Role Purpose:
The Portfolio Manager is responsible for managing and overseeing a portfolio of client facilities by ensuring strong portfolio performance, effective risk management, and high levels of client service. The role involves monitoring client exposures, maintaining ongoing client relationships, and ensuring compliance with Merchant West credit policies and governance frameworks. The Portfolio Manager also provides guidance on complex transactions, supports deal structuring where required, and works closely with internal stakeholders to ensure the long-term sustainability and quality of the portfolio.
Responsibilities
Portfolio Management and Performance
Manage and oversee a portfolio of client facilities to ensure strong financial performance.
Monitor client exposures, repayment performance, and asset quality within the portfolio.
Ensure the portfolio performs in line with Merchant West profitability and risk targets.
Client Relationship Management
Maintain strong relationships with existing clients to ensure ongoing service excellence.
Engage with clients to understand business needs and identify additional opportunities.
Address client queries and manage relationship issues in a timely and professional manner.
Portfolio Risk Monitoring
Monitor financial performance of clients and identify potential credit risks.
Ensure compliance with approved credit terms, covenants, and facility conditions.
Escalate potential risk concerns and recommend appropriate corrective action.
Deal Structuring and Transaction Support
Support business units with the structuring of new or amended transactions within the portfolio.
Review financial information to assess the impact of restructuring or additional funding requests.
Provide input on risk mitigation strategies where required.
Reporting and Portfolio Administration
Prepare portfolio performance reports and updates for management.
Maintain accurate client records and portfolio documentation.
Ensure compliance with internal reporting and monitoring requirements.
Credit Governance and Compliance
Ensure adherence to Merchant West credit policies, procedures, and governance frameworks.
Maintain proper documentation and audit trails for portfolio decisions and actions.
Support internal audit and compliance requirements related to portfolio management.
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or a related field of Agriculture, with a postgraduate qualification or professional certification in finance, credit, or risk management being advantageous.
Experience
5 - 10 years' experience in portfolio management, credit, or asset finance relating to agriculture
2 - 5 years' experience in an agriculture finance sales position with a recognised agriculture finance provider (preferred)
Skills
Ability to understand farming operations and analyse farming cashflows for reasonability and historical financial statements
Portfolio management and performance monitoring
Financial statement analysis and credit risk evaluation
Deal structuring and transaction assessment
Client relationship and stakeholder management
Portfolio reporting and financial analysis
Credit policy interpretation and application
Financial modelling and cash flow analysis
Portfolio systems and financial software utilisation
Competencies:
Commercial judgement and financial acumen
Analytical thinking and problem solving
Decision making and sound risk judgement
Stakeholder engagement and collaboration
Negotiation and influencing capability
Accountability and ownership
Results orientation and performance focus
Integrity and governance discipline