficiency in additional languages is an asset.