Job Description
Job Description
Are you a commercially driven leader with a track record of growing loan books while keeping risk firmly under control? We're looking for an Operations Manager to take ownership of our lending business — from portfolio growth and collections to compliance and team performance.
This is a high-impact leadership role for someone who can combine business development instincts with disciplined credit and operational management, expanding our reach into the informal sector, SMEs, corporates and salaried/civil-service segments while protecting portfolio quality and profitability
Duties and Responsibilities
• Develop and execute business development strategies to grow the loan portfolio across the informal sector, SMEs, corporates, institutions, civil servants and salaried employees.
• Drive customer acquisition and market penetration through strategic partnerships, employer schemes, agent networks and alternative distribution channels.
• Achieve loan disbursement targets while maintaining sound credit underwriting standards.
• Design and implement effective loan recovery and debt-collection strategies to maximise repayments and minimise delinquency.
• Monitor and manage portfolio performance, including Portfolio at Risk (PAR) and Non-Performing Loans (NPLs).
• Strengthen credit risk management processes and ensure high-quality loan assessment and approval.
• Identify new lending opportunities, financial products and strategic partnerships to support growth.
• Ensure full compliance with lending policies, regulatory requirements and internal controls.
• Coordinate internal and external audits and ensure timely implementation of audit recommendations.
• Prepare operational, financial and portfolio performance reports for Executive Management.
• Lead, coach and develop high-performing lending and operations teams.
• Champion customer service excellence and continuous process improvement through digital and operational innovation.
• Manage operational costs while improving productivity and profitability.
Qualifications and Experience
• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Banking, Accounting, Business Management, Economics or a related field.
• A Master's degree or professional qualification (CFA, ACCA, CIMA, CIS, MBA or equivalent) is an added advantage.
• Minimum 8 years' experience in banking, microfinance, lending or financial services, including at least 5 years in a management role.
• Strong knowledge of credit management, lending operations, debt recovery, portfolio management and financial services regulation.
• Demonstrated track record of growing loan portfolios and leading high-performing lending teams.
• Achieve budgeted interest income, fee income and profitability targets each financial year.
• Operate within approved budgets and improve the cost-to-income ratio year-on-year.
How to Apply
If you are a high-performing financial services professional with a proven track record in growing lending businesses, managing portfolio quality and delivering sustainable profitability, we invite you to apply for this exciting leadership opportunity.
To apply: Send your CV and a cover letter to hr@goldenknot.co.zw by 24th of July 2026, quoting "Operations Manager – Microfinance" in the subject line.