Area Manager - Lending

Area Manager – Retail Lending Retail Banking | High-Impact Leadership Role | Team of LendersAre you a dynamic leader who thrives on developing people, driving sales performance, and shaping customer outcomes? This is an exciting opportunity to lead a team of retail lenders and play a pivotal role in growing a fast-moving retail banking network.As the Area Manager – Retail Lending, you will take full ownership of the performance, coaching, and culture of a high-performing lending team. Your leadership will directly influence sales growth, customer satisfaction, compliance standards, and the overall success of the retail banking portfolio.About the RoleIn this position, you will lead a team of nine retail lenders across the network, ensuring they are supported, motivated, and equipped to deliver outstanding lending outcomes.This role is a blend of strategic oversight and hands-on leadership. You will be the go-to person your team relies on for guidance, mentoring, performance direction, and the confidence needed to achieve their targets. You will also play a key role in strengthening relationships across the broader business - partnering with Branch Managers, Personal Bankers, Corporate Relationship Managers, Operations, and key external stakeholders.What You Will Be Responsible For:Providing ongoing coaching, structured feedback, and professional development for your retail lenders.Setting monthly and quarterly sales targets aligned with business strategy and team capability.Reviewing performance results, identifying gaps, and creating action plans to uplift team outcomes.Leading engaging, effective weekly and monthly team meetings.Driving strong pipeline activity and market engagement by identifying new lending opportunities and connecting the team with key customer segments.Ensuring consistent adherence to risk, compliance, and lending policy requirements.Supporting team members with complex lending scenarios and customer needs.Creating a positive, collaborative, and motivating working environment where success is recognised and celebrated.What You BringAt least 5 years’ experience in retail lending, sales leadership, or similar in a banking environment.Proven leadership capability with a passion for developing people and unlocking potential.Strong communication and relationship-building skills across all levels of the organisation.Ability to coach, mentor, and inspire a diverse team to achieve exceptional results.Sound decision-making, problem-solving, and conflict-resolution abilities.Strong understanding of lending processes, credit assessment, and banking procedures (experience with ICBS is an advantage).Demonstrated business acumen with the ability to identify opportunities and drive growth.Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel.Why This Role MattersThis position sits at the heart of the Retail Banking network. You will be instrumental not only in driving lending performance but in shaping team culture, strengthening customer relationships, and ensuring the bank remains a trusted and competitive player in the market. If you are energised by leadership, passionate about supporting people, and motivated by sales achievement and customer impact, this role offers a meaningful and rewarding next step.