Vice President & Head of Program Lending

Job Description

What You'll Be Doing:

• Define and execute the SME lending program strategy aligned with business growth objectives and risk appetite.
• Identify target SME segments and develop sector-specific financing programs such as supplier finance, microfinance, and embedded lending solutions.
• Build strategic partnerships with anchor corporates, fintechs, government entities, and ecosystem partners.
• Partner with Credit, Risk, Data, Operations, and Technology teams to design underwriting frameworks and eligibility models.
• Drive the digitization of end-to-end lending journeys, from customer onboarding through servicing and collections.
• Integrate lending solutions into digital channels and ecosystem platforms to enhance customer reach and accessibility.
• Own business targets, portfolio performance, asset quality, and risk-adjusted returns.
• Monitor and optimize key performance indicators including approval rates, turnaround times, disbursement volumes, delinquency levels, and recovery ratios.
• Continuously refine program structures and customer propositions to balance sustainable growth and profitability.
• Design seamless, customer-centric lending experiences that remove friction from the borrowing journey.
• Develop flexible repayment solutions and lifecycle-based lending propositions tailored to SME needs.
• Collaborate with Customer Experience and Distribution teams to improve acquisition, onboarding, and servicing outcomes.
• Lead and develop a team of program managers, product specialists, and analysts.
• Champion a culture of innovation, collaboration, accountability, and agile delivery.
• Ensure all lending activities comply with internal policies and regulatory requirements, including CBUAE and AML/CFT standards.

What We're Looking For

• Extensive experience in SME Banking, Business Banking, Commercial Lending, or Program-Based Finance.
• Demonstrated success in developing and scaling lending products, credit programs, or financing ecosystems.
• Strong commercial acumen with the ability to drive growth while effectively managing portfolio risk.
• Proven leadership experience managing high-performing, cross-functional teams.
• Deep understanding of credit risk management, regulatory frameworks, and governance requirements.
• Experience working within digital transformation, fintech partnerships, or embedded finance environments is highly desirable.
• A strategic thinker with strong execution capabilities and a passion for innovation.
• Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills, with the ability to engage senior leadership and external partners.

Skills

• Deep understanding of SME banking, lending products, credit risk, and alternative underwriting methodologies.
• Expertise across lending solutions including working capital facilities, term loans, invoice financing, supply chain finance, and government-backed schemes.
• Strong knowledge of digital lending ecosystems, customer journeys, and platform integrations.
• Experience in portfolio management, risk-return optimization, and data-driven decision making.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic, and evolving environment.
• Commitment to innovation, continuous improvement, and talent development.

What's In It For You?

• Lead the strategy and growth of a critical SME lending business within one of the UAE's leading banks.
• Shape innovative lending solutions that directly impact the success of thousands of SMEs across the region.
• Work at the forefront of digital transformation, embedded finance, and next-generation lending ecosystems.
• Collaborate with senior leaders and cross-functional teams to drive meaningful business outcomes.
• Enjoy opportunities for professional growth, leadership development, and career progression.
• Be part of a high-performing, collaborative culture that values innovation, ownership, and customer centricity.
• Access competitive rewards, comprehensive benefits, and flexible wellbeing programs.
• Make a tangible impact by supporting entrepreneurship, economic growth, and financial inclusion in the UAE.