Umba is a pan-African digital bank serving customers in both Kenya and Nigeria. Our mission entails providing accessible and cost-effective financial services across Africa, enabling our customers to take charge of their financial well-being. We are committed to seizing a unique opportunity to transform the financial landscape in Africa by harnessing the power of machine learning to develop intelligent, affordable financial products tailored for emerging markets. Our machine learning models are continuously improving, and we leverage AI and automation to deliver banking solutions at the lowest possible cost to our expand in customer base. Umba is headquartered in Nairobi Kenya. Our primary focus is to offer a comprehensive range of digital banking products through Android, iOS and Web Apps, and we take pride in our culture of consistently surpassing customer expectations, which has fueled our rapid expansion. Umba acquired a deposit taking microfinance bank in Kenya in 2023, which has now been named Umba Microfinance Bank. The bank has achieved fast growth since launch with average monthly growth rate of 19% and 6x revenue growth in 2024.
Job Summary: To drive SME business growth through client acquisition, lending expansion, deposit mobilisation, and strong team leadership, while maintaining portfolio quality and profitability.
Responsibilities:
1. SME Client Acquisition & Lending Growth
Drive acquisition and onboarding of SME and MSME clients.
Deliver SME and MSME lending disbursement targets.
Build and manage a strong pipeline and improve conversion rates.
2. Portfolio Productivity & Revenue Optimisation
Manage average loan size and yield to ensure profitability.
Drive utilisation of approved credit limits.
Ensure sustainable and quality growth of the SME loan book.
3. Deposits Mobilisation & Liability Growth
Deliver net deposit growth targets across SME customers.
Increase proportion of low-cost deposits (CASA).
Optimise cost of funds on SME deposits.
Drive fee income from SME transactional banking activities.
4. Portfolio Quality & Risk Management
Maintain portfolio quality within acceptable thresholds.
Ensure early identification and resolution of arrears.
Uphold strong credit underwriting, monitoring, and reporting standards.
Ensure compliance with internal policies and regulatory requirements.
5. Market Intelligence & Business Strategy
Monitor SME market trends, customer needs, and competitor activity.
Provide input into product development and commercial strategy.
6. Sales Leadership & Team Management
Lead SME sales teams to achieve aggregated targets.
Drive staff productivity (business per staff).
Conduct performance management, coaching, and development.
Maintain acceptable attrition levels and succession planning.
Qualifications & Experience
Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Economics, or a related field
Master’s degree is an added advantage
Minimum 7–10 years’ experience in SME banking or business development
Proven track record in lending, sales, and portfolio management
Experience managing and leading sales teams
Skills & Competencies
Strong sales and negotiation skills
Leadership and team management capability
Commercial and financial acumen
Credit and risk understanding
Relationship management and networking ability
Strategic thinking and execution
Results-driven with strong performance orientation
Method of ApplicationUmba is an equal opportunity employer and encourage applications from all qualified individuals. Please submit your application by 10th April 2026. Due to the urgency, interviews will be on a rolling basis.
