Vice President and Head of Program Lending - Business Banking Group

About the Role:

As Head of Program Lending within the Business Banking Group, you’ll lead the design, development, and execution of scalable, risk-aligned credit programs tailored for SME customers. This role is pivotal in driving financial inclusion, enabling credit growth, and expanding RAKBANK’s reach across diverse SME segments. You’ll work cross-functionally to build lending solutions that are commercially viable, digitally enabled, and compliant with regulatory standards, and report directly to the Head of Business Banking Products.

What You’ll Be Doing:

• Define and execute the program lending strategy aligned with business growth and risk appetite.
• Identify SME segments and design sector-specific credit programs (e.g., supplier finance, microfinance).
• Build partnerships with anchor corporates, fintechs, and government agencies.
• Collaborate with Credit, Risk, Data, and Tech teams to build underwriting and eligibility models.
• Digitize end-to-end lending journeys from onboarding to servicing.
• Integrate lending solutions into digital platforms and servicing channels.
• Own lending targets, portfolio quality, and risk-adjusted returns.
• Monitor KPIs including approval rates, disbursement speed, delinquency, and recovery ratios.
• Optimize program mix across risk segments to balance growth and profitability.
• Design frictionless, customer-friendly credit journeys.
• Embed flexible repayment features and lifecycle lending options.
• Collaborate with CX and distribution teams to enhance onboarding and servicing.
• Lead a multidisciplinary team of program managers and analysts.
• Champion cross-functional collaboration and agile execution.
• Ensure compliance with internal and regulatory frameworks (CBUAE, AML/CFT).

What We’re Looking For:

• A strategic thinker with deep expertise in SME lending and program-based finance.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and deliver complex product roadmaps.
• Strong commercial acumen with a track record of driving profitability and innovation.
• Experience navigating regulatory frameworks and risk governance structures.
• A collaborative leader who thrives in matrixed environments and agile squads.

Skills:

• Deep knowledge of SME banking, credit dynamics, and alternative underwriting models.
• Expertise in lending products: term loans, working capital, invoice financing, government-backed schemes.
• Familiarity with digital ecosystems and integration of lending into broader platforms.
• Skilled in credit program structuring, risk-return optimization, and data-driven decisioning.Visionary leadership with strong execution capabilities.
• Influencing skills across senior stakeholders and external partners.
• Resilience, adaptability, and a growth mindset.
• Commitment to continuous improvement, innovation, and team development.

What You’ll Gain:

• Competitive compensation and performance-based incentives
• Medical coverage for you and your family
• Comprehensive life insurance
• Exposure to high-impact strategic projects
• Supportive and inclusive workplace culture
• Opportunities for career advancement and professional development