Zonal Credit Head - SME

Role Overview:

The Zonal Credit Head - SME will lead the credit function for the assigned zone, overseeing SME/MSME credit underwriting, sanctioning, portfolio quality, risk management and credit governance. The role will partner closely with Business, Risk and Operations teams to enable sustainable growth while maintaining prudent credit standards.

Key Responsibilities:

- Lead and manage the zonal SME/MSME credit team, including Credit Managers, Credit Analysts and Underwriters.

- Evaluate and approve SME/MSME credit proposals within delegated authority, covering Working Capital, Cash Credit, Overdraft, Term Loans and other fund/non-fund based facilities.

- Conduct detailed analysis of financial statements, banking behaviour, cash flows, leverage, repayment capacity, collateral and overall creditworthiness.

- Provide independent credit assessment and ensure appropriate risk mitigants, covenants and structuring of facilities.

- Review new proposals, renewals, enhancements and restructuring/rephasement cases within the defined credit framework.

- Own the overall quality of the zonal SME credit portfolio and monitor delinquency, SMA/NPA trends, early warning signals and concentration risks.

- Work closely with Business/RMs to structure appropriate lending solutions while maintaining the bank's risk appetite.

- Ensure adherence to internal credit policies, RBI guidelines, delegated authority matrix and regulatory requirements.

- Drive TAT, credit productivity and consistency in underwriting decisions across the zone.

- Identify emerging industry, customer and geographic risks and recommend appropriate portfolio-level actions.

- Participate in customer discussions, site visits and due diligence for large/complex SME exposures, wherever required.

- Review audit observations and ensure timely closure of credit, compliance and regulatory issues.

- Provide inputs for credit policy, product and process enhancements based on market and portfolio trends.

- Prepare and present portfolio MIS, risk reports and key credit insights to senior management.

- Mentor and develop the zonal credit team and build a strong credit-risk culture.

Key Requirements:

- 12 - 18 years of relevant experience in SME/MSME Credit / Business Banking Credit / Commercial Credit within a bank or financial institution.

- Strong experience in credit appraisal, underwriting and portfolio management.

- Experience in handling medium-to-large SME exposures and complex credit proposals.

- Strong understanding of financial statement analysis, cash-flow assessment, credit structuring and risk assessment.

- Prior experience managing a regional/zonal credit team is preferred.

- Strong knowledge of RBI guidelines, credit policies, regulatory compliance and risk frameworks.

- CA / MBA (Finance) / equivalent qualification preferred.